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The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association announced last week that it will conduct a series of on-site inspection visits to Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran, following the official submission of their bids to host the 2029 edition of the multisport event.
"It is extremely encouraging to see three passionate and capable countries come forward to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. These inspection visits represent a key phase in the evaluation process to ensure the Games are delivered to the highest standards for our athletes and National Olympic Committees, in full partnership with the host country," said ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali.
The record interest in hosting the Games comes at a time when the ISSA is pushing its members to promote human development through sport. "By elevating the Islamic Solidarity Games, you spur people to get excited about it, perhaps spur governments to invest in sports at the grassroots level, to build themselves up towards sending athletes to the Games and having success. And that will make life better for people. What's on the side of the Games will be even bigger than what's inside of the Games," Majali told Forbes.
While the 57 participating countries account for nearly a quarter of the Earth's population, but have earned just seven per cent of Olympic medals. Majali thinks this disparity could be from the lack of sports organisation at the grassroots level. The ISSA invested in gathering data to show governments the benefits of sports.
Six member countries, out of the 57, initially submitted formal letters of interest to the ISSA, but after further discussions and assessments, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran proceeded to submit their full hosting bids. The inspection visits are being led by the ISSA Secretary General, accompanied by members of the ISSA Sport Commission, to review the candidate countries' facilities, infrastructure and organisational plans ahead of the final hosting decision.
Mijali hopes the event will help develop grassroots sports. GETTY IMAGES
Saudi Arabia, host of this year's Islamic Solidarity Games, was one of the early adopters of the strategy and initiatives were introduced at all levels of sport. Now, 58 per cent of the population is considered active. The report clarified that hosting is a part of the plan, and the nation's Ministry of Sport currently provides the bulk of funding for the Islamic Solidarity Games.
The kingdom is set to welcome more than 4,000 athletes from 57 countries in Riyadh from 7–21 November. This edition will feature exciting, new sports like camel racing, wushu, and esports, laying the ground for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in the country in 2027.
"It is extremely encouraging to see three passionate and capable countries come forward to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. These inspection visits represent a key phase in the evaluation process to ensure the Games are delivered to the highest standards for our athletes and National Olympic Committees, in full partnership with the host country," said ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali.
The record interest in hosting the Games comes at a time when the ISSA is pushing its members to promote human development through sport. "By elevating the Islamic Solidarity Games, you spur people to get excited about it, perhaps spur governments to invest in sports at the grassroots level, to build themselves up towards sending athletes to the Games and having success. And that will make life better for people. What's on the side of the Games will be even bigger than what's inside of the Games," Majali told Forbes.
While the 57 participating countries account for nearly a quarter of the Earth's population, but have earned just seven per cent of Olympic medals. Majali thinks this disparity could be from the lack of sports organisation at the grassroots level. The ISSA invested in gathering data to show governments the benefits of sports.
Six member countries, out of the 57, initially submitted formal letters of interest to the ISSA, but after further discussions and assessments, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran proceeded to submit their full hosting bids. The inspection visits are being led by the ISSA Secretary General, accompanied by members of the ISSA Sport Commission, to review the candidate countries' facilities, infrastructure and organisational plans ahead of the final hosting decision.
Saudi Arabia, host of this year's Islamic Solidarity Games, was one of the early adopters of the strategy and initiatives were introduced at all levels of sport. Now, 58 per cent of the population is considered active. The report clarified that hosting is a part of the plan, and the nation's Ministry of Sport currently provides the bulk of funding for the Islamic Solidarity Games.
The kingdom is set to welcome more than 4,000 athletes from 57 countries in Riyadh from 7–21 November. This edition will feature exciting, new sports like camel racing, wushu, and esports, laying the ground for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in the country in 2027.
