Grief and sadness engulfed the sporting community in Saudi Arabia after learning of the passing of Prince Khalid bin Mohammed. The former president of the Al Hilal Football Club, he was a prominent and beloved figure in the sport ecosystem of Saudi. His sudden death sent shockwaves across the entire country and tributes poured in from all sections of the public.

The veteran sports official was dealing with a health condition for sometime that severely hampered his daily life. He passed away yesterday and his death has left a huge void in the hearts of all Saudi sports fans.

Prince Khalid, a pioneer for Saudi Sports

Prince Khalid bin Mohammed was the president of Al Hilal Football Club during the years 2001-2004 and he rose to fame after the team transformed under his steady leadership. The team won several accolades and established its name as one of the greatest Asian football clubs in those times. It won a range of local and regional tournaments in his tenure, making him one of the most decorated leaders to lead the club.

Under him, they won the Saudi Pro League in 2001-02. They won the Saudi Crown Prince Cup twice with him at the helm, once in 2002-03 and the other in 2004-05. They also won the Saudi Federation cup once.

Apart from the regional tournament dominance, the club transformed itself under his leadership to become a force to be reckoned with in the Asian Leagues. Champions of the Asian Super Cup, Asia Cup Winners Cup but perhaps his biggest achievement with them was in the year 1999-00.

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Saudi sporting loses a gem

Al Hilal lifted the AFC Champions League trophy in the 1999-00 season, the highest level of accolade for the club. The victory in that tournament etched his name in the folklores of Saudi sporting legends and history will always remember him.

Along with serving as the president of the club, Prince Khalid also served in the government for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A prayer meeting is scheduled to be held for the icon today, where people can come and pay their respects as he makes his way to the heavenly abode.

Tributes for veteran official poured in on Twitter, now X, with people expressing shock and grief over his passing away.

In other news, Brazilian superstar and former PSG winger, Neymar Jr. made his much awaited debut for the club and helped them to an emphatic 6-1 victory on Friday. The maestro had no goals to his name but made his presence on the field quite evident with smooth plays and crisp assists.

They play their next match against Navbahor, in a group stage match of the AFC Champions League. Fans will certainly remember and pay tribute to the Prince that brought them the accolade all those years ago!

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