LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND ꟷ As the countdown clock ticks down to just 10 days, excitement is building for the upcoming third edition of the World Combat Games, scheduled to be held from October 20th to October 30th in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
The local organizing committee is in the final stages of preparing for the event, focusing on operational readiness, and making meticulous adjustments for what promises to be an extraordinary Opening Ceremony on October 19th to officially kick off the competition.
Paul Hardy, Chief Operating Officer for Riyadh 2023, expressed enthusiasm for the event and the anticipation of hosting fans from around the world. He noted that feedback from athletes and International Federations has been overwhelmingly positive, as they have toured the state-of-the-art facilities. The event is set to feature over 1,500 athletes from 120+ countries competing across 16 sports.
Preparations are progressing smoothly, with approvals granted for various aspects such as field of play, warm-up areas, timing, scoring, and results. For some athletes, this event will serve as a crucial test ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. Additionally, for participants in non-Olympic sports, it offers an opportunity to compete against other elite international athletes and potentially earn prestigious World Combat Games medals.
Riyadh 2023 is emphasizing inclusivity by featuring National Teams comprising athletes with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. The results from all competitions will contribute to a unified medals table, reflecting the event's commitment to embracing diversity.
The competition will span 11 days at the King Saud University Indoor Stadium and will showcase over 900 male athletes and 700 female athletes competing for podium placements.
Beyond the sporting aspect, Riyadh 2023 aims to provide a holistic experience for fans, featuring activities that promote physical excellence, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. Fan zones outside the venue will create an immersive atmosphere with a focus on combat sports, offering an international audience a taste of the region's cultural offerings.
Before the sporting action kicks off, the Peace and Sport's Middle East Forum will take place on October 18th and 19th in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter. The forum will facilitate discussions between international experts and local decision-makers on peace through sport and sport-for-all initiatives, with participation from Presidents and high-ranking officials from the 16 sports participating in the Games.
SportAccord, a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, reaffirms its commitment to clean sport by having the International Testing Agency (ITA) manage the anti-doping program for the World Combat Games Riyadh 2023.
Ticket sales for the event are now open on the official website, with ticket kiosks available at the King Saud University Stadium during the Games. As part of its inclusivity, free admission will be extended to families of participating athletes, children under 12, senior citizens, and others.
