The Islamic Solidarity Games - Riyadh 2025 began in spectacular style this evening with a powerful Opening Ceremony celebrating peace, sport and the unity of the 57 participating countries.

More than 3,000 athletes are competing across 23 sports at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games through to 21 November, and the teams from all countries received a warm ovation during the Athletes’ Parade.

The Opening Ceremony kicked off with an emotional performance narrating the history of the Islamic Solidarity Games and celebrating twenty years of unity and triumph as the Games returned to their birthplace in Saudi Arabia. This was followed by the spectacular drone show, where 2,000 synchronized drones illuminated the sky. The excitement continued with the Parade of Nations, featuring delegations from the 57 countries proudly carrying their flags in a colourful celebration of unity and diversity, alongside a series of impressive performances that showcased Saudi Arabia's vibrant music and culture and paid tribute to the host city, Riyadh.

Minister of Sport, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, stated in his speech: “Today, we celebrate the return of the Islamic Solidarity Games to their birthplace - the very place where they first began twenty years ago, with the inaugural edition in 2005. Together, we continue the journey of unity and cooperation among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“Since its establishment, the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association has taken significant steps in promoting the values of solidarity, strengthening relations among member countries, empowering youth, and presenting a positive image of our Ummah on the international stage.

“Today, we proudly continue this path with steady determination through this edition of the Games - a key milestone in our strategic goals to enhance the levels of competition, organization, and performance, positioning the Islamic Solidarity Games as a global model of excellence in sports organization.

“We also consider this edition a launching point for upcoming programs and initiatives aimed at supporting and developing the sports movement in our member countries, empowering youth, and strengthening institutional and organizational capacities across all fields related to sport and solidarity.”

An energetic performance of the Official Song of the Games concluded the Opening Ceremony, which generated great excitement for two weeks of outstanding sport competition to come.

The Islamic Solidarity Games – Riyadh 2025 is being live-streamed, free to view worldwide on DAZN and ANOC TV.

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