RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi female athletes achieved the highest medal tally in the Kingdom’s history for an international multi-sport competition outside the Gulf region, following their performance at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh during 2025. The achievements were confirmed as part of a broader review of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic and Paralympic development on January 1, 2026.
At the Riyadh-hosted Islamic Solidarity Games — a regional multi-sport event featuring athletes from more than 50 nations — Saudi women secured 10 medals, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s competitive profile. The Games took place under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Medal successes included podium finishes in weightlifting categories by Fajr Al-Samri and Talal Al-Balawi, among others. Al-Baraa Al-Qarni contributed multiple medals, reflecting depth in the Kingdom’s emerging female athlete pool. These results are the most medals Saudi women have won at a single international multi-sport tournament outside the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Islamic Solidarity Games also highlighted the Kingdom’s organizational capacity for large-scale sporting events. Delegations from 57 countries competed across a range of disciplines, and the Games concluded without major technical issues. The event was part of a wider strategy to elevate sports infrastructure and athlete development ahead of future global competitions.
Officials noted that 2025 saw expansion in Saudi sporting institutions and representation within international bodies. Key leadership appointments included Saudi figures joining governance roles in global sports organizations, while participation expanded to debut appearances at winter sporting events such as the Harbin Asian Winter Games by Saudi athletes.
These developments align with Saudi Arabia’s long-term sports roadmap through 2032, which prioritizes structured athlete support programs at all levels. Investment in training, competition exposure, and athlete governance is intended to build sustained competitiveness across multiple sports, with particular focus on widening participation opportunities for women.
The 10-medal tally at the Islamic Solidarity Games is expected to serve as a benchmark for future Saudi female athletic performance and an example of the Kingdom’s evolving sporting culture.