Host of the first edition in 2005, Saudi Arabia will return to the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) this year, from November 7 to 21More than 3.000 athletes from 57 countries are expected in Riyadh for the event. Nasser Majali, secretary general of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), wants to make these Games a benchmark in terms of organization and sustainability, as he explains to Francs Jeux.
What makes the Islamic Solidarity Games relevant to the calendar?
This is a truly international event. The Games will serve as a springboard for the next generation of athletes and provide them with a fantastic opportunity to test their skills and begin to look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games. It is particularly important to offer young athletes the experience of a major event, and we believe Riyadh 2025 will set bold new standards for the future of the ISG. We hope to confirm the full sports program in the near future, but it will be a dynamic and inclusive program, with a mix of Olympic and non-Olympic sports that are popular in Saudi Arabia and among ISSA members.
What are the main challenges you will face in the coming months?
The challenges are similar to those of all multi-sport event organizers, as bringing together thousands of athletes and delivering a sporting spectacle is a complex undertaking. However, we maintain a strong working relationship with the local organizing committee and are confident that the athletes will have an unforgettable experience in Riyadh. The challenge is to move forward with preparations while implementing our plan to develop sustainable sports policies. We have a very clear plan to grow the sport, which has the unanimous support of our members.
What legacy will Riyadh leave in 2025 in terms of infrastructure and in the long term?
We are fortunate that Riyadh has a wealth of state-of-the-art venues and infrastructure, as well as an impressive history of hosting major sporting events. This allows us to focus our efforts on the lasting legacy the Games will leave in Riyadh and the wider region. By creating a memorable sports festival atmosphere for athletes, fans, officials, volunteers, and media, we have an incredible opportunity to bring local communities together and inspire the next generation of young people. In addition, the Games will add an Athletes' Village to Riyadh's impressive array of facilities. This village will be available for use by athletes at future major sporting events in Riyadh and will enhance the city's hosting capabilities.
“This is an opportunity to show how sport can promote non-discrimination, inclusion, openness and friendship.”
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How do you explain Saudi Arabia's success in hosting sporting events in recent years?
Saudi Arabia has hosted approximately 80 international sporting events over the past four years, and they have been organized to a very high standard. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal is the President of ISSA, and he has long been a passionate supporter of sport as an athlete, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sports, and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. We know that diversifying the Kingdom's economy is a key element of Vision 2030, and I believe Saudi Arabia has already achieved excellent results when it comes to the social and economic impact of hosting major sporting events.
These events have attracted 2,5 million tourists over the past four years, and we have seen significant increases in sports participation and public interest. Women's sport, for example, has seen participation increase by 149% since 2015. In a nation that is extremely passionate about sport and has extensive experience hosting world-class events, it is no surprise that more event organizers are turning to Saudi Arabia. ISSA is delighted that the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in Riyadh.
The scale is different, but can these ISGs be useful in preparing the country to host Olympic Games in the future?
Absolutely. It's about engaging and promoting sport among approximately 29% of the world's youth. It's an opportunity to demonstrate how sport, through events, can promote non-discrimination, inclusion, openness, and friendship.
You said a few weeks ago that you wanted to "create a model that will make the event more affordable for future hosts." Can you elaborate?
The idea is to develop a cost-effective model for hosting multi-sport events, taking into account the challenges developing countries face in ensuring a return on investment. For example, this could involve strategies such as optimizing existing infrastructure, streamlining event operations, and focusing on sustainable legacy projects that benefit the host city and nation. These Games will be an excellent opportunity to leverage the Kingdom's recent experience in hosting major events to implement cost-effective solutions while maintaining an environment where athletes can achieve high-level performances.
"We are in dialogue with a number of cities that have the necessary ingredients to host a memorable edition of the Games in 2029!"
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This edition was scheduled to take place in Cameroon for the first time, but it has been moved to Saudi Arabia. Is this a worrying sign about the potential of future hosts?
Not at all. We have a very good pipeline of future hosts who understand the value of the Islamic Solidarity Games. One of the strategic objectives approved by our members at the ISSA session in Tirana was to strengthen the athletes' pathway and consolidate event hosting capabilities. To achieve this goal in the coming years, the ISSA will implement its Excel & Host program, which includes several initiatives aimed at strengthening the capabilities and experience of more of our members. The goal is for them to be able to reap the benefits of hosting not only the Islamic Solidarity Games, but all major sporting events.
Do you have any potential candidates for 2029?
We are currently in dialogue with several cities. Each of them has all the necessary ingredients to host a memorable edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029!
