Riyadh: Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, inaugurated the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games on Friday at the Janadriyah Camel Racing Track in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The opening ceremony was attended by HE First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani along with several presidents of Islamic National Olympic Committees and numerous sports officials from around the world. According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony also saw the presence of HE First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, and HE Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. The event featured a blend of arts performances highlighting Saudi culture and shared Islamic heritage, creating an atmosphere that combined tradition and modernity. A parade of participating nations, official speeches from the Games' organizing committe e and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, and the raising of the Games' flag were also part of the ceremony. The Qatari flag was carried in the parade by Mubarak Al Kuwari, a member of the Qatari national volleyball team, and Dhikrayat Al Abdullah, a member of the Qatari national fencing team, reflecting the Qatar Olympic Committee's appreciation for their efforts and achievements. The 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, which continues until November 21, features over 3,000 athletes representing 57 countries competing in 23 sports, including athletics, fencing, 3x3 basketball, swimming, and more. Qatar is participating with 82 athletes competing in 16 sports. Qatar has a record of achievements in the Games, beginning in the 2005 Mecca edition with its first gold medal. The journey continued with five medals in Palembang 2013, 12 medals in Baku 2017, and an increased gold medal count in Konya 2022, bringing Qatar's total medal count to 30. The Qatari judo team will start its campaign on Sat urday, with Fatina Boukhaous facing Mozambique's Chinidi Tasmani in the women's under-57 kg category. The Qatari men's table tennis team will meet Iran in the group stage, featuring players Ahmed Saadawi, Mohammed Abdul Wahab, and Abdullah Abdul Wahab. Meanwhile, the volleyball team will face Chad in its third match, with the squad including Bilal Abunbut, Mubarak Al Kuwari, and others. In swimming, Qatar's Ali Tamer will participate in the men's 50-meter freestyle, Mohammed Aziz Ismail in the men's 50-meter butterfly, and Mohammed Mahmoud and Hamza Al Shaalan in the men's 100-meter breaststroke.