Tehran - BORNA - During the meeting, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, announced Iran’s readiness to host the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, highlighting the event as a platform for strengthening cooperation and solidarity among Muslim nations.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of Sports and Youth Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who also serves as the President of both the Saudi National Olympic Committee and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF). The two sides discussed ways to expand sports cooperation, enhance joint initiatives, and promote peace and unity among Islamic nations through sporting events.
Donyamali thanked the ISSF delegation for visiting Tehran to assess Iran’s sports facilities and infrastructure in preparation for hosting the games.
“I have already discussed Iran’s hosting proposal with the President, and I am pleased to say that both he and the Cabinet members support it,” Donyamali stated. “Given our infrastructure and capacity, Iran is fully prepared to host the Islamic world with dignity and excellence. Together with our National Olympic Committee, we will ensure an inclusive environment for all participating countries.”
Drawing on his previous international experience, Donyamali emphasized that Iran understands the standards required to host an event of this scale, involving 57 member states. He noted that even if another nation is selected as the host, Iran will stand by the host country to advance the shared vision of Islamic unity through sports.
“Multiple nations bidding to host this event is a positive sign of convergence and vitality within the Islamic Ummah,” he said.
Referring to the moral dimension of sports, Donyamali added: “The awakened nations of the Islamic world expect us not to remain silent in the face of Israeli crimes and the ongoing massacres in Gaza. The Zionist regime must be held accountable in the world of sports. This is the least the Islamic sporting community can do. If we act together within the ISSF, we can make the voice of the Muslim world—and the people of Gaza—heard globally.”
He also praised Saudi Arabia’s recent hosting of major regional and Islamic sporting events, saying: “The unity of Islamic countries can pave the way for remarkable achievements in the Muslim world.”
Referring to the camel racing competitions held during the Riyadh edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, Donyamali revealed that the event drew Iran’s attention to preserving its two-humped camel breed, which is currently endangered. He said a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture had already been held to prevent the extinction of this valuable species.
At the end of the meeting, Donyamali wished success to his Saudi counterpart in organizing the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games and reaffirmed Iran’s active participation: “Iran will attend the games with full enthusiasm and preparation. We look forward to hosting this prestigious event in the near future.”
For his part, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal expressed appreciation for the meeting and for the ISSF delegation’s visit to Tehran: “Iran possesses strong capabilities to host the Islamic Solidarity Games. The interest shown by several Muslim countries in hosting is itself a sign of vitality and unity among Islamic nations,” he said.
He added that Iran’s sporting achievements at the professional level demonstrate its readiness to deliver a successful event for all 57 member nations.
“Our goal,” he concluded, “is for the Islamic Solidarity Games to remain a lasting symbol of fraternity and cooperation among Muslim nations.”
Also present at the meeting were Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, President of Iran’s National Olympic Committee; Seyed Manaf Hashemi, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth; Mehdi Ali-Nejad, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee; and Mohammad Hassan Taghizadeh, Director General for International Affairs at the Ministry.
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