Triumph and Glory: Unveiling the Closing Day’s Medalists and Celebrating Unity at the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games Grand Closing Ceremony

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- October 30th, 2023:  The final day of the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games was a spectacle to behold as fans were treated to thrilling final performances in Kendo, Muaythai, Taekwondo, and Savate, with the day culminating in the awarding of 51 medals (12 gold).

Ukraine topped the medal tally with a total of 53 medals, of which 21 were gold. Saudi Arabia followed closely with 51 medals (12 gold), Kazakhstan with 48 medals (12 gold), Independent Neutral Athletes with 18 medals (11 gold), and France securing a total of 25 medals, 10 of which were gold.

The grand closing ceremony of the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games was nothing short of spectacular. It started with a riveting recap video showcasing the event’s highlights, followed by an engaging address from Mr. Ivo Ferriani. After Mr. Ferriani’s remarks, HH Prince Fahd Bin Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mussad, The Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed deep gratitude to the competitors, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), volunteers, and the entire Saudi community. Special acknowledgement was given to the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games Organizing Committee for their commitment to ensuring the event’s overwhelming success. The evening was then illuminated with a captivating LED laser and light show, accompanied by flag parade and athlete tributes.

As the sun set on the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games, the camaraderie among nations was palpable. Athletes from around the globe showcased their immense dedication in the arena, reminding us all of the unifying power of sports. The closing ceremony was not just a farewell but a testament to global sportsmanship.

Muaythai

Today’s highlights included the highly anticipated men’s and women’s Muaythai finals. In the men’s division, Mohamed Touizi from the United Arab Emirates won the -57 kg, Iran’s Masuod Adbolmaleki clinched the -63.5 kg, Hamza Rachid of Morocco took the -67 kg, Konstantin Shakhtarin (Independent Neutral Athlete) secured the -71 kg, Saudi Arabia’s Inad Baowaydhan triumphed in the -75 kg, Mustafa Raad Shakir Al-Tekreeti of Iraq won the -81 kg, and Gadzhi Medzhidov (Independent Neutral Athlete) dominated the -91 kg category.

In the women’s Muaythai finals, Hattan Alsaid of Saudi Arabia clinched the -45 kg title, Nirawan Tangchio of Thailand won the -48 kg, Monika Chochlikova of Slovakia secured the -51 kg, Martyna Kierczynska of Poland dominated the -54 kg, Bryony Soden of Australia took the -57 kg, Kubra Kocakus of Turkey grabbed the 60 kg title, and Elizabeth Zoe of Australia triumphed in the -63.6 kg division. In the Women’s Assaut, Rim Ridane of France emerged victorious in the -60 kg and Andrea Campoverde of France won the -70 kg category.

Taekwondo
Darius Venerable from the Philippines secured the gold in the Men’s Individual Taekwondo Poomsae with a score of 9.280. In the Women’s Individual Poomsae category, Yeaeun Cha of Korea mirrored this achievement, securing her gold with an equally impressive score of 9.280.

Mixed Kyorugi Teams began and concluded their events with Korea securing the gold in a decisive 75-53 win against Morocco.

Savate

In the Men’s Savate Assaut -70 kg division, Johan Ghassiri of France took the top spot. Women’s Assaut winners were Rim Ridane of France in the -60 kg division and Andrea Campoverde of France in the -70 kg category. In Men’s Combat, Elias Kanfouah won the -60 kg, Amine Feddal of France secured the -70 kg, and Christopher Brugiroux of France clinched the -85 kg. In Women’s Combat, Aleksandra Dimitrova of Bulgaria claimed the -52 kg and Karmella Makelja of Croatia triumphed in the -60 kg. The Mixed Team Canne de Combat finals highlighted Independent Neutral Athletes Valentin, Kim, and Dardour.

Moreover, a standout moment in today’s Savate championships was the -70kg battle featuring Brian Francois. Representing Mauritius, Brian competed against his rival opponent Fanny Serena of France. Although the fight would see him receiving silver instead of the coveted gold, Brian’s unwavering optimism signals a promising journey ahead. Before the fight, Brian remarked, “It’s my first time competing in the World Combat Games, and the organization has been top-notch. I am very happy to be here, and I feel completely ready to fight today. I’ve already fought against my opponent in the World Championship final, and he defeated me. Now I’m looking for retribution. It’s a shame that my coach couldn’t be here, but I’m proud of myself, proud to represent Mauritius and I’ll give everything I have for my country.”

Kendo
In Kendo, fans were greeted with a variety of Demonstration and Exhibition events, including Demonstration Rounds of Kendo Kata, Kendo Demonstrations of Korean Bonkuk Kumbub, Kendo Demonstrations of Iaido #2, Jodo #2, Mixed Team Exhibition Rounds, women’s Masters Demonstration matches and men’s Masters Demonstration Matches

About the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games:

This year marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia as Riyadh proudly becomes the first Middle Eastern city to host the World Combat Games. The programme for this year’s Games encompasses 16 combat sports and martial arts disciplines, including Aikido, Armwrestling, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Muaythai, Sambo, Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Wushu.