The eagerly awaited World Combat Games, a global spectacle of martial arts and combat sports, is scheduled to captivate audiences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 20 to 30. Over 1,500 athletes are set to compete across 16 disciplines, promising an action-packed extravaganza.
To provide a comprehensive overview of the sporting lineup, we will delve into the competition in three installments. The inaugural segment will feature Karate, Boxing, and Sambo, commencing on October 20 and spanning two days, followed by the entry of Sumo and Wushu athletes. All events will unfold at the King Saud University Arena and Sports Hall, situated in the heart of the Saudi capital.
Karate – October 20-21 - KSU 1
Karate enters Riyadh 2023 following a triumphant debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Both Kumite and Kata athletes will vie for honors at the World Combat Games. Kumite involves scoring points through kicks, punches, strikes, throws, and sweeps, while Kata participants are assessed based on the precision and strength of their techniques. President Antonio Espinós of the World Karate Federation (WKF) anticipates a thrilling showcase of the sport's essence and tradition.
Boxing – October 20-21 - KSU 2
In this form of hand-to-hand combat, boxers aim to score points by landing punches on their opponent's upper body. The Riyadh 2023 boxing competition will encompass regional contests, featuring around 30 athletes, evenly distributed between men and women, from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Different weight categories will add diversity and excitement to the bouts.
Sambo + Para Sambo – October 20-21 - KSU 5
Sambo, a martial art and combat sport developed by the Soviet Red Army, involves grappling, wrestling, and self-defense tactics. At Riyadh 2023, sambists will participate in both men's and women's events and, notably, in Mixed Team competitions, promising to be a crowd favorite. Additionally, Sambo is one of six sports at the event that will include para-athletes, highlighting the sport's global appeal. President Vasily Shestakov of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) foresees the Games as a pivotal moment for Sambo's worldwide development.
Sumo – October 20-21 - KSU 3
Sumo, a captivating contact sport, sees competitors face off in a 4.55-meter diameter dohyo. The objective is to push the opponent out of the dohyo or make them touch the ground with any body part other than their feet's soles. Athletes adhere to the spirit of sumo, showcasing respect for their rivals. Riyadh 2023 will feature around 80 male and female sumotori from all five continents, competing in various weight categories.
Wushu – October 20-21 - KSU 4
Wushu, rooted in Chinese martial arts, comprises two distinct disciplines: taolu, characterized by performance routines, and sanda, a full-contact combat sport. Both facets will be on display at Riyadh 2023, catering to fans of all ages. International Wushu Federation (IWUF) President Gou Zhongwen expresses eagerness to introduce Wushu to a global audience, emphasizing its debut as an official sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Saudi Arabia's recent membership in the International Wushu Federation adds to the excitement, with the sport's values of harmony, friendship, respect, perseverance, courage, and health and wellness in line with the ethos of the World Combat Games.
Stay tuned for Part II, where we'll explore Judo, Wrestling, Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Kickboxing, and Fencing, and Part III, covering Armwrestling, Taekwondo, Savate, Muaythai, and Kendo.
