What are the Islamic Solidarity Games?
The Islamic Solidarity Games are the multi-sport games of the Islamic world, bringing together national teams from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation across some 20-plus sports.[1] [2] The 2025 edition in Riyadh opened with global participation across the OIC membership.[2]
Who organizes the Islamic Solidarity Games?
The Games are owned by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), the sports body of the OIC states, and staged with the host country's Olympic committee and organizing committee.[1] [3]
When and where are they held?
Roughly every four years, in a member-state host city; the most recent edition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7–21 November 2025 — the second Saudi hosting after the inaugural Mecca 2005 Games.[2] [3]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6th | Riyadh (KSA), 7–21 November |
| 2021 | 5th | Konya (TUR) — held August 2022, postponed |
| 2017 | 4th | Baku (AZE) |
| 2013 | 3rd | Palembang (INA) |
| 2010 | — | Tehran (IRI) — cancelled |
| 2005 | 1st | Mecca (KSA) |
The 2010 Tehran edition was cancelled; the 2021 Konya edition was held in August 2022 after a pandemic postponement.[1] [3]
Since when do they exist?
The first Games were held in Mecca in 2005; subsequent editions have been staged in Palembang (2013), Baku (2017), Konya (2021 edition, held 2022) and Riyadh (2025).[1] [3]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through the National Olympic Committees of the OIC member states, which select and enter national teams within per-sport quotas and technical rules set with the federations — the same national-team chain as other games events.[1] [2]
Why do the Islamic Solidarity Games matter?
For athletes of the 57 OIC nations, the Games are a major international title: fields include Olympic and world-championship medalists from powers such as Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran and the Gulf states, and medals are counted among national sporting honors.[1] [2]
Who competes?
National teams from across the OIC membership — thousands of athletes spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, selected by their NOCs.[2]
References
- Sportcal — The Islamic Solidarity Games is finding its footing. Accessed August 2026.
- The Peninsula — Islamic Solidarity Games open in Riyadh with global participation. Accessed August 2026.
- Topend Sports — Islamic Solidarity Games. Accessed August 2026.