ISSA begins inspection visits to evaluate readiness of candidate countries

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) will conduct a series of on-site inspection visits to Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran, following the official submission of their bids to host the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games.

The visits represent a key milestone in the continued development of the Islamic Solidarity Games, as ISSA works to strengthen the event’s future and expand opportunities for countries to host major multi-sport events.

They also come as the countdown continues to the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games – Riyadh 2025, which will bring together athletes from 57 countries in a celebration of sport, unity and shared values.

ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali welcomed the strong interest from the candidate countries, noting that it reflects the growing stature of the Islamic Solidarity Games and their increasing role in advancing sport at both regional and international levels.

“It is extremely encouraging to see three passionate and capable countries come forward to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games,” said Majali.

“These inspection visits represent a key phase in the evaluation process to ensure the Games are delivered to the highest standards for our athletes and National Olympic Committees, in full partnership with the host country.

“They also reaffirm ISSA’s commitment to enabling more member countries to benefit from hosting major international sports events and contributing to the continued development of sport across all regions.”

Following an initial evaluation process, six member countries submitted formal letters of interest to ISSA to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. After further discussions and assessments, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran proceeded to submit their full hosting bids.

The inspection visits are being led by the ISSA Secretary General, accompanied by members of the ISSA Sport Commission, to review the candidate countries’ facilities, infrastructure and organizational plans ahead of the final hosting decision.

The Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will welcome around 3,500 athletes from 57 countries, competing across 23 sports from 7 to 21 November 2025, marking the event’s return to Saudi Arabia two decades after the inaugural edition in 2005.

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For further information on the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, click here.

About the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) unites 57 member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and is dedicated to promoting sport development. It aims to promote the elevation of sport on the national agenda as a key driver of social and economic impact, strengthen athlete pathways and fortify event hosting capabilities, harness collective knowledge, data and innovation to shape a stronger future for sport, and ensure cultural needs are recognized by all stakeholders.

The ISSA is the owner of the Islamic Solidarity Games, a multi-sport event which celebrates Islamic values and unites athletes from 57 countries. The first edition was held across four cities in Saudi Arabia in 2005, and the 6th edition will return to the country in Riyadh from 7-21 November 2025.

Website: www.issa.sport/en Twitter/X: @ISSAsports_ Facebook: Islamic Solidarity Sports Association - ISSA Instagram: @issasportofficial

Media Contact - Zaid Sarayrah / [email protected]