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The Fourth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games kicked off yesterday (Friday) in Baku with over 4,000 athletes from 21 countries to compete in 20 different sports in 16 world-class sporting venues over the next 10 days.
Bahrain, marking their third appearance in the history of the games, has touched down in the Azerbaijan capital yesterday. They are sending 60 athletes taking part in three sports, namely athletics, shooting and wrestling.
The nationals have already started their preparations soon after arrival Bahrain has completed its preparations for the Fourth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, which takes place in Baku, in Azerbaijan later this month.
Bahrain delegation manager Fajer Jassim led her nation’s side at the flag hoisting ceremony held yesterday at the games village, where a string of music and entertaining activities took place as part of the main programme.
Fajer also attended the chef de mission meeting prior to the opening ceremony and discussed certain arrangements related to their role at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, three countries—Libya, Sudan and Kuwait—have withdrawn from the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games.
The Azerbaijan Islamic Solidarity Games Operations Committee (AISGOC) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) issued a statement confirming the news. It means that hopes that for the first time all 57 members of the ISSF would take part in the Solidarity Games have been dashed.
The Kuwait athletes had been due to compete as Independent ISSF athletes due to an ongoing dispute with the International Olympic Committee.
The chairman of the Libyan Olympic Committee, Osman Ganain, issued a statement saying that a funding crisis was the reason for his country’s withdrawal. No reason was given for the withdrawal of Sudan.