Feature: Saudi Arabia's journey to becoming a Middle Eastern sports hub

RIYADH, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- In a momentous celebration of national pride and passion for football, Saudi Arabia recently secured the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a victory that captivated the nation. As one of the world's most football-enthusiastic countries, this achievement marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia's journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

2024 has been a year of remarka