The anticipation is building within the global karate community as we look forward to the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This prestigious event, which unites athletes from across the Islamic world, will feature karate as a key sport in its official program, promising an exciting showcase of martial arts excellence.
The inclusion of karate in the 2025 Games is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing recognition and popularity of the sport within the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF). This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) on August 8, 2018, during a momentous event at the Olympic House of Saudi Arabia in Paris.
The MoU was signed by Davor Cipek, the General Secretary of the WKF, representing the organization, and ISSA Secretary General Mr. Nasserom Majali. This agreement ensures that karate will be a regular feature in the Islamic Solidarity Games, providing a platform for athletes from WKF’s 57 member countries to compete at the highest level.
In a meeting with Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, the Secretary General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), discussions were held in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere, laying the groundwork for a successful integration of karate into the Games. This collaboration not only strengthens the bonds between the WKF and Islamic sports institutions but also opens up new opportunities for karatekas from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will be an important event for the karate community, offering a chance to highlight the sport’s values of discipline, respect, and cultural exchange. As the world’s top Islamic athletes prepare to gather in Riyadh, the WKF is committed to supporting their journey and ensuring that karate is represented with the honor and integrity it deserves.
For karate practitioners and enthusiasts, the upcoming Games represent a unique opportunity to witness the best in the sport and celebrate the unity and diversity of the Islamic world through the powerful art of karate. We look forward to seeing our athletes shine in Riyadh in 2025, as they demonstrate the spirit of karate on this esteemed global stage.