Konya, 8 August 2022 (TDI): The fifth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games started in Konya, Türkiye. The event will officially hold its opening ceremony on Tuesday. The games will continue till August 18. The closing ceremony will also be held on the same date.
Overview of Islamic Solidarity Games
The purpose of the initiation of these games was to increase solidarity among Islamic nations. It also aimed at reinforcing Islamic values in the young generation. Moreover, the event also helps promote Islamic identity in sports and reduces discrimination toward Muslims.
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) and Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are responsible for organizing the Islamic Solidarity Games.
History of Islamic Solidarity Games
The origination of the idea to hold the Solidarity Games lies with Faisal bin Fahid bin Abdul Aziz. He put forward the idea during the 3rd Islamic Summit held in 1981.
Consequently, the first Solidarity Games event was held in Saudi Arabia in 2005. About 54 member states of OIC took part in the games.
The 2nd, 3rd, and the 4th edition of the Solidarity Games were held in Iran, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan respectively.
However, the 5th edition was meant to be held in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and dates coinciding with Tokyo Olympics 2021, it was postponed till 2022.
The fifth edition:
The fifth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games will officially begin tomorrow. However, events like cycling, swimming, table tennis, handball, and volleyball started on 5 August.
During the 5th edition, about 54 countries will participate from states like Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and UAE. More than 6000 athletes will compete against each other in various games.
1️⃣ day to go until the opening ceremony of the 5th Islamic solidarity Games being hosted by Konya, Turkey. 🇹🇷
👥 6,000 athletes
🏳️ 54 countries
Good luck to all participating countries 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/rRs0mTdcD7— Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) (@issfsa) August 8, 2022
Games like archery, football, taekwondo, wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, karate, kickboxing, and basketball will also be played.
Latest updates:
With the fourth day going on since the games started, Türkiye is claiming the highest position with 7 medals in possession.
Zirvedekiler 🔝 The Top Ones#Konya2021 Madalya Tablosu
🥇🥈🥉 Medal Standings#IslamicSolidarityGames #BirlikGüçtür #UnityIsPower #LunionFaitLaForce pic.twitter.com/Gwj20IfU8H— Konya2021 (@2021Konya) August 7, 2022
The UAE has won three medals in track cycling, including two gold and one bronze which is their best-ever medal haul in the history of the Games.
