* Practicing sports was, until recently, the preserve of men only
* We lack additional centers for training and contracting with international trainers
* I encourage every girl to enter the field of fencing and practice sports in general
Fencing player Mashael Al-Khayal, who won the gold medal for the virtual Continental Championship in his father’s weapon, which was organized by the Federation of American States for fencing and lasted for 7 days, with the participation of 150 players from different countries of the world. continental title.
* Beginning of tell us where did the beginning with fencing?
** The beginning was the summer of 2018 with the Saudi Fencing Academy, and I was one of the first to join them.
* When was your first participation in the local tournaments?
** My first competition was in December 2018.
* When was your first participation in foreign tournaments?
** The Asian Fencing Tour Championship under the age of 17 in Riyadh in 2019. She also participated in the sixth session of women’s sports in the Cooperation Council in the State of Kuwait in 2019, and the Club Games in Sharjah in 2019.
* How do you evaluate the women's sports file in Saudi Arabia at the present time?
** Saudi women have emerged in the field of fencing, such as Princess Haifa bint Muhammad Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Strategy and Investment and Chairman of the Women's Committee in the Saudi Fencing Federation, where she emerged in the practice of sports that were until recently the preserve of men only.
* What is the secret behind the emergence of the flames of imagination in the duel?
** Firstly, the success of God Almighty, the will and determination to achieve the great goals that we hope for in our lives.
* Do you make sure to train regularly?
** Of course, daily exercise is essential for the success of any athlete, and it is not limited to exercise only, but we need good nutrition to raise our fitness level.
* Based on your personal experience, what did you learn from fencing?
** Patience, increased focus, and control of movements and reactions.
* What other areas do you practice in this field other than fencing?
** In the field of sports, I practiced basketball, learned ballet and swimming for several years, and joined the fencing family in recent years.
* What was the most difficult situation you were exposed to?
** Reading the competitor is one of the most difficult obstacles, especially when I am having a new experience with a new competitor.
* What is your message to any girl who wants to go through your experience, but fears society?
** I encourage every girl to enter the field of fencing and to practice sports in general because it is fun and useful and strengthens the mental and physical capabilities of a person, and this is very important and has a great role in maintaining health.
What is the best honor you have received?
** The Asian Tour Championship for Fencing under the age of 17 in Riyadh in 2019, and achieved the bronze medal in the sixth session of women’s sports in the Cooperation Council in Kuwait in 2019, and achieved the silver medal in the Club Games in Sharjah in 2019, and in the last virtual championship, it achieved the gold medal.
What about the media interest in the game?
** There is media interest through the Saudi national team and the Saudi Fencing Federation, represented by the President of the Saudi Fencing Federation, Ahmed Al-Sabban. Thanks are extended to the Executive Director of the Saudi Fencing Federation, Abdullah Al-Sunaid.
* How can women's fencing be promoted in Saudi Arabia, and what is lacking in it?
** I can say that the situation can be improved for the better if we contract with trainers with international experience and provide additional training centers.
And through the internal and external camps for team members to access.
* What are your future aspirations?
Access to universality and professionalism, God willing.
Who do you address to in closing?
** I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, his Crown Prince, the Secretary, Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, for the unlimited support provided to Saudi women in all fields, including the sports field, and through which we and my female players had the opportunity to participate in global sports.
Amal Al-Saeed (Riyadh) @amal222424