Tirana, December 19, 2024 – Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) president Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal today chaired the federation's 41st executive office meeting and the 13th general assembly, held in Tirana, Republic of Albania. The meeting was attended by Albanian Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu, along with dignitaries including heads of the Islamic national Olympic committees. Their presence underscored the importance of the gathering and the shared commitment to advancing sports in the Islamic world.
In his opening address, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their continuous support and commitment to sports in the Islamic world. The ISSF president emphasized that the leadership of Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in promoting sports across the region and in strengthening cooperation among member states.
Prince Abdulaziz also extended his thanks to the leaders and people of the Republic of Albania, as well as the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), led by President Fidel Ylli, for hosting the federation’s important meetings. His remarks highlighted the warm hospitality and the successful organization of the event, which provided an opportunity for continued dialogue and collaboration among the Islamic world’s sports leaders.
Reflecting on recent successes, the ISSF president noted the significant progress made by sports in member states, with a particular focus on the outstanding achievements of athletes from Islamic countries at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the remarkable accomplishment of securing 84 medals across various disciplines, noting that these successes reflect the growing strength of athletes from the Islamic world on the global stage. He also specifically mentioned the impressive performance of Palestinian athletes, whose achievements were met with great pride and admiration throughout the Islamic community.
Looking ahead, Prince Abdulaziz mentioned that 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of the first Islamic Games, which were held in 2005. To commemorate this milestone, Riyadh will host the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, a prestigious event that brings together athletes from across the Islamic world. Prince Abdulaziz expressed his excitement for the upcoming Games, emphasizing that the event would further elevate the spirit of unity and competition among member states.
During the meeting, Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) vice president and ISSF board member Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed presented the Kingdom's plans to host the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh next November. The event will feature 19 sports across four venues, including three Paralympic events, marking a significant step in the inclusion of athletes with disabilities. Prince Fahd provided detailed information on the comprehensive logistical services being planned, which will cover transportation, accommodation, medical services, and technological support, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
The general assembly also approved the ISSF General Secretariat report for 2023-2024, the hosting file for the seventh Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, financial and administrative reports, and discussed proposed amendments to the federation's constitution. These discussions were key to ensuring that the ISSF continues to evolve and effectively manage its growing responsibilities.
In addition to Prince Fahd, several other high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia attended the meeting, including Saudi Equestrian Federation president Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah and Saudi Esports Federation president Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz. Their participation further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the development of sports in the Islamic world and its leadership within the ISSF.
As the meeting concluded, the gathered leaders left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue advancing the Federation’s mission of fostering sports excellence, unity, and cooperation among the nations of the Islamic world. With significant events such as the Islamic Solidarity Games on the horizon, the ISSF remains committed to its role as a vital force in promoting international solidarity through sports.