Zahid Qudsi

Zahid Ibrahim Qudsi (1938 - 2004) was a Saudi sports commentator, journalistic writer, and educator. He is among the pioneers of the advancement of the sport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is the first sports commentator on Saudi radio and television. He is one of the most notable Arab commentators. His commentary accompanied the most famous goals of Saudi football history. He was the first commentator on the games of the national team and those of the King's Cup and the World Cup. He was the only commentator who knew how to comment on sports other than football. He was dubbed the "Dean of Arab Commentators." His sports commentary career spanned fifty years.

Zahid Qudsi was born in Makkah al-Mukarramah. He grew up in his paternal house. However, his father died when he was younger than seven years old. As a result, he grew up an orphan under the care of his father's friend, Ahmed al-Malaika, who adopted him, raised him, and took care of his education. Qudsi relocated with his family to Cairo where he received his primary, middle, and secondary education in Egyptian schools and completed his bachelor's degree. He spent around sixteen years in Egypt, from the age of six until he turned twenty-two years old.

Zahid Qudsi was introduced to Egyptian sports clubs during his stay in Egypt. He was interested in watching sports games and observing sports performance and levels. During this period, he got acquainted with a group of Egyptian commentators. He loved this hobby and started practicing it in addition to writing articles in the field. Upon his return to the Kingdom, he worked as a teacher in the schools of Makkah al-Mukarramah, but his interest in sports remained his top priority.

Upon his return to the Kingdom, Zahid Qudsi noticed the popularity of football, where the youth did not practice any other sport. It was then that he decided to introduce some sports to the school where he worked. He introduced gymnastics, volleyball, racing and show jumping, tennis, and weightlifting. These sports were gradually practiced in outdoor areas and streets. He worked on sending some of his talented students to al-Ahli, al-Wehda, and al-Ittihad sports clubs, ultimately contributing to the introduction of several sports to Saudi clubs.

Zahid Qudsi is one of the most notable Arab commentators. He was famous in the Gulf and Arab countries. Arab football fans became familiar with his voice as a result of commenting on a variety of global sporting events. He also contributed to the practice of several sports in public places in the Kingdom and Saudi clubs. In fact, he introduced various sports to schools and then contributed to their practice in clubs and within the community.

Zahid Qudsi's teaching career spans thirty-seven years. He spent twenty-five years in educational leadership positions. He was appointed a member of the commentators' team of the Arab States Broadcasting Union for covering global events, thus becoming renowned in the Arab World. Sports fans became familiar with his voice. He also worked as an advisor to al-Wehda FC. He was a member of several committees formed by the General Presidency of Youth Welfare.