During the next eleven days the best athletes from 16 disciplines (martial arts and combat sports) will meet and offer a show that is expected to match the quality of today's opening ceremony.
Judo is obviously part of the programme with an exciting mixed team tournament which will take place on 23rd October, on day 4 of the event. The best teams in the world, from five continents, are expected in Riyadh.
The ceremony therefore began with the protocol part, including the anthems, the raising of the flags and the oaths of the athletes and referees as well as the opening speeches.
The president of SportAccord, under the umbrella of which. the Combat Games sits, Mr Ivo Ferriani underlined, “The elite of combat sports and martial arts are gathered together in Riyadh for this historic ceremony. Thank you to all the international federations, the organising committee and the country's authorities for allowing the organisation of this global event. Over the next few days, we will talk about inclusion, respect and tolerance. These Games are placed under the banner of non-discrimination. Our athletes are true ambassadors who prove every day that living together in peace is possible."
His Highness Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Vice President of Saudi Olympic And Paralympic committee, declared, “We have invested months into the preparation of the World Combat Games. Today we inaugurate the event. This will be a display of passion. Consider the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia your second home. I declare the World Combat Games 2023 in Riyadh open.
The Kingdom has emerged as a global focal point and a premier destination of hosting some of the world's most prestigious international sporting events. To all participants, I proudly proclaim: the arena lies before you, providing a golden opportunity to showcase your abilities. Embrace the competitive spirit, harness your talents, and stand as exemplary ambassadors for your nations on this international stage."
The second part of the ceremony opened the stage to a series of scenes, each more sumptuous and spectacular than the last. It evolved around the inner journey of a young martial artist who rises to become a true warrior. At the beginning, the young, fiery and sometimes a little tempestuous man just wanted to fight against an opponent but throughout the show, thanks to the guidance and teaching of a grand master, he discovered that martial arts and combat sports are far more than just sport. Opponents became partners, with whom he could develop his own philosophy. The narrative highlighted values such as discipline, self-control, determination, perseverance, humanity, loyalty, harmony, respect and honour.
The World Combat Games will begin on 20th October. For more information, check https://riyadh2023.com/ and stay connected to follow the judo on 23rd October.