▲ World Taekwondo Demonstration Team had a performance on the opening ceremony of '2023 Riyadh World Combat Games' [Source from= SportAccord WCG]     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

The opening ceremony of the ‘2023 Riyadh World Combat Games’ was held at Green Hall in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, the 19th (local time) October. 

Ivo PERRIANI, the president of SportAccord, Dr. Stephan FOX, the vice-president of SportAccord, and H.H. Prince Fahd Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Musaed, the vice-president of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC), attended the opening ceremony, while International Federation (IF) officials, including World Taekwondo (WT) president Dr. Chungwon CHOUE and International Wushu Federation (IWUF) president Zhongwen GOU, also attended the opening ceremony.

▲ The16 IFs' color guards had a march on the opening ceremony of '2023 Riyadh World Combat Games' [Source from= SportAccord WCG]     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

The opening ceremony began with raising the national flag in line with the performance of the Saudi Arabian military band, and after that, 16 international federation (IF) color guards entered one after another. However, among the 16 sports, Boxing, which has not solved the governance issue since it was pointed out by the International Olympic Committee (President Thomas Bach, IOC), replaced the World Combat Games flag instead of the International Federation (IF) flag.

After the parade, president Ivo PERRIANI of SportAccord Said: “This event brings together not only the champions of champions, but also the champions of all abilities, to celebrate a moment of sport which is built on inclusion, nondiscrimination, equality, values that are now, in a world of uncertainty, more important than ever.”

▲ President Ivo FERRIANI of SportAccord had a speeching on the opening ceremony of '2023 Riyadh World Combat Games' [Source from= SportAccord WCG]     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

And H.H. Prince Fahd Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Said: “The Kingdom has emerged as a global focal point and a premier destination for hosting some of the world’s most prestigious international sporting events, a testament to the unwavering support of our esteemed leadership. To all participants, I proudly proclaim: the arena lies before you, providing a golden opportunity to showcase your abilities. Embrace the competitive spirit, harness your talents, and stand as exemplary ambassadors for your nations on this international stage.”

▲ Vice-president. H.H. Prince Fahd Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Musaed had the opening ceremony of '2023 Riyadh World Combat Games' [Source from= SportAccord WCG]     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

The oaths as athlete representatives of Hasna Alnajm and Dunya Abutaleb, and oaths as offical representatives of Omar Al Rasheed and Malak Al Sultan were held.

Later, singer Zena Emad's official theme song for the World Combat Game was performed, followed by demonstration performances of Muaythai, Aikido, Taekwondo, and Wushu to the traditional Saudi Arabian melody.

[Photo News] '2023 World Combat Games' Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

▲ The oaths as athlete representatives of Hasna Alnajm & Dunya Abutaleb.     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

▲ The oaths as official representatives of Omar Al Rasheed & Malak Al Sultan    ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

▲ Traditional Martial Arts demostration    ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

▲ Muaythai Krabi-Krabong demonstration    ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

▲ (Left) Jeong-kang SEO, the Secretary Generenal of World Taekwondo (WT), (Right) Zhongwen GOU, the President of International Wushu Federation (IWUF)     ©Seok-mu Mason KWON

▲ The performance of World Taekwondo (WT) Demonstration Team    ©Seok-mu Mason KWON