Who We Are
One of the largest inclusive sports organizations, uniting 57 diverse countries with a common purpose
About ISSA
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) is an independent organization affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It has its headquarters in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, with a membership of 57 countries.
It aims to support all athletes and develop sport across its member countries through programs and projects, and organizes the multi-sport Islamic Solidarity Games every four years.
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association seeks to enhance cooperation and achieve sporting excellence across its family of 57-member countries. Our mission is to build a sports movement which unites athletes, communities and nations through shared values and the power of sport.
Our Story
Idea of establishing the Union
The ISSA was founded as the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) in 1985 at the initiative of HRH Prince Faisal Fahd Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency of Youth Welfare. Representatives of 34 countries attended the constituent assembly and approved the statues. This followed a decision of leaders at the Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1981 to establish an organization which serves the needs of OIC members in all aspects of sport activities.
1980
Decision of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Resolution # 17/11-C of the 11th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers of the OIC held in Islamabad from 17-22 May 1980
1981
3rd Islamic Summit Conference
From 25-28 January 1981 in Mecca, leaders agreed to endorse the 11th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers of the OIC’s resolution, and establish an organization which serves OIC members in all sporting aspects
1985
ISSF Formally Established
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) was formally established on 6 May 1985 at the initiative of HRH Prince Faisal Fahd Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency of Youth Welfare who was elected as the organization’s first President
2005
Inaugural Islamic Solidarity Games
The first edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games was held from 8-20 April 2005 in the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Ta’if
2023
The organization rebranded
The ISSF began an ongoing transformation. It has been rebranded as the ISSA, and there is a clear strategy for an exciting future for the movement which received unanimous approval at the ISSA General Assembly on 27 November 2023
ISSA Members
We are a united family of 57 countries across four continents
* 29% of the world countries
Our Members
Know more about ISSA