(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) RIYADH, Nov 5 (KUNA) -- Kuwait will participate in the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, set to kick off next Friday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and continue until November 21, with a delegation of 65 athletes competing in 11 sports.
Director of the Kuwaiti delegation and Director General of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, Retired Major General Mohammad Al-Khalfan, said that Kuwaiti athletes will compete in athletics, triathlon, e-sports, jiu-jitsu, swimming, camel racing, fencing, weightlifting, karate, equestrian (show jumping), and handball.
Al-Khalfan affirmed that Kuwait's participation in the Islamic Solidarity Games reflects the Kuwait Olympic Committee's commitment to maintaining an active presence in regional, Arab, Asian, and Islamic sports events and to enhancing sports interaction among the peoples of the Islamic world, which contributes to strengthening mutual ties. He noted that this marks Kuwait's fourth participation since the Games' inception.
He explained that the Kuwaiti teams have completed their preparations through intensive training programs and both domestic and overseas camps, organized by sports federations in coordination with the Kuwait Olympic Committee and the Public Authority for Sport. The delegation, he said, aims to achieve strong results and earn podium finishes, winning multiple medals for the country.
Al-Khalfan noted that the competition is expected to be highly competitive, given the large number of participating countries. However, the main goal remains to maximize the athletes' technical experience and provide valuable exposure for different categories of players and female athletes, who represent ambassadors of Kuwait in international events.
He stressed that Kuwait's participation in the Islamic Solidarity Games is vital, as it helps athletes gain experience, enhance performance, and prepare for upcoming Gulf, Arab, Asian, and international championships.
Kuwait's first appearance in the Islamic Solidarity Games was in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2005, where it won 10 medals. The second was in Indonesia (2013) with 8 medals, followed by Konya, Turkiye (2022) where Kuwait secured 9 medals. Altogether, Kuwaiti athletes have claimed 27 medals in the history of the Games, reflecting the country's strong sporting presence and readiness to continue achieving success in Riyadh 2025.
The Islamic Solidarity Games are considered the third-largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games and the Asian Games, serving as a significant platform that embodies the spirit of unity and competition among over 3,000 athletes from 57 countries, who will compete across 23 individual and team sports. (end)
kns

MENAFN05112025000071011013ID1110299873