September… Riyadh/Tokyo
A delegation from the Saudi Sports for All Federation, led by His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, President of the Federation, and joined by the Federation’s Managing Director, Ms. Shaima Al-Husseini, attended the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The visit came in response to an invitation from ASICS, the official partner of the championship, in celebration of the Saudi national team’s participation across multiple events in this year’s competition.
On this occasion, the Federation’s Managing Director, Ms. Shaima Al-Husseini, stated: “We were delighted to receive an invitation from ASICS to attend the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This visit reflects the strength of the growing partnership between the Federation and ASICS, as well as the depth of longstanding relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan. We were also pleased to see the Saudi team debuting its new official kit for the first time in Tokyo.”
On the first day of the visit, the Federation’s delegation attended the women’s marathon final from the ASICS supporters’ zone, before touring the National Stadium to experience the championship firsthand. ASICS also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Federation’s delegation, during which Gary Raucher, Executive Vice President of ASICS for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, presented the company’s future vision.
The Saudi Sports for All Federation delegation also attended the competitions of the Saudi athletes, who took part for the first time in the national team’s new official kit. The design of the kit was inspired by the Kingdom’s identity, symbolizing the strength of the Saudi athletes participating in a championship that brings together more than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries worldwide.
Strengthening Sports for All Federation, ASICS Partnership
The Saudi Sports for All Federation maintains a long-standing partnership with ASICS, which in recent years has witnessed the launch of several programs and agreements aimed at promoting sports participation in the Kingdom.
In June, the Federation, in collaboration with ASICS, launched the ASICS Innovation Program, designed to support startups in Saudi Arabia and encourage them to develop digital solutions that enhance community participation in physical activity.
In January, the Federation and ASICS Saudi Arabia signed a three-year cooperation agreement to promote sports and fitness in the Kingdom in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The deal includes hosting initiatives and programs that contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents.
In 2024, both parties signed an agreement making ASICS a strategic partner for the Federation’s flagship events, including the Riyadh Marathon, the Sports for All Expo, and the Sports for All Domes.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Yuhei Takahashi, General Manager of ASICS in Saudi Arabia, said: “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with the Saudi Sports for All Federation and to work together to inspire more individuals across the Kingdom to engage in sports and unlock their potential. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting health and athletic performance within the community.
Federation Collaborates with Tokyo Marathon Foundation
On the second day of its visit to Tokyo, the Saudi Sports for All Federation delegation attended the men’s marathon from ASICS’ designated supporters’ zone. The delegation also met with Mr. Tadaki Hayato, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, along with the Foundation’s new Race Director, Mr. Yasuhiro Oshima.
The two sides discussed the exchange of expertise gained from organizing major international marathons in a way that supports the Federation’s role in hosting the Riyadh Marathon.
First launched in 2022, the Riyadh Marathon features a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km race, and 4 km race, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. The marathon enjoys close collaboration with ASICS and includes the “Marathon Village” and the Sports for All Expo, both aimed at promoting fitness and encouraging community participation in physical activity—aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
For her part, the Federation’s Managing Director, Ms. Shaima Al-Husseini, expressed her appreciation for the meeting, stating:
“We were pleased to hold constructive discussions with Mr. Hayato and Mr. Oshima, who bring with them extensive experience in organizing one of the world’s leading marathons. Our conversations were truly inspiring and will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening our vision for the Riyadh Marathon.”
