Riyadh: His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the Sixth Islamic Solidarity Games. The event was held in Al Janadriyah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ceremony was also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Minister of Sports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were joined by senior Saudi officials, sports leaders, representatives of international Olympic committees, diplomats, and invited guests.
On this occasion, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the opening of the Games. He emphasized that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage and the support from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister reflect Saudi leadership's commitment to sports advancement in the Arab and Islamic worlds, fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations through sport.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad commended the organization of the opening ceremony, which showcased Saudi Arabia's capability in hosting major international sporting events. He praised the professionalism and artistic quality displayed throughout the ceremony, highlighting the Kingdom's experience in sports event management.
HH expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia's ability to deliver a successful edition of the Games, reinforcing its position in global sports and the spirit of solidarity embodied by this Islamic sporting event.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad concluded by wishing all participating teams success, expressing hope that Riyadh 2025 will serve as a model of excellence and innovation in promoting youth and sports in the Islamic world.
The opening ceremony featured artistic performances celebrating Saudi heritage, unity, and Islamic identity. The Bahraini delegation, dressed in traditional attire, received a warm welcome from HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad and the audience during the nations' parade.