Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Olympic and Paralympic sector recorded a series of notable developments in 2025, highlighted by the performance of Saudi female athletes, who won 10 medals at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

The result marked the highest medal tally achieved by Saudi women at a single international sporting event outside the Gulf region.

The year’s achievements came under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal.

Throughout 2025, a number of development initiatives and structured programs were implemented to support athletes, federations, and sporting governance, forming part of a long-term roadmap extending through 2032.

One of the major milestones of the year was the hosting of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh in November, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Games brought together delegations from 57 countries and concluded without major organizational or technical issues, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.

Saudi Arabia’s presence within international sports institutions also expanded during the year. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal was appointed to the Olympic Refuge Foundation, while Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal was elected to the World Motor Sport Council. Mohammed Alharbi was elected Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation, and Shaddad Al-Amri was elected Vice President of the Asian Taekwondo Union.

In a separate milestone, Saudi rower Husein Alireza was elected to the Athletes’ Commission of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first Saudi athlete to serve on the commission.

The Kingdom also made its debut at the Harbin Asian Winter Games, with eight Saudi athletes participating, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand winter sports participation.