Türkiye crowned Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 champions; Pakistan finish 24th with five medals
Türkiye crowned Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 champions; Pakistan finish 24th with five medals
Nawaz Gohar from Riyadh ; The 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games concluded in the Saudi capital on Thursday with Türkiye emerging as the undisputed overall champion, while Pakistan finished 24th with a five-medal haul.
The two-week multi-sport event, held from November 4 to 21, brought together dozens of Muslim-majority nations in a vibrant celebration of sporting excellence, unity, and cultural solidarity.
Türkiye topped the medal table with a commanding total of 155 medals, including 72 gold, 44 silver, and 39 bronze, showcasing dominance across athletics, combat sports, and aquatic events. Uzbekistan secured second place with 96 medals (29 gold, 35 silver, 32 bronze), while Iran claimed third place with 81 medals (29 gold, 19 silver, 33 bronze).
Host nation Saudi Arabia delivered a strong all-round performance to finish fourth with 57 medals (18 gold, 12 silver, 27 bronze), followed closely by Egypt in fifth with 45 medals (17 gold, 11 silver, 17 bronze).
Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Morocco, and Azerbaijan completed the top ten, each delivering standout performances across multiple disciplines. Azerbaijan, despite finishing tenth, collected an impressive 59 medals, the highest total outside the top five.
Pakistan participated with a 54-member contingent and finished 24th, earning a total of five medals, one gold, one silver, and three bronze. While the medal count fell short of expectations, Pakistan’s athletes displayed determination and resilience throughout the competition as they battled against experienced and resource-rich opponents.
In the mid-table standings, the United Arab Emirates finished 11th, Algeria 12th, Indonesia 13th, Kyrgyzstan 14th, and Tunisia 15th. Uganda, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Cameroon, Oman, Iraq, and Senegal occupied positions 16 to 23, each securing at least one gold medal.
Djibouti, Afghanistan, Libya, Tajikistan, Palestine, Albania, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Niger, Syria, and Guinea rounded off the table with modest yet hard-earned medal contributions.
The closing ceremony featured a vibrant showcase of Arab culture, Islamic heritage, and sporting spirit, marking the culmination of a successful international event that strengthened bonds among Muslim nations. Organisers hailed the Games as a symbol of unity and cooperation,
highlighting the athletes’ remarkable performances and the host nation’s world-class hospitality. The Islamic Solidarity Games will return in 2029, with details on the next host country expected to be announced next year.
