Bahrain joins opening of Sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

TDT | Riyadh

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The Sixth Islamic Solidarity Games commenced at the historic Al Janadriyah Camel Racetrack in Riyadh, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony, accompanied by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association. Representing Bahrain were Faris Al Kooheji, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and several members of the Board of Directors.

The ceremony featured a vibrant artistic performance combining Saudi heritage with modern innovation through digital installations, lighting effects, and drone displays that highlighted creativity, national pride, and the spirit of Islamic unity.

A key moment of the event was the Parade of Nations, where delegations from 57 participating countries were led by camels under the theme “One Nation”, symbolising unity and shared values across the Islamic world. The Bahraini delegation proudly joined the parade, led by national volleyball captain Nasser Annan and table tennis player Dana Al Khayyat, who carried Bahrain’s flag to warm applause from the audience.

HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar officially declared the Games open, marking the beginning of competitions in a festive atmosphere. Bahrain’s table tennis, judo, and weightlifting teams are in Riyadh to compete in their respective events. The event brings together over 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competing across 23 sports until 21 November. Yesterday’s medal, Bahrain’s first at the Games, placed the Kingdom 14th in the overall standings, while Türkiye leads the rankings with 14 gold medals.

Bahrain is competing in 19 of the 23 sports featured at the Games in the Saudi capital.