Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – August 21, 2023: Preparations are well underway in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, with fewer than 60 days till the opening of the much-awaited Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games. The international sporting extravaganza, scheduled to take place from October 20 to October 30 at the King Saud University Sports Arena, will be held for the first time in the Middle East. On this momentous occasion, Mr. Ian Reid, CEO of the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games, reaffirmed that all preparations are proceeding according to schedule for the start of the international competition. He noted that the planning is moving along quickly and that committed participants are working hard to offer a flawless exhibition and write another chapter in the success story of Saudi Arabia. This achievement will reflect the strong backing of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the confidence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and will embody the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
"Two months from now, as the World Combat Games get underway, all eyes will be on Riyadh," said Reid. We are eager to plan a remarkable occasion that goes above and beyond expectations and is worthy of the stature of the kingdom. This would confirm its potential and capabilities, which have made it eligible to host and plan the most important sporting events on the planet, securing its place as the industry leader, particularly in combat sports.
The planning committee has stepped up its preparations to ensure that everything is consistently prepared to meet the highest standards. With the help of the Saudi workforce's organizational expertise garnered from staging significant events that captured the world's attention and demonstrated the Kingdom's capabilities, several stakeholders have started early coordination. The hosting of the games is part of a larger sports initiative that ties in well with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life program launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The "Riyadh 2023" World Combat Games will take place at the Riyadh Sports Arena at King Saud University over the course of 11 days. This international competition will feature more than 2,500 athletes and officials from more than 80 nations, drawing top athletes from all over the world. Aikido, Boxing, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Armwrestling, Kickboxing, Muaythai, Sambo, Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu, and Fencing are among the 16 combat sports that will be present at the event.
