The opening ceremony of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

RIYADH, Nov 8 (KUNA): The sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games officially got underway in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, featuring more than 3,000 male and female athletes from 57 countries.

The opening ceremony took place at the Janadriyah Camel Field, attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, along with the President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser.

Sheikh Fahad praised Saudi Arabia’s exceptional organization of the event, describing the opening ceremony as “remarkable.” He said the Games serve as a vital platform to strengthen cooperation and unity among Islamic nations through sport, embodying the values of brotherhood and peace that define the Islamic Solidarity Sports Movement.

He added that the event reflects the true spirit of unity and understanding among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, congratulating Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people on the successful launch of the Games.

Sheikh Fahad noted that the impressive organization of the opening ceremony highlights the Kingdom’s strong capabilities in hosting major international sporting events — a new milestone added to its growing record of sports achievements in recent years.

He emphasized that Kuwait’s participation in the Games reflects its continued commitment to active presence in regional and international sports competitions, as well as its support for national athletes to represent the country with pride. He expressed confidence that the Kuwaiti participants would deliver performances worthy of the nation’s sporting reputation.

During the parade, swimmer Saud Al-Shamroukh and weightlifter Zahraa Kamshad carried Kuwait’s flag.

Kuwaiti swimming champion Saud Alshamroukh claimed first place in the first round of the 1,500m freestyle at the finals of the Islamic Solidarity Games, finishing with a time of 4:38.16.

His fellow Kuwaiti, Khaled Alotaibi, also advanced to the finals of the 400m individual medley, securing fourth place with a time of 7:43.4.

Kuwait’s delegation includes 65 athletes competing in 11 sports: swimming, jiu-jitsu, karate, weightlifting, esports, camel racing, athletics, fencing, equestrian, duathlon, and handball.

In today’s competitions, Al-Otaibi will race in the men’s 200m individual medley heats at 10 a.m. at the Olympic Complex pool. Weightlifter Mohammed Al-Otaibi will compete in the men’s 65kg event at 11 a.m., while Mohammed Reda will participate in the 71kg category at 5 p.m. at Boulevard Square.

The Kuwaiti weightlifting team features Fahad and Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Mohammed Abdulredha, Humaid Akbar, Saud Al-Mutairi, Sarah Al-Hawal, Amal Al-Shuraifi, Zahraa Kamshad, and Hanan Al-Ameer.