Should we see a sign there? The members of the IOC Executive Board follow one another in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the third edition of the World Combat Sports Games has been held since October 20 (until October 30).
Ivo Ferriani took the first step. The Italian will wear the hat of president of SportAccord, the body behind the event, for a few more weeks. In this capacity, he delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
Ng Ser Miang followed him. The Singaporean, vice-president of the IOC, took his place in the grandstand of the King Saud University Arena and Sports Hall on Sunday October 22, with less formal manners. As a guest. Then he answered questions from the media.
FrancsJeux : In your capacity as Vice-President of the IOC, what do you think of the World Combat Sports Games?
Ng Ser Miang : I think it is a magnificent gathering of 16 martial arts and combat sports, with more than 1.800 athletes from all over the world. They participate in peace and harmony. The event displays a very high level of competition, the public is enthusiastic and passionate. These martial arts and combat sports come from all over the world, each with its own culture, traditions and development. But they share common values. Discipline, in particular.
To further raise the level of participation, shouldn't the competitions count for world rankings or Olympic qualification?
The issue must be discussed between SportAccord, international federations and local organizers. But it is indeed very important. It must be taken into account for future editions.
Several of these combat sports, sumo in particular, are not Olympic. What are they missing to become one?
I don't believe that when a sport is not Olympic, that means it is missing something. Sports are Olympic for several reasons, one of them being the universality of their practice and their popularity around the world. Competition standards are also taken into account. But the Olympic program is evolving. And it will continue to evolve to keep pace with the times. The Games must continue to speak to young people. The arrival of breaking in Paris 2024, the introduction of climbing, freestyle BMX, skateboarding, are part of this evolution.
In recent years, the international calendar has seen the appearance of the World Combat Sports Games, the Beach Games, the World Urban Sports Games, etc. Do these thematic multi-sport events represent the future of the Olympic movement?
Multi-sport events meet a need. But they are also proof and illustration that sport is still gaining popularity all over the world. And it is positive, I believe, that this popularity is also expressed through new events.
Saudi Arabia continues to expand in the international sports movement, with a growing number of events, present or future. Will she one day be able to host the Olympic Games?
Saudi Arabia is developing in terms of sport, that’s for sure. It does this in particular by hosting international events. I was present in Riyadh for the women's world taekwondo championships, the first organized in the country. I remember it as an incredible experience. Female participation was not only limited to athletes, it was also notable on the organizing committee. I also had the chance and privilege to attend the first Saudi National Games. The enthusiasm of the public was fabulous. Today I am a privileged witness to the World Combat Sports Games. I think Saudi Arabia is developing in the right direction. The Saudis are working hard to establish themselves in the sports movement. I know their ambition to one day organize the Olympic Games. I wish them luck in having them one day.
