Iran bids to host 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games
Iran made an official bid to host the seventh edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) confirmed on Thursday.
Joining Iran in the race to host the multi-sport event will be Uzbekistan and Malaysia.
The ISSA will conduct a series of on-site inspection visits to the three countries, which will 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.
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 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 upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games – starting November 7 in Riyadh – will welcome around 3,500 athletes from 57 countries, competing across 23 sports, marking the event’s return to Saudi Arabia two decades after the inaugural edition in 2005.