Saudi judoka Hessa Al-Muliki achieved a historic milestone by winning the gold medal at the 2025 Asian Open Judo Championships, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, becoming the first Saudi woman to win this title at the continental level.
Hessa Al-Maliki
Al-Maliki represents Al-Qadisiyah Club and the Saudi Judo National Team, and is considered one of the most prominent female figures in Saudi sports, having won 13 medals at the local, regional, and international levels, including seven gold medals.
She was also previously nominated to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics according to the 2023 International Judo Federation ranking.
The first Saudi woman to achieve the title
In a special statement following her coronation, Al-Maliki expressed her happiness at this historic achievement, saying: “It was an indescribable feeling to raise the flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and hear the national anthem played after winning the gold medal at the 2025 Asian Championship in Amman.
She continued: "I am honored to be the first Saudi woman in the history of women's judo to achieve this continental accomplishment. This moment will always be engraved in my heart. I dedicate this achievement to my beloved country and to everyone who supported and believed in me throughout my journey."
Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement comes in light of the increasing support women's sports receive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of Vision 2030, which seeks to empower women and expand their presence in various fields, including regional and international sporting competitions.
This victory is expected to provide new impetus for Saudi women's sports and a new generation of female athletes aspiring to raise the Kingdom's name on international podiums.
