Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee has reported a 52% increase in the number of registered Saudi female athletes within its 54 sports federations.

The year 2023 witnessed 2,026 female athletes registered, a substantial rise from 992 in 2022.

The committee's second technical evaluation for 2023, released recently, showcases notable advancements since the strategy's inception in November 2021.

The overall technical progress across the federations has seen an increase from 84% to 93%, indicating an 11.6% improvement in the development and support of these sports bodies.

Alongside the surge in female participation, there has also been a considerable increase in the number of registered athletes overall.

The total reached 336,739 in 2023, up by 12% from 297,130 in the previous year. This growth is reflective of the broader efforts to enhance sports participation in the country.

Furthermore, the number of female coaches has seen a substantial increase, recording a 61% rise with 97 new coaches in 2023 compared to 38 in 2022.

The male coaching staff has also expanded, with 2,445 coaches in 2023, marking a 34% increase from 1,620 in the previous year.

In a parallel development, the strategy has successfully incorporated Paralympic athletes into the fold.

The year 2023 saw the registration of six new female Paralympic athletes and 59 male Paralympians, accompanied by three new coaches.

These athletes and coaches have participated in 11 Paralympic championships held throughout the year, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sports development in Saudi Arabia.

Overall, the Kingdom hosted 838 championships in the past year, reflecting the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of sports in the country.