The Islamic Solidarity Games reached their sixth edition with an unprecedented response. More than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competed between 4 and 21 November across 23 sports, in an event that expanded its international impact and strengthened unity among nations. The medal table reflected this diversity, with 42 countries represented and Türkiye leading the standings with 72 golds, 44 silvers and 39 bronzes.
Uzbekistan, Iran, host nation Saudi Arabia and Egypt followed, forming a top five that brought together countries from three continents and confirmed the competitive breadth of the event. At the same time, the Riyadh 2025 edition strengthened its global reach, with bilingual content in English and Arabic generating more than 1.5 billion engagements across official platforms.
A ceremony to celebrate unity
The Games concluded with the Closing Ceremony at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, where athletes, delegations and media gathered for an event designed to highlight the cohesion of the Islamic sporting community. The ceremony included a parade of athletes in recognition of their contribution during more than two weeks of competition, and a parade of volunteers, honoured for their key role across the four major venue clusters that hosted the event.
Representing the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), its President, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, expressed deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support and vision, which made the Games possible. “This edition was achieved through the joint efforts of ISSA, the Local Organising Committee, the participating countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,” he said. “We believe that sport is a bridge for connection, a platform for peace and a unifying force among our nations.”
A legacy for the next edition
The ceremony closed with the official announcement by HRH Prince Abdulaziz, declaring the Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025 closed and handing over the flag to Selangor, Malaysia, host of the seventh edition in 2029.
