في مسابقة زوجي 10 كرات.. ذهبية لأدعم البليارد

توج أدعم البليارد بالميدالية الذهبية في مسابقة زوجي 10 كرات للبليارد ضمن منافسات ألعاب البليارد والسنوكر في دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة الدوحة 2026 التي تستضيفها الدوحة وتتواصل منافساتها حتى الثاني والعشرين من مايو الجاري، بمشاركة 1400 رياضي ورياضية يمثلون 6 دول خليجية في 17 لعبة رياضية مختلفة. وجاء تتويج الأدعم المكون من الثنائي علي العبيدلي وعبداللطيف الفوال (منصور العبيدلي احتياط) بالميدالية الذهبية بعد فوزه على نظيره الكويتي بنتيجة (7 - 1) في المباراة النهائية التي جرت امس. وقدم ثنائي منتخبنا أداء فنيا مميزا، وسيطرا على المباراة منذ البداية وحتى النهاية، حيث تفوقا في النتيجة مبكرا وبفارق أكثر من شوط، ثم وسعا التقدم حتى حسما اللقاء بفارق ستة أشواط كاملة.

علي العبيدلي: سعادة كبيرة
عبر علي العبيدلي عن سعادته الكبيرة بالذهبية، وقال»نعبر عن سعادتنا الكبيرة بالتتويج بالميدالية الذهبية في منافسات زوجي 10 كرات للبليارد ضمن دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة الدوحة 2026، خاصة أن هذا الإنجاز تحقق على أرض قطر وبين جماهيرنا. الحمد لله ظهرنا بصورة قوية طوال المنافسات، واستطعنا تقديم مستوى فني مميز.
وأضاف: البطولة جاءت مميزة للغاية من جميع النواحي الفنية والتنظيمية، والأجواء التنافسية بين المنتخبات الخليجية كانت رائعة وتعكس التطور الكبير الذي تشهده رياضة البليارد والسنوكر في المنطقة.

عبداللطيف الفوال: أداء مميز وروح عالية
قال عبداللطيف الفوال «سعداء جدًا بتحقيق الميدالية الذهبية وإضافة إنجاز جديد للرياضة القطرية في هذه الدورة الخليجية المهمة، خاصة أن المنافسات شهدت مستوى قويًا ومشاركة نخبة من أفضل اللاعبين الخليجيين. منذ بداية البطولة كان هدفنا الوصول إلى منصة التتويج، والحمد لله نجحنا في تحقيق ذلك بعد أداء مميز وروح قتالية عالية طوال المباريات.
وأضاف: تنظيم البطولة كان على أعلى مستوى، سواء من ناحية الصالات أو الترتيبات الفنية والإدارية، وهو ما ساعد اللاعبين على تقديم أفضل مستوياتهم.



منتخبنا للبولينج يتوج بالذهب

توج أدعم البولينج بالميدالية الذهبية لمسابقة الثلاثي في ثالث أيام المنافسات، وتمكن المنتخب القطري المكون من الثلاثي طلال المري وبدر السادة وجاسم المريخي من الفوز بالذهبية لمسابقة الثلاثي بعد أن حل بالمركز الأول بإجمالي رصيد 3785 نقطة جمعها لاعبوه من 6 أشواط بعد منافسات قوية ومثيرة مع منتخبات السعودية والكويت والإمارات وعمان، وفاز المنتخب السعودي المكون من الثلاثي بندر اليابه وزياد الطويرب وأحمد أبو الريش بالميدالية الفضية بعد أن حل بالمركز الثاني بإجمالي رصيد 3655 نقطة جمعها من 6 أشواط، وأحرز المنتخب الكويتي المكون من الثلاثي أصيل الرومي وفيصل سليم ومصطفى الموسوي الميدالية البرونزية بعد أن حل بالمركز الثالث
وبختام المنافسات قام السيد عبدالله سلطان القطان رئيس الاتحاد القطري للبولينج والسيد سلمان عبدالله عبد الغني الرئيس الفخري للاتحاد القطري للعبة بتتويج الفائزين بالمراكز الثلاثة الأولى.
وأكد السيد خليفة علي الكبيسي، المدرب الوطني للمنتخب القطري للبولينج، أن الإنجاز الذي حققه المنتخب بإحراز الميدالية الذهبية في مسابقة الثلاثي ضمن منافسات دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة المقامة حاليا في الدوحة، جاء ثمرة عمل متواصل وجهود كبيرة بذلها اللاعبون والجهازان الإداري والفني بدعم مباشر من مجلس الإدارة واللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، مشيدا بالروح القتالية العالية التي أظهرها اللاعبون طوال أيام المنافسات.



ثلاث ميداليات لأبطالنا في الملاكمة

حقق أبطال قطر في الملاكمة إنجازا مشرفا في دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة «الدوحة 2026» بحصولهم على ثلاث ميداليات منوعة بواقع فضيتين وبرونزية.
وتمكن ملاكم الأدعم محمد الفقيه في إحراز الميدالية الفضية في وزن 55 كج، بعد خسارته في المباراة النهائية بنتيجة (4 -1) أمام السعودي مهند مجرشي الذي حقق الميدالية الذهبية.
وكان الفقيه تأهل للمباراة النهائية بعد فوزه على نظيره الإماراتي سلطان عبدالله بنتيجة (5- صفر) في الدور نصف النهائي.
كذلك توج الملاكم القطري محمد لسعد بالميدالية الفضية في وزن 75 كج، بعد خسارته في المباراة النهائية بنتيجة (4 -1) أمام البحريني علي عبدالله الذي حقق الميدالية الذهبية.
وكان لسعد تأهل إلى المباراة النهائية بعد فوزه على نظيره السعودي عبد الله داركازانلي بنتيجة (4- 1) في الدور نصف النهائي.
وفي وزن 60 كج، حصد الملاكم القطري يوسف السيد الميدالية البرونزية، فيما نال السعودي زياد مجرشي الميدالية الذهبية، والبحريني عمر بودحيحيل الميدالية الفضية. وجرت مراسم التتويج تحت قبة اسباير، حيث قام سعادة الشيخ فهد بن خالد آل ثاني رئيس الاتحاد القطري للملاكمة والمصارعة بتتويج الفائزين.

غانم صالح الكواري: إنجاز مشرف
أكد السيد غانم صالح الكواري عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد القطري للملاكمة والمصارعة، ورئيس جهاز الملاكمة أن حصد ثلاث ميداليات منوعة في دورة الألعاب الخليجية «الدوحة 2026» يعتبر إنجازا مشرفا.
وقال»نحن سعداء بحصد ميداليتين فضيتين وميدالية برونزية بهذه النسخة من الألعاب الخليجية، وهى حصيلة جيدة عكست تطلعاتنا نحو الوصول لمنصة التتويج» مشيدا بكافة الجهود التي بذلت من أجل تحقيق هذا الإنجاز.
وأضاف: «نهدي الميداليات الثلاث إلى سعادة الشيخ جوعان بن حمد آل ثاني رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، الذي يقدم الدعم الكامل للملاكمة القطرية من أجل تحقيق إنجازات مشرفة على كافة المستويات».

اليوم ختام الفروسية لقفز الحواجز

تختتم اليوم منافسات الفروسية لقفز الحواجز ضمن دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة الدوحة 2026، بإقامة منافسات الفردي على ارتفاع 145 سم، والتي تُقام من جولتين مع جولة تمايز، بمشاركة نخبة من أبرز الفرسان في دول مجلس التعاون، يصل عددهم إلى 19 فارساً وفارسة، في واحدة من أقوى وأهم مسابقات الفروسية في جدول البطولة.
ويخوض أدعم الفروسية المنافسات بآمال كبيرة في مواصلة الحضور على منصات التتويج، حيث يشارك كل من الفرسان: سلمان محمد العمادي، وخالد محمد العمادي، وفالح سويد العجمي، وباسم محمد، وسط تطلعات لتعزيز الرصيد الذهبي، خاصة بعد تحقيق ذهبية مسابقة الفرق في مستهل المنافسات.

«اليد» يفتتح المشوار بعبور الإماراتي

دشن منتخبنا الوطني الأول لكرة اليد مشواره في دورة الألعاب الخليجية بانتصار ثمين ومستحق على نظيره الإماراتي الشقيق بنتيجة (28 - 20) في المواجهة التي جمعتهما امس بصالة الدحيل الرياضية. وشهد الشوط الأول من اللقاء ندية وإثارة كبيرة وتقاربا واضحا في المستوى الفني بين المنتخبين، لينتهي بفارق هدف وحيد لصالح الأدعم بنتيجة (13 - 12).
وتتواصل منافسات كرة اليد بالدورة حيث يلتقي اليوم منتخب البحرين مع نظيره الكويتي في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساء بينما تشهد منافسات غد مواجهتين، تجمع الأولى بين الإمارات والسعودية الساعة الرابعة والنصف مساء يعقبها اللقاء المرتقب الثاني لمنتخبنا الوطني أمام الكويت في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساء.

ختام منافسات المبارزة.. الليلة

تختتم منافسات المبارزة اليوم في دورة الألعاب الخليجية الدوحة 2026، بإقامة منافسات الفرق، وستكون الانطلاقة اليوم تحت قبة أسباير في سلاح ايبيه للسيدات، وفي منافسات سلاح فلوريه للرجال، ويعقبها سلاح ايبيه رجال فرقي، على أن يكون الختام بمنافسات سلاح فلوريه سيدات، وكانت منافسات أمس في اليوم الثاني شهدت لقاءات مثيرة في سلاح الإيبيه رجال فردي وأيضا إقامة سلاح فلوريه سيدات فردي، وفي منافسات الرجال حصل السعودي عمر العكّاس على الميدالية الذهبية، بينما جاء مواطنه خليفة العميري في المركز الثاني وحصل على الميدالية الفضية، اما في منافسات السيدات جاءت العمانية إسراء السيابي في المركز الأول، بينما جاءت الإماراتية الهيام البلوشي في المركز الثاني بحصد الميدالية الفضية.

منافسات البندقية والشوزن تبدأ اليوم

تقام اليوم منافسات البندقية والشوزن للرجال والسيدات على ميادين لوسيل للرماية، وسط صراع خليجي محتدم وطموحات عنابية كبيرة لحصد الذهب وتثبيت صدارة الأدعم.
وتنطلق الإثارة عبر مسابقات الشوزن بإقامة تصفيات السكيت 50 طبق فردي للرجال والدور التأهيلي للسيدات، يليه النهائي المرتقب لفردي الرجال وفي منافسات البندقية 10م هوائي، تبدأ تصفيات الرجال تليها تصفيات السيدات ونهائي الذكور بالتزامن الساعة 12:30 ظهرا في حين يسدل الستار على مسابقات الفردي بنهائي السيدات.
وتشهد الفترة المسائية قاعة البندقية والمسدس ذروة الأجواء الاحتفالية من خلال إقامة 8 حفلات تتويج متتالية لتكريم الأبطال.

Choosing between yoga and Pilates can often feel overwhelming. Both practices are popular, beneficial, and celebrated worldwide for their ability to enhance physical and mental well-being. However, each discipline offers distinct philosophies, techniques, and benefits. Understanding the core differences and similarities between the two will help you select the practice best aligned with your personal fitness goals, lifestyle, and preferences. sports24.club

What Is Yoga?

Yoga originated thousands of years ago in ancient India and integrates physical, mental, and spiritual practices. The term “yoga” derives from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning to unite or integrate. Yoga aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical living principles.

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Benefits of Yoga

Yoga’s benefits are extensive, impacting both physical and emotional health. Physically, yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. According to research published by Harvard Medical School, yoga can alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and even reduce inflammation in the body.

Mentally and emotionally, yoga significantly reduces stress and anxiety. A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that regular yoga practice decreased symptoms of depression and improved emotional resilience.

Different Styles of Yoga

There are various yoga styles, each catering to different needs and preferences:

• Hatha Yoga: Ideal for beginners, it emphasizes basic postures and breathing techniques.
• Vinyasa Yoga: Characterized by dynamic flows linking breath to movement, suitable for those seeking more energetic practices.
• Yin Yoga: Targets deep connective tissues through long-held, passive poses, perfect for relaxation and deep stretching.
• Bikram Yoga: Consists of 26 set postures in a heated room, designed to enhance detoxification and flexibility.

Check out yoga events in Egypt to find local workshops, retreats, and community gatherings that cater to various skill levels and interests.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, primarily as a rehabilitation method for dancers. It emphasizes controlled movements, core strength, posture alignment, and overall body conditioning. Unlike yoga’s ancient roots, Pilates is comparatively recent and more physically oriented, typically lacking the spiritual component central to yoga.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates focuses on core strength, muscular endurance, and alignment, enhancing overall physical conditioning. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, Pilates significantly improves flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. Additionally, regular Pilates practice fosters postural alignment, reducing the likelihood of injuries and alleviating chronic back pain.

Different Styles of Pilates

Pilates primarily includes two main forms:

• Mat Pilates: Conducted on a mat using bodyweight exercises, focusing on controlled movements and breathing.
• Equipment-Based Pilates: Involves specialized apparatus like reformers, cadillacs, and barrels to add resistance and complexity, ideal for those seeking targeted muscle strengthening and rehabilitation.

Comparing Yoga and Pilates: Key Differences

Yoga and Pilates are two popular fitness practices renowned for their significant benefits on physical health, mental wellness, and overall lifestyle. Although often grouped together, they differ fundamentally in their philosophies, objectives, and techniques. Understanding these key differences is essential for determining which practice aligns best with your personal fitness goals, lifestyle, and preferences.

Philosophical Differences

Yoga is fundamentally holistic, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Its roots in ancient philosophy integrate meditation, mindfulness, and ethical principles into the practice. In contrast, Pilates is predominantly a physical regimen, originally designed to rehabilitate and condition the body without an explicit spiritual or meditative component.

Physical Emphasis

Yoga emphasizes flexibility, balance, and relaxation, often involving holding poses for extended periods. Pilates prioritizes core strength, posture correction, muscular endurance, and precise movements, usually performed with controlled repetitions and intentional breathing techniques.

Breathing Techniques

Yoga incorporates deep, rhythmic breathing (pranayama), essential for calming the mind and deepening poses. Pilates employs breathing primarily to stabilize and activate core muscles, typically inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth during the exertion phases.

Equipment Usage

Yoga typically requires minimal equipment—primarily a yoga mat and occasional props like blocks or straps. Pilates frequently utilizes specialized equipment, such as the reformer, designed to enhance resistance, provide support, and promote precise alignment.

How to Determine Which Practice Is Right for You

Choosing between yoga and Pilates ultimately comes down to your personal goals, physical condition, and lifestyle preferences. Each practice offers unique strengths, and identifying what you’re looking to gain—be it stress relief, physical rehabilitation, core strength, or spiritual growth—will help guide your decision.

Goals for Mindfulness and Relaxation

If your primary goal is stress relief, mindfulness, and spiritual connection, yoga is likely your best option. Yoga’s meditative elements are proven effective in reducing anxiety, promoting emotional balance, and enhancing overall mental clarity.

Core Strength and Rehabilitation

Pilates might be preferable if your main aim is to develop core strength, correct posture, or rehabilitate after an injury. Its focus on precise, controlled movements effectively strengthens muscles, improves alignment, and reduces injury risks.

Physical Conditioning and Fitness Levels

Yoga can accommodate a broad range of fitness levels, from gentle stretching in Yin yoga to challenging flows in Power yoga. Pilates typically demands more consistent muscular engagement and can quickly build strength, making it suitable for those focused on overall body conditioning.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, personal enjoyment greatly influences sustainability in any practice. If you prefer dynamic movements and structured exercises, Pilates might resonate more. Conversely, if holistic wellness, mindfulness, and meditative practices appeal to you, yoga could be a more fulfilling choice.

Can You Combine Yoga and Pilates?

Absolutely! Many fitness enthusiasts blend yoga and Pilates to harness benefits from both practices. Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and mental wellness, while Pilates provides robust core strengthening and improved posture. Incorporating both into your routine can deliver a comprehensive, balanced fitness regimen.

Expert Recommendations

Experts, such as Dr. Loren Fishman, a renowned yoga practitioner and author known for his extensive research on yoga’s therapeutic effects, advocate exploring both disciplines due to their complementary health benefits. Conversely, Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates, highlights Pilates’s efficacy in strength and rehabilitation. Pilates emphasizes precision and alignment, crucial for injury prevention and recovery.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific evidence supports the benefits of both disciplines. A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine highlights yoga’s effectiveness in managing stress-related disorders and enhancing mental well-being. Similarly, a study in Clinical Biomechanics demonstrated Pilates’s ability to significantly reduce chronic back pain and improve functional movement.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Path

Ultimately, the choice between yoga and Pilates depends on your unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Yoga offers a path toward holistic wellness, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Pilates delivers targeted muscular strength, improved posture, and effective rehabilitation.

Consider sampling classes in both disciplines, perhaps beginning with beginner-level sessions to gauge your preference. Many gyms and studios offer combined yoga and Pilates classes, providing opportunities to experience both practices simultaneously.

Whichever you choose, consistency and enjoyment are key. Both yoga and Pilates promise substantial health benefits and personal growth, enhancing your physical fitness and mental well-being profoundly.

Japan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Japan and Saudi Arabia are intensifying their partnership in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan.

This collaboration was a key focus during a recent meeting between Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisashi Matsumoto, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Culture, Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

• Expanding Cultural Relations: Both nations emphasized deepening cultural ties as they prepare to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Planned events include Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka.
• Signing of MoU: The meeting resulted in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance sports cooperation. This agreement aims to support joint efforts in organizing the 2026 Asian Games and related events.
• Asian Games Preview: The 2026 Asian Games, themed “Imagine One Asia,” will host 48 nations and feature a wide range of sports. This marks the return of the traditional four-year cycle after COVID-19-related delays.

Broader Impacts

This growing collaboration extends beyond sports, promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and Saudi Arabia. The strengthened ties reflect shared goals in fostering cooperation across various fields.

Source: arabnews.jp

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Owais Qarni

Owais Qarni is the co-founder and author at Saudi Scoop. A Dreamer, Explorer, and Optimist! His work focuses on creating informative and engaging content, offering fresh perspectives on topics relevant to both local and global audiences.

The post Japan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Collaboration for 2026 Asian Games appeared first on Saudi Scoop.

Contents:

• Pre-race massages DOs
• Pre-race messages DON’Ts
• Post-race massages DOs
• Post-race massages DON’Ts

Massages can be a runner’s secret weapon when preparing for a race or bouncing back afterward. They help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall performance. But timing and technique are everything when it comes to getting the most out of your massage routine. Here’s a guide to the do’s and don’ts of pre- and post-race massages:

Massages Before a Race

Pre-race massages are all about priming your muscles for the physical demands ahead. They aim to loosen muscles, boost circulation, and reduce tension—without causing fatigue or soreness. Incorporating massage therapy into your pre-race routine can offer several benefits that enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility, which are crucial for athletes preparing for strenuous activities

Do’s:

Opt for a Light Massage

Pre-race massages should feel refreshing, not exhausting. Light, rhythmic strokes can improve blood flow and activate your muscles without overworking them. Such massages also help activate your muscles by awakening the nervous system, which can improve coordination and reaction times. This is particularly important for runners, as it ensures that their muscles are responsive and ready for the repetitive motion of running. Additionally, these light strokes reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, helping to ease pre-race jitters and improve mental focus.

Schedule It Wisely

Timing is key! Aim for a massage 24–48 hours before the race, giving your body enough time to recover from any lingering tension. Elite marathoners often book a massage two days before the race to optimize their performance.

Anna Gammal, a massage therapist who has worked with elite Boston marathoners, suggests that athletes accustomed to regular massages can benefit from deep tissue work within this time frame. This allows sufficient time for recovery from any potential muscle soreness.

Communicate with Your Therapist

Inform your therapist about the race, specific tight spots, or past injuries. Tailored techniques can prevent discomfort and optimize your session. Additionally, discussing any areas of tightness or discomfort allows the therapist to address problem spots without risking over-stimulation or soreness. For instance, they may use lighter strokes or avoid deep tissue techniques on sensitive areas to ensure your muscles feel loose but not fatigued.

If you have a history of injuries, such as shin splints, IT band syndrome, or plantar fasciitis, it’s crucial to bring these up. Your therapist can avoid exacerbating these areas and instead focus on techniques that promote healing, reduce inflammation, or enhance mobility in the surrounding muscles.

Combine with a Dynamic Warm-Up

Follow your massage with dynamic stretching, such as leg swings or walking lunges, to further loosen up and prevent stiffness. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine examined the effects of dynamic stretching on flexibility and muscle performance. The research found that dynamic stretching as part of a warm-up routine can improve the range of motion and may enhance muscle performance.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration keeps muscles elastic and responsive. Drink water before and after your session to avoid cramping. When muscles are well-hydrated, they are more pliable and better equipped to handle the physical demands of exercise. Dehydrated muscles, on the other hand, are more prone to stiffness and injuries, as they lose flexibility and may not recover as effectively after exertion.

Drinking water before and after your massage session helps replenish fluids lost through sweat and supports optimal blood circulation. Proper hydration also aids in flushing out toxins released during the massage, ensuring your muscles remain responsive and ready for action.

Don’ts:

Avoid Deep Tissue Massages Close to Race Day

Deep tissue massages can cause soreness and inflammation lasting up to 72 hours, which may hinder your performance. Schedule these at least five days before your race to avoid lingering discomfort. Stick to lighter techniques that won’t leave your muscles feeling tight or sluggish.

Don’t Rely Solely on Massages for Warm-Up

Massages alone don’t prepare your body for the demands of a race. Proper warm-ups, like dynamic stretches or light jogging, increase blood flow and mobility while reducing injury risk. Combine massage with a full warm-up routine for optimal readiness.

Avoid New Techniques

Race week is not the time to try new massage methods or therapists. Unfamiliar techniques can cause unexpected soreness or discomfort. Stick to what your body knows and trusts to avoid disruptions in your preparation.

Don’t Overdo It

Keep pre-race massages short and focused, lasting 20–30 minutes. Longer sessions can overstimulate muscles, leaving you feeling drained rather than refreshed. Save comprehensive massages for post-race recovery when your body needs deeper relaxation.

Massages After a Race

Post-race massages are all about recovery—reducing soreness, promoting relaxation, and kickstarting muscle repair. After intense physical activity, muscles often experience microtears and accumulate metabolic waste products like lactic acid, leading to stiffness and discomfort. A post-race massage can help alleviate these issues by enhancing blood circulation, which aids in flushing out toxins and delivering essential nutrients to fatigued muscles, thereby accelerating the healing process. A study concluded that massage could aid in reducing DOMS and perceived fatigue, although its direct effects on performance enhancement were limited.

Do’s:

Wait Before Getting a Massage

Let your body cool down naturally for 2–6 hours post-race. This waiting period stabilizes your muscles and reduces the risk of further trauma. A research published in the Journal of Athletic Training said that active individuals who received a massage 3 hours after exercise reported reduced muscle soreness compared to those who did not receive a massage. The findings suggest that timely massage therapy can be an effective intervention for mitigating post-exercise muscle soreness.

Opt for a Gentle Recovery Massage

Post-race massages should prioritize recovery by using long, soothing strokes, commonly referred to as effleurage. This technique enhances blood circulation, helping to flush out lactic acid and other metabolic waste products that build up during strenuous exercise. By reducing swelling and promoting relaxation, gentle recovery massages not only alleviate soreness but also accelerate the healing process. Avoid intense pressure immediately after a race, as your muscles are already fatigued and sensitive.

Target Problem Areas

Certain muscle groups, like the calves, hamstrings, quads, and lower back, bear the brunt of the workload during a race. Focusing on these high-stress areas can help prevent stiffness and reduce the likelihood of developing knots. A targeted approach ensures that overused muscles receive the care they need to recover, promoting better flexibility and overall comfort. Informing your therapist of any particularly tight spots will allow them to customize the session to your needs.

Incorporate Stretching

Combining gentle stretching with massage can significantly enhance flexibility. A study published in the Journal of Sports and Physical Education found that while both static stretching and massage independently improved hamstring flexibility, their combined application resulted in a more substantial increase in range of motion.

Stay Hydrated and Refuel

Hydration is essential after a race and massage, as it helps flush out toxins released during the session and prevents dehydration-induced muscle cramps. Drinking water supports circulation, allowing nutrients to reach recovering muscles more effectively. Pair this with a protein- and carb-rich snack, like a smoothie or a protein bar, to replenish glycogen stores and repair muscle tissue. This combination helps accelerate recovery and restores energy levels.

Dont’s:

Go For Immediate Deep Tissue Work

Deep tissue massage techniques, which target deeper layers of muscle and fascia, can worsen micro tears caused by running. These techniques may also increase inflammation and soreness if done too soon after a race. Allow at least 48–72 hours before scheduling a deep tissue session to give your body time to recover and stabilize from the intense exertion.

Ignore Warning Signs

If you experience sharp pain or significant discomfort during your massage, communicate with your therapist immediately. Pushing through pain can aggravate injuries, cause additional strain, or lead to prolonged recovery. Massage therapy should never exacerbate discomfort, and adjusting pressure or technique can ensure your session remains effective and safe.

Skip Post-Massage Rest

After a massage, your muscles need time to recover fully before engaging in strenuous activities. Jumping straight into intense exercise or standing for long periods can hinder recovery and potentially undo the benefits of your session. Instead, give your body time to relax and heal, ensuring your next workout or race starts on the right foot.

Skip the Cool-Down

A proper cool-down, including light jogging or walking, is crucial before heading to the massage table. Cool-downs help lower your heart rate, prevent stiffness, and facilitate the removal of lactic acid from your muscles. Skipping this step can result in increased stiffness or discomfort during your massage, reducing its overall effectiveness in aiding recovery.

When to Avoid Massages Altogether

While massages are generally beneficial, there are times when they might do more harm than good:

• Injuries or Inflammation: Massaging injured or swollen areas can worsen the problem.
• Extreme Soreness: If even light pressure is painful, focus on rest and hydration instead.
• Pre-Race Nerves: Some runners find massages too relaxing, which might affect performance.

Conclusion: Maximize the Benefits

Massages can be a game-changer for runners when done right. From pre-race priming to post-race recovery, they’re a proven way to enhance performance and accelerate healing. By following these do’s and don’ts—and incorporating some hydration, stretching, and a proper cool-down—you’ll be on your way to achieving your personal best.

Whether you’re running your first 5K or conquering an ultramarathon, listening to your body and working with a skilled therapist can make all the difference. Happy running!

Saudi Arabia Receives OCA Flag, Gears Up for NEOM 2029 Asian Winter Games

Saudi Arabia has officially received the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag, marking the countdown to the 10th Asian Winter Games, set to take place in NEOM’s Trojena in 2029. The flag handover ceremony took place during the closing of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, making Saudi Arabia the first West Asian country to host the event.

A Milestone for Saudi Sports

At the ceremony, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, received the flag from OCA Vice President Timothy Fok. The event also unveiled the official NEOM 2029 logo, which incorporates NEOM’s mountains as a symbol of strength and ambition, along with dynamic snow elements representing the energy of winter sports. The letter ‘A’ in the design signifies progress and innovation, aligning with NEOM’s “Rings of the Future” vision.

Trojena: A High-Tech Winter Sports Destination

The Trojena region within NEOM will serve as the hub for the Asian Winter Games, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure for athletes and visitors.

Key Features of Trojena:

• Expansive Winter Sports Area: Covers 60 square kilometers within NEOM’s 26,500 square kilometer landscape.
• World-Class Sports Facilities:
  • 36 kilometers of ski slopes catering to all skill levels.
  • An Olympic Village with 3,000 housing units for athletes and officials.
  • International ski and snowboard center with freestyle skiing and cross-country trails.
• Advanced Infrastructure:
  • A high-speed railway network and modern roads for easy access.
  • Luxury hotels and resorts to accommodate international delegations and visitors.

Aligning with Vision 2030

Hosting the Asian Winter Games 2029 is a key step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost sports tourism and diversify its economy under Vision 2030. The event is expected to enhance the Kingdom’s global standing while showcasing NEOM as a futuristic destination for sports and innovation.

As Saudi Arabia prepares for NEOM 2029, the world will witness a historic transformation, blending cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and world-class sports facilities in a desert-meets-winter wonderland.

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Owais Qarni

Owais Qarni is a Co-Founder, Chief Editor, and Author of Saudi Scoop. He is passionate about tech, cars, and traveling. A Dreamer, Explorer & Optimist!

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