5th Islamic Solidarity Games Get Underway in Turkey’s Konya
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated the games after attending dinner with representatives of the participating nations.
"I am starting the sports activities of the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games. I congratulate all those who contributed to this on behalf of myself and my nation. Good luck," Erdogan said at the opening ceremony.
More than 4,000 athletes from 56 countries are participating in the tournament, which will end on Aug. 18. Athletes and teams will compete in 24 fields.
Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu said he believes his country is happy to host the event, as he highlighted the importance of sports.
"The unifying force of sports definitely comes to the forefront during such organizations," he said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hissein Brahim Taha, secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said it is important that Islamic countries hold such events which strengthen intercultural dialogue.
The games were postponed by a year due to restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, some 355 medals are up for grabs for athletes.
Saudi Arabia first hosted the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2005. The idea is the development of athletes and to boost solidarity and ties through sports between the countries of the Muslim world. However, non-Muslim citizens of those countries can also participate in the games. The last edition of the games was held in Azerbaijan's Baku in 2017.
In Konya, athletes will compete in shooting events, athletics, three-on-three basketball, cycling, bocce, gymnastics, fencing, soccer, wrestling, weightlifting, handball, judo, karate, kickboxing, table tennis, archery, taekwondo, volleyball, swimming, traditional archery, para-athletics, para-table tennis, para-archery and para-swimming.
Participants will be competing in the games held at 12 different venues across Konya, including stadiums and sports centers.
Source: dailysabah.com
