Riyadh begins preparations for 2023 World Combat Games

RIYADH: The organizing committee of the World Combat Games in Riyadh is preparing to host the event for the first time in the Middle East.

The games are set to take place from Oct. 20 to Oct. 30 at the King Saud University Sports Arena. Ian Reid, CEO of the 2023 World Combat Games, confirmed that the committee was closely monitoring all preparations for the global event. 

“In two months from now, all eyes will be on Riyadh as the World Combat Games kick off,” Reid said. “We look forward to organizing an exceptional event that exceeds expectations, that befits the Kingdom’s status, while confirming its capabilities and potential that qualify it to host and organize major international sports events and solidifying its leading position in the sports community, especially combat sports,” he said.

Reid said that he and his team were driven by the desire to write a new Saudi success story, spearheaded by the support for the event from King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the confidence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports and president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. 

More than 2,500 athletes and officials from 80 countries will take part in the event across 16 combat sports, including aikido, boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu and fencing.