AL KHOBAR, SAUDI ARABIA — January 21, 2026 — Global India Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Rajasthan Foundation, is proud to announce the Festival of Cricket – Women’s Edition 2026. This landmark community sports initiative, dedicated to women’s empowerment and cross-cultural engagement, will take place on Friday, 30 January 2026, at Sports Yard, Sports City, Al Khobar.
As a premier women-centric tournament, the festival will bring together 30 teams and over 300 players and officials from across the Kingdom, including Dammam, Jubail, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Some teams are traveling over 1,200 km to participate, highlighting the massive surge in enthusiasm for women’s sports within the expatriate community.
Fostering Leadership Through Sport
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the tournament utilizes soft tennis balls to prioritize safety while maintaining a high level of competition. The initiative serves as a dedicated platform for women to showcase leadership and sporting talent under organized governance.
“This event goes beyond competition; it is about promoting inclusion and the positive representation of Indian women in the diaspora,” said Anil Malpani, President of the Festival of Cricket and Executive Committee Member of the Rajasthan Foundation (Riyadh Chapter). “Initiatives like these are vital for building long-term social capital and community harmony.”
Strengthening Indo-Saudi Ties
With an expected attendance of over 3,500 people representing more than 10 nationalities, the festival acts as a bridge for sports-led diplomacy.
Vijay Soni, President of the Rajasthan Foundation – Riyadh Chapter, added:
“Cricket is a powerful medium to deepen cultural bonds between Saudi Arabia and India, particularly Rajasthan. We are working to scale this success through future collaborations with organizations like the Rajasthan Royals and the Saudi Cricket Association.”
Event Highlights:
- Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
- Venue: Sports Yard, Sports City, Al Khobar, Eastern Province
- Participants: 30 Women’s Teams | 300+ Players
- Impact: Promoting health, confidence, and cross-cultural bonding.
About the Organizers
Global India Saudi Arabia and the Rajasthan Foundation are committed to structured community engagement, focusing on strengthening the people-to-people ties that define the vibrant relationship between the two nations