Ghala Alhumaidan is blazing a trail for Saudi women in beach volleyball, turning challenges into achievements and proving nothing is impossible
Ghala Alhumaidan and her partner Tala Aloufi made history for Saudi Arabia at the West Asian Volleyball Association (WAVA) U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship. Competing for the first time, the pair faced experienced teams from across the region, demonstrating the growth of Saudi talent on the international stage.
In an interview with Egypt’s two-time Olympian and FIVB Athletes’ Commission member Doaa Elghobashy, Alhumaidan shared her experiences competing in the inaugural tournament in Doha, Qatar.
“It’s our first U20 participation and the first time a young team like this has competed in beach volleyball,” Ghala said. “I’m proud to be one of the chosen players. It’s been a great experience. We lost two matches, but they were good matches, and we gained some experience. The draw was tough for us, but hopefully, next year, we’ll come back stronger and better.”
The team celebrated a hard-fought victory against Yemen, which Ghala described as a key highlight.
“Thank God, today we won against Yemen. It was a beautiful experience, and we’re learning to take the sport more seriously for the future,” she added.
Ghala Alhumaidan debuts at the WAVA U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship
Ghala praised the tournament’s organization in Qatar, praising its professionalism and vibrant atmosphere.The event offered opportunities beyond just competition, allowing them to connect with other players and celebrate sportsmanship.
“The referees were great, the courts were fantastic, and the overall atmosphere was wonderful. The cheering and support from the crowd added excitement and motivated us even more,” she said.
“We met so many players who cheered for us when we played, and we supported them during their matches as well. There was a lot of sportsmanship and mutual encouragement, which was wonderful,” she remarked.
“Wearing the Saudi jersey comes with big responsibilities. But because it was our first tournament, we focused on enjoying ourselves and developing a deeper love for the sport. This will help us come back stronger and more prepared next time,” she said on representing her country that has provided personal growth and fostered team camaraderie.
“Beach volleyball suits me well. It’s a team sport that allows you to connect with and meet many people….
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