The countdown to the Olympics has started. With the games starting in a week Saudis have been scrambling to see their national representatives but mostly on TV, not in person. Adil Baig, an executive at a travel agency, said they received no bookings for China till now. He said some took advantage of tourist packages to China but not for the Olympics. Five national teams have qualified for the Beijing Olympics, starting Aug 8-24. “We have high expectations from Saudi teams, especially in equestrian and athletics and hope they bring victory to the Kingdom,” said Huda Ismail, a Saudi teacher and sports instructor at a Saudi school. Ismail said she believes the Olympics help in clearing misconceptions about Saudi Arabia to international viewers. Nur, visa consul at the Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah said the procedures for a visa were simple. “We have the same visa policy for all nationalities. Applicants must produce their employers approval and invitation from Beijing for the Olympics. Also if possible a confirmed air ticket,” said Nur. “Then they would be able to go to China at any time.” Ameer Khan, executive at a leading shipping company and a frequent business traveler to China, said he could not get a visa this time due to some legal issues his company was facing in China. Khan also said his Saudi managing director was denied a visa. Saudi Arabia first qualified for athletics in 1972 at the Munich Games. Ever since it has always qualified for athletics. In the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Saudi Arabia qualified with three teams. At Athens in 2004, it qualified for six categories – Athletics, Equestrian, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis and Weightlifting. Saudi Arabia has two Olympic medals, both won during the 2000 Sydney Games. Hadi Souan Al-Somayli won a silver, in 400-meter hurdles, while Khaled Al ‘Eid won a bronze for horse-riding. Malik Abdul Rahman, senior accountant at Asda'a public relations and an ardent sports lover, said the Olympics play an important role for spreading understanding among the diverse people of the world. Sports are the best way for young people from different nations to mix and interact with one another, Rahman said. __
