The annual World Sport & Business who took place in Birmingham, West Midlands was the perfect setting to celebrate the World Combat Games 2023 Awards Ceremony. The ceremony marked a tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the 16 combat sports and martial arts united at the World Combat Games, hosted in the majestic city of Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The World Combat Games featured the best of the best athletes from the combat sports and martial arts bringing their most talented elite athletes on the field of play and showcasing the ancient values and traditions of respect, honor, and excellence which was the beating heart of the event.
Inclusivity and equality was the focus and theme perfectly aligning with the Vision 2030 of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman Al Saud. History was made as it was the first all-inclusive event, with over 1800 athletes participating, including Para and Special athletes with physical, intellectual, or visual impairments, who participated in a unique opening and closing ceremonies and stood proudly contributing towards the final medal tally.
The awards ceremony welcomed representatives of all 16 martial arts and was presided over by the President of SportAccord, Dr. Uğur Erdener and the Chair of the World Combat Games Council, Mr. Stephan Fox. The WCG Impact Report was presented by Mr. Diamil Faye, Senior Advisor to the President of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee and an informative Media Report was delivered by Hagen Bossdorf, the event’s Broadcast Manager.
SportAccord showed their appreciation for the outstanding efforts and achievements, with a special token presented by the President of SportAccord, Dr. Uğur Erdener, to the President of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud.
Additional awards were given to the combat sports and a unique plaque was presented by the Chair of the World Combat Games Council, Stephan Fox, to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud on behalf of all participating athletes from all 5 continents.
The World Combat Games in KSA will go down in the history books for the art, athleticism, and united values showcased by the athletes of all 16 combat sports on the field of play. The supporting festival and community activities complimented the event as a testimony towards peace and cultural understanding. The future of the martial arts is stronger and more united than ever, and the WCG solidified its place as the elite martial art event bringing together the world’s best.