Nur-Sultan awarded 2021 World Combat Games

The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) announced today at SportAccord Gold Coast that Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan's capital city, has been awarded the 2021 World Combat Games. 

The Games will take place from 3rd May to 9th May with GAISF stating that the event will bring together combat and martial arts sports athletes.

It is claimed Nur-Sultan was chosen to host the Games due to its modern facilities and the country’s passion for combat and martial arts sports.

GAISF state the three main venues of the World Combat Games will be the Martial Arts Palace, the Alau Ice Palace and the national velodrome, which are conveniently located within close proximity of one another and will be complemented by a festival plaza offering a memorable all-in-one experience.

The Martial Arts Palace was specifically designed for major international competitions and training camps in Kazakhstan’s capital city. The purpose-built Martial Arts Palace is currently in the final stages of development and will be inaugurated this summer.

 “Creating a platform for our members to showcase their disciplines through multi-sport games is one of GAISF’s main priorities," said Raffaele Chiulli, GAISF President.

"We are excited to be working with the team from Nur-Sultan and the launch of the World Combat Games.”

By hosting the Games, the organisers aim to further develop those sports and inspire the next generation of athletes. One year before the Games, the organisers will launch the World Combat Games Festival, which will incorporate all 14 regions of Kazakhstan, making it a country-wide celebration.

 “We are delighted to have been awarded the 2021 World Combat Games," said Karim Massimov, former Kazakhstan Prime Minister and President of the Martial Arts Association of Kazakhstan.

"Combat sports and martial arts are extremely popular throughout Kazakhstan and it is sure to be a wonderful celebration of sport. 

"My thanks to GAISF for their ongoing support and we now look forward to an amazing Games in 2021.”

A sport program is yet to be confirmed for the Games.

The World Combat Games was due to be held in Chinese Taipei in 2019, but was last year stopped, with plans made to adjust the format.

The revised plans would see the Games held every four years starting in 2021.