KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In a groundbreaking year for Saudi Arabia’s Olympic and Paralympic sector, 2025 saw the nation’s female athletes achieve a remarkable feat by securing 10 medals at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh. This remarkable accomplishment marks the highest medal tally for Saudi women at a single international sports event outside the Gulf region.
The achievements in 2025 are a direct result of strategic initiatives led by the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, overseen by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal. These initiatives included investment in development programs designed to support athletes, federations, and sporting governance, reflecting a long-term roadmap that extends through 2032.
A key highlight of the year was the successful hosting of the Islamic Solidarity Games in November, which enjoyed the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The event attracted delegations from 57 countries, concluding without any major organizational or technical issues. This success not only showcased Saudi Arabia’s capability to host large-scale international events but also emphasized the nation’s growing stature in the sports world.
In a significant move, Saudi Arabia’s representation in international sports governance grew, with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal appointed to the Olympic Refuge Foundation and Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal elected to the World Motor Sport Council. Additionally, Mohammed Alharbi was elected Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation, while Shaddad Al-Amri took on the role of Vice President of the Asian Taekwondo Union.
Another groundbreaking moment was marked by Saudi rower Husein Alireza’s election to the Athletes’ Commission of the International Olympic Committee, making him the first Saudi athlete to hold this position.
Reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding sporting variety, Saudi Arabia made its debut at the Harbin Asian Winter Games with eight athletes participating, indicating a notable shift towards increasing winter sports involvement.