ISSF Plans to Form a Special Internal Committee for Palestinian Sports

JAKARTA – The Islamic Solidarity Sport Federation (ISSF) is paying special attention to the situation occurring in Palestine.

This non-profit sports institution, which is a member of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), plans to form a special internal committee to provide recommendations, assistance, and programs for Palestine.

This plan was conveyed directly by the President of the ISSF, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, on the agenda of the 12th General Assembly which was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier this week.

The man who is also the Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed his condolences and deep sympathy for the Palestinian people, especially those in Gaza.

One of the impacts of this humanitarian tragedy was that infrastructure, buildings, property, sports facilities, and youth centers were destroyed.

According to Prince Abdulaziz, this condition has also hampered the progress of Palestinian sports.

“Today we gather amidst painful situations and developments that are not hidden from anyone. Impact on young people and athletes in the Gaza strip. "They have suffered losses and impacts, including damage to infrastructure and facilities," Prince Abdulaziz said in his speech.

He appealed to ISSF member countries to continue to promote the spirit of friendship and equality between fellow members which is in line with Islamic values, as the main purpose of ISSF's existence.

“ISSF always hopes to realize the concept of sports solidarity among member countries. We highlight that the new ISSF strategy, including programs and measurable measures, will contribute to the progress of sport in member countries."

"We support young people in improving their abilities and showcasing their talents on various platforms," ​​said Prince Abdulaziz.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee (NOC), HE Lieutenant General Jibril Alrjoub, expressed his appreciation for ISSF's support for Palestine.

“This also results in damage to sports facilities, hampering the progress of athletes in Gaza. "Many of them have become martyrs in the last few weeks," Alrjoub said.

The 12th General Assembly also decided to extend the term of office of the current ISSF Executive Board until after the conclusion of the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) in 2025.

Apart from that, there was also discussion of ISSF's strategic plan, approval of ISSF's new logo and branding, as well as approval of the seventh edition of ISG bidding in 2029.

NOC Indonesia, as one of the ISSF member countries, was also present at the 12th General Assembly.

Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia), Raja Sapta Oktohari, came accompanied by the Executive Committee Zainal Asikin and Vishnu Wardhana as well as Deputy Secretary General I Daniel Loy and Deputy Secretary General II Desra Firza Ghazfan.