Saudi Arabia signs up to host World Combat Games 2023

The Global Association for International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee have signed a deal which will see Riyadh being awarded the right to host the 2023 World Combat Games (WCG). The international multi-sport festival will come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital in 2023, with ancient sporting traditions, competitions and demonstrations on display. The nine-day event is designed to combine sport and culture in a festival atmosphere, and will include 15 combat sports and martial arts. There will be conferences as well as competitions and workshops hosted by leading martial art masters. The event will also feature the first World Martial Arts Gala. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee president, said: “I would like to express our gratitude to GAISF for their trust in selecting us to host the World Combat Games 2023, which celebrates unity and champions diversity.” GAISF and SportAccord president Ivo Ferriani stated: “GAISF is looking forward to this incredible celebration of combat sports and martial arts in the beautiful city of Riyadh.” GAISF Multi-Sport Games Chairman and GAISF vice-president, Stephan Fox, who is also a former martial arts world champion, added: “With preparations for the event already well underway and with the support of more than 15 combat sports and martial arts which are Members of GAISF, we have no doubt that this event will be a huge success.”