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World Combat Games
World Combat Games
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The World Combat Games (GAISF World Combat Games / SportAccord World Combat Games) is an international multi-sport event featuring combat sports and martial arts.[1] The games were founded by Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), now known as SportAccord, as a way of bringing various martial arts and combative sports to an international audience. The World Combat Games are also accompanied by a cultural program that reflects the ancient traditions and values of martial arts, as well as their contribution to modern society.[2] The games are recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Key Information

In 2019, it was announced the World Combat Games would be held quadrennially.[3] The host and venue for the 2027 World Combat Games has not been announced.[4]

Games

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Edition Year Host City Host Country Sports Events Best
1 2010 Beijing China 12 118 Russia
2 2013 Saint Petersburg Russia 15 135 Russia
cancelled 2019 Taipei  Taiwan
cancelled 2021 Astana  Kazakhstan
3 2023 Riyadh Saudi Arabia 16 202
  Cancelled

Sports

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History

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World Combat Games 2010

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The first World Combat Games was held 2010 in Beijing, with competitions for boxing, judo, ju-jitsu, karate, kendo, kickboxing, sanshou, Muay Thai, sambo, sumo, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu, and an aikido demonstration. Over 1000 athletes from all five continents participated. About the same number of volunteers helped to deliver the event. During the eight days of competitions 118 gold medals were awarded. Medals were won by 60% of the nations taking part in the Games, and also by not traditional combat sports nations.[citation needed] Russia lead the medal table with 18 gold medals, followed by China (15) and Ukraine (7).[5]

World Combat Games 2013

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The second World Combat Games were held in Saint Petersburg.[6] In these Games, the sports of savate and fencing made their debut. Russia dominated the medal table, with 47 gold medals.

World Combat Games 2019

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The demise of the SportAccord organisation, following a dispute with the International Olympic Committee and the SportAccord president Marius Vizer led to a temporary halt on the World Combat Games. The successor organisation, Global Association of International Sports Federations or GAISF took over the organisation of the event, and signed heads of agreement in November 2017 with official from Chinese Taipei for a 2019 edition of the event. However, it proved impossible to organise within the time frame, and the 2019 was shelved, with the intention of relaunching the event in 2021.[7]

World Combat Games 2021

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On May 10, 2019, GAISF announced that Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan's capital city, had been awarded the 2021 World Combat Games. The Games will take place from May 3 to 9 in the capital city, which had recently been renamed from Astana. At the announcement, GAISF announced that event would henceforth adhere to a quadrennial timescale, with the next event, as yet unawarded, planned for 2025.[3]

World Combat Games 2023

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[8]

2023 World Combat Games

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16 Sports:[9]

  1. Aikido at the 2023 World Combat Games (0) (1 Demonstration Events) (Include Para Teams)
  2. Armwrestling at the 2023 World Combat Games (20 + 8 Para Event)
  3. Boxing at the 2023 World Combat Games (8)
  4. Fencing at the 2023 World Combat Games (12)
  5. Judo at the 2023 World Combat Games (1 Mixed Team Event)
  6. Ju-jitsu at the 2023 World Combat Games (14 + 4 Para Event)
  7. Karate at the 2023 World Combat Games (12)
  8. Kendo at the 2023 World Combat Games (2) (4 Demonstration Events)
  9. Kickboxing at the 2023 World Combat Games (12)
  10. Muaythai at the 2023 World Combat Games (17 + 2 Para Event)
  11. Sambo at the 2023 World Combat Games (10 + 1 Mixed Team Event + 1 Para Event)
  12. Savate at the 2023 World Combat Games (12 + 1 Mixed Team Event + 1 Para Event)
  13. Sumo at the 2023 World Combat Games (8)
  14. Taekwondo at the 2023 World Combat Games (3 + 1 Mixed Team Event)
  15. Wrestling at the 2023 World Combat Games (36)
  16. Wushu at the 2023 World Combat Games (16)

Total : (182 + 4 Mixed Team Event + 16 Para Event) + (5 Demonstration Events) = 202 + 5 = 207

Results

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  1. Aikido: [10]
  2. Armwrestling: [11]
  3. Boxing: [12]
  4. Fencing: [13]
  5. Judo: [14]
  6. Jujitsu: [15]
  7. Karate: [16]
  8. Kendo: [17]
  9. Kickboxing: [18]
  10. Muaythai: [19]
  11. Sambo: [20]
  12. Savate: [21]
  13. Sumo: [22]
  14. Taekwondo: [23]
  15. Wresting: [24]
  16. Wushu: [25]

Medals

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Source:[26][27][28][29][30]

Complete Medals:[26]

  1.  Ukraine
  2.  Saudi Arabia
  3.  Kazakhstan

Competitions

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Medal table

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RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1 Russia653136132
2 China2091948
3 France19131648
4 Japan17171145
5 Ukraine11212557
6 Italy1011930
7 Iran98926
8 Thailand75416
9 Azerbaijan61310
10 Poland531826
Totals (10 entries)169119150438

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The World Combat Games is an international organized by SportAccord that unites elite athletes in combat sports and from around the globe. Held quadrennially since 2019, the games feature both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines, emphasizing values such as respect, discipline, and excellence while promoting inclusivity and global unity among over 1,500 competitors from more than 120 countries. The event showcases 16 core sports, including , armwrestling, , , , ju-jitsu, , , , muaythai, sambo, , , , wrestling, and wushu. The inaugural edition took place from August 28 to September 4, 2010, in , , featuring 13 and combat s with 1,108 athletes from five continents competing for 136 gold medals. A second edition followed from October 18 to 26, 2013, in , , expanding to 15 disciplines and highlighting both recognized and emerging combat s. After a hiatus, the third edition occurred from October 20 to 30, 2023, in Riyadh, , marking a historic milestone as the first all-inclusive event with dedicated categories in six disciplines—, muaythai, armwrestling, ju-jitsu, sambo, and —welcoming 60 para and special athletes with physical, intellectual, or visual impairments alongside over 1,500 total athletes from more than 120 countries. Key aspects of the World Combat Games include its role as a platform for Olympic sports like boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling to coexist with non-Olympic ones, fostering broader recognition for martial arts traditions. The 2023 Riyadh event, broadcast in over 100 countries and livestreamed globally, also hosted the inaugural World Martial Arts Gala to honor legends in the field, underscoring the games' commitment to legacy and community impact. The next edition is planned for 2027, though the host and dates have not yet been announced as of November 2025.

Organization and Format

Governing Body and Founding

The World Combat Games were founded in 2010 by SportAccord, serving as the organizational framework of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), to unite international federations in combat sports and under a single multi-sport platform. GAISF, established in 1967 as an umbrella body for over 100 autonomous international sports federations, underwent a to SportAccord in 2009 to encompass its annual convention and event coordination activities, before reverting to GAISF in 2017 and ultimately dissolving in 2022, with SportAccord assuming continued oversight of initiatives like the Games. The (IOC) has provided patronage to the World Combat Games since its inception, acknowledging it as a key that promotes Olympic values among combat disciplines and supports the development of non-Olympic sports. SportAccord, in its role as the coordinating entity, facilitates collaboration among member federations to standardize rules, ensure integrity, and host the Games, drawing on GAISF's legacy of fostering knowledge sharing and visibility for its affiliates. A pivotal occurred in 2016 when GAISF established a to evaluate and reform the event following its early editions, focusing on cost efficiency, IOC alignment, and revival strategies to sustain long-term viability amid organizational challenges. This effort led to structural enhancements, including the integration of Paralympic combat sports categories starting in 2023.

Event Structure and Frequency

The World Combat Games were initially held on a biennial basis, featuring editions in 2010 and 2013. Following an announcement in 2019, the event transitioned to a quadrennial schedule to better align with the international multi-sport and allow for enhanced preparation by participating federations. This shift positioned the 2023 edition as the first under the new format, with the subsequent games scheduled for 2027. The games typically span 8 to 11 days, concentrating all competitions within a single host city and often utilizing a compact, multi-arena venue to streamline logistics and promote a unified spectator experience. For instance, the 2023 edition unfolded over 11 days entirely at the King Saud University Indoor Stadium in , enabling seamless transitions between disciplines. Participation involves over 1,500 elite athletes from more than 120 nations, competing in hundreds of events across combat sports and disciplines. The 2023 games, for example, drew more than 1,500 competitors vying for medals in 16 sports, highlighting the event's scale and global reach. Athletes qualify through processes overseen by their respective international federations, which evaluate performances at qualifying tournaments and world rankings to select national representatives, often limiting entries to one per category per country. The event enforces rigorous anti-doping measures compliant with the (WADA) code, including comprehensive testing programs to uphold integrity and athlete health.

Sports and Disciplines

Included Sports

The World Combat Games have progressively expanded the number of featured combat sports across editions, starting with 13 disciplines at the inaugural 2010 event, increasing to 15 at the 2013 edition, and reaching 16 core sports from the 2023 edition onward. Since 2023, the core 16 sports encompass a mix of traditional and disciplines, with competitions structured to showcase elite athletes in various weight classes and formats. Among these, five are current —Boxing, , , , and Wrestling—while the remaining 11 are non-Olympic, providing a platform for disciplines not included in the Summer Games program. The included sports are as follows, with brief overviews of their core elements and Olympic status:
SportBrief DescriptionOlympic Status
AikidoA Japanese martial art focusing on harmonious redirection of an opponent's energy through throws, joint locks, and pins.Non-Olympic
ArmwrestlingA strength-based contest where competitors grip hands and attempt to pin the opponent's arm to a surface.Non-Olympic
BoxingA striking sport using padded gloves in a ring, emphasizing punches to score points or achieve knockouts.Olympic
FencingA sword-based discipline involving épée, foil, or sabre, where athletes score by touching opponents with precision.Olympic
JudoA Japanese grappling art derived from jujutsu, centered on throws, pins, and submissions.Olympic
Ju-jitsuA Japanese system of close-combat techniques including strikes, throws, and ground fighting.Non-Olympic
KarateAn Okinawan-Japanese striking art incorporating punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques.Non-Olympic (former Olympic sport until 2020)
KendoJapanese swordsmanship using bamboo swords and armor, simulating samurai combat with strikes to specific targets.Non-Olympic
KickboxingA stand-up striking sport combining punches and kicks, derived from karate and boxing traditions.Non-Olympic
MuaythaiThailand's national sport, known as the "art of eight limbs," utilizing punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.Non-Olympic
SamboA Russian martial art blending judo and wrestling, with sport, combat, and freestyle variants.Non-Olympic
SavateFrench kickboxing using specialized shoes, incorporating punches, kicks, and knee strikes.Non-Olympic
SumoJapan's traditional wrestling form where competitors aim to force opponents out of a ring or to the ground.Non-Olympic
TaekwondoA Korean martial art renowned for high, fast kicks and dynamic sparring.Olympic
WrestlingA grappling sport with freestyle and Greco-Roman styles, focusing on takedowns, pins, and control.Olympic
WushuChina's traditional martial arts system, including taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring).Non-Olympic
This blend of Olympic and non-Olympic sports underscores the Games' role in promoting global combat traditions beyond the Olympic cycle. The 2023 Riyadh edition marked a milestone by introducing Paralympic categories in six of the sports—Aikido, Armwrestling, Ju-jitsu, Muaythai, Sambo, and Savate—to enhance inclusivity, with adapted events such as Para-Aikido and Para-Muaythai featuring classifications for athletes with impairments.

Competition Categories and Rules

The World Combat Games feature competitions divided into standard categories that include men's, women's, and mixed-gender events across the participating sports, ensuring broad inclusivity while adhering to the specific requirements of each discipline. Weight divisions are a core element, typically ranging from lighter classes such as flyweight (around 48-52 kg for women and 51-55 kg for men in sports like or ) to heavier categories like (over 100 kg), with intermediate divisions like or to match athletes of similar size and promote fair bouts. These divisions follow the international standards set by each sport's , allowing for precise matchmaking in striking and disciplines. Event types encompass individual bouts, where athletes compete one-on-one; team competitions, such as mixed-gender relay-style events in or ; and occasional demonstration formats for non-competitive showcases like certain or wushu performances. Individual events dominate, focusing on direct confrontations, while team formats emphasize coordination and strategy, often involving multiple athletes from the same nation rotating in matches. These structures are designed to highlight both personal skill and collective performance, with the total number of events varying by edition but generally exceeding 200 medal opportunities across . Under the oversight of SportAccord (formerly known as the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)), competitions adhere to unified regulatory standards that integrate each sport's international federation rules, including mandatory anti-doping protocols aligned with the (WADA) code and measures to prevent competition manipulation. Scoring systems are discipline-specific but commonly award points for effective techniques—such as throws, submissions, or strikes in —with judges or referees evaluating control, precision, and impact; for instance, in ju-jitsu or sambo, points accumulate for dominant positions or clean executions, culminating in a win by points, submission, or disqualification. Safety measures are rigorously enforced across all events, incorporating protective gear like gloves, mouthguards, and headgear where applicable, along with medical supervision, time limits on rounds (typically 2-3 minutes per bout), and immediate stoppages for fouls or injuries to minimize risks in high-contact environments. Recent editions, particularly the 2023 Riyadh games, have incorporated adaptations for athletes with impairments, marking a historic inclusion of Paralympic-style events in select disciplines like para ju-jitsu, para , and para armwrestling. These feature classification systems based on the International Paralympic Committee's standards, grouping competitors by type and degree of impairment (e.g., visual, intellectual, or physical) to ensure equitable competition, with modified rules such as adjusted techniques or equipment to accommodate disabilities while preserving the 's integrity. For example, para ju-jitsu uses impairment-specific categories alongside able-bodied divisions, allowing integrated participation and emphasizing skill over physical limitations.

Historical Editions

2010 Beijing

The inaugural edition of the World Combat Games took place from August 28 to September 4, 2010, in , , marking the debut of this dedicated to combat disciplines. Organized by SportAccord, the games featured 13 sports and 136 events, attracting 1,108 athletes from approximately 60 nations across five continents. Beijing's selection as host leveraged strong ties between SportAccord president Hein Verbruggen, a former member, and Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing 2008 Olympics organizing committee, enabling the use of established infrastructure to support the event. Venues included Olympic facilities such as the Gymnasium for wrestling and the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium for ring sports, facilitating high-level competitions while capitalizing on the city's recent hosting of the . Russia dominated the medal table, securing 18 gold medals, with standout performances in wrestling—where athletes like those from the host nation and also excelled—and judo, highlighting the event's competitive depth. finished second with 15 golds, underscoring home advantage in disciplines like wushu. This first edition successfully established the games' format by integrating Olympic and non-Olympic combat sports, fostering international collaboration among federations and drawing significant global attention to , which laid the groundwork for the event's future editions and broader appeal.

2013 Saint Petersburg

The second edition of the World Combat Games took place from October 18 to 26, 2013, in , , featuring 15 combat sports across 135 medal events and drawing approximately 1,400 athletes from 97 nations. Organized by SportAccord, the event highlighted the growing global interest in and combat disciplines, building on the inaugural 2010 games by expanding participation and introducing new elements to the program. This edition introduced and as debut sports, alongside established disciplines such as , , , ju-jitsu, , , , , sambo, , , wrestling, and wushu. The inclusion of these additions aimed to broaden the appeal and showcase a wider array of combat traditions, with competitions spread over multiple venues including the newly built Spartak Sports Complex and the Yubileiny Sports Palace. Russia dominated the overall results, topping the with 47 gold medals out of 135 awarded, reflecting the host nation's strength in home conditions. Highlights included sweeping successes in sambo, where Russian athletes claimed multiple titles across weight categories, and strong showings in , with 90 participants from 37 countries competing in and divisions, resulting in several Russian podium finishes. Logistically, the games were a success for as host, with efficient organization across nine days of competition that accommodated the influx of international participants without major disruptions, as evidenced by the smooth execution of events and the subsequent recognition from Russian leadership in meetings with . Venues like the Spartak Complex facilitated high-quality facilities for disciplines such as , contributing to positive athlete experiences, though specific attendance figures were not publicly detailed beyond reports of enthusiastic local crowds at key sessions.

Canceled Editions of 2019 and 2021

The 2019 edition of the World Combat Games was awarded to in November 2017, with potential host cities including or and the event slated for the second half of the year. However, plans collapsed due to insurmountable organizational, financial, and political challenges, particularly stemming from sensitivities around Taiwan's international participation and pressure from . The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) ultimately received nearly $3 million in compensation from the Chinese Olympic Committee to abandon the hosting agreement. Following the 2019 shelving, the 2021 edition was awarded to , in May 2019, with the Games scheduled for May 3 to 9 across venues including the city's Martial Arts Palace. The event faced initial postponement amid the escalating , which disrupted global travel and athlete preparations, and was ultimately canceled due to persistent logistical failures and health risks. In response to these disruptions, GAISF considered a transition to a quadrennial cycle for the World Combat Games to provide greater stability, align with Olympic rhythms, and allow sufficient preparation time for hosts and federations. This shift was discussed amid the 2019 hosting fallout and aimed to prevent future scheduling conflicts. The consecutive cancellations created a four-year gap in the event's history, delaying its revival until the 2023 edition in , , where GAISF applied key lessons from the failures, including stricter host evaluation criteria, enhanced contingency planning for global crises, and refined multi-sport coordination to ensure long-term viability.

Recent and Future Editions

2023 Riyadh

The 2023 World Combat Games were held from October 20 to 30 in , , marking the third edition of the organized by SportAccord. The competition took place at the unified Arena, bringing together over 1,500 athletes from more than 120 nations to contest events across 16 and combat sports, including , , , , , and wushu. This edition followed the canceled events planned for 2019 in , , and 2021 in an undisclosed location, reviving the games after a hiatus. A key innovation was the first-ever inclusion of para and special categories in six sports—aikido, armwrestling, ju-jitsu, muaythai, sambo, and —alongside able-bodied competitions, making it the world's first major to integrate able-bodied, para, and special athletes on the same fields of play. This all-inclusive approach involved para athletes from 32 nations, emphasizing themes of unity, respect, and non-discrimination, with competitions unified under one roof to foster accessibility and shared experiences. In the medal standings, led with 21 gold medals (53 total), followed by host nation with 12 golds (51 total) and also with 12 golds (48 total). Standout performances included Ukrainian boxers securing multiple golds, such as in the women's categories, and Iranian wushu sanda athlete Masuod Abdolmaleki winning the men's -63.5kg title, highlighting the event's blend of Olympic and non-Olympic combat excellence. The games achieved significant global visibility, with broadcasters from approximately 115 countries providing coverage, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and underscoring Saudi Arabia's growing role in international sports hosting. The event's emphasis on inclusivity and high-level competition set a benchmark for future editions, with over 4,000 attendees at the opening ceremony alone contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

2027 Edition and Beyond

Following the 2023 event, the World Combat Games were established on a quadrennial cycle, with the 2027 edition scheduled as the next. As of November 2025, SportAccord has not announced the host city or nation, with the selection process ongoing through formal bids and expressions of interest. has emerged as a potential host, with the Indonesian Olympic Committee, led by Chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari, actively pursuing the opportunity to promote combat sports and integrate traditional disciplines like into the global program. Future editions, including 2027, may expand on the historic inclusion of para categories debuted in 2023 in , armwrestling, ju-jitsu, muaythai, sambo, and to promote inclusivity across sports. This model could lead to broader participation from para-athletes and further adaptations in event formats. Potential additions of new or disciplines are also being considered to diversify the lineup while maintaining focus on high-level international competition. The long-term vision for the World Combat Games emphasizes alignment with International Olympic Committee (IOC) objectives by featuring Olympic-recognized sports like judo, taekwondo, wrestling, boxing, and fencing, offering athletes enhanced visibility and qualification pathways toward Olympic participation. Securing hosts remains a key challenge, as cities must demonstrate capacity for large-scale logistics, cultural integration, and economic impact following the 2023 edition's success with over 1,500 athletes from more than 120 nations, while upholding the quadrennial rhythm.

All-Time Records

Overall Medal Table

The overall medal table for the World Combat Games aggregates results from the three held editions in 2010, 2013, and 2023, encompassing a total of 513 gold medals awarded across various combat sports. Russia holds the all-time lead with 65 gold medals earned exclusively from the inaugural Beijing and 2013 Saint Petersburg editions, reflecting its strong performance in disciplines such as sambo, , and wrestling. No medals are counted from the canceled 2019 and 2021 editions due to their non-occurrence. Note that did not participate in the 2023 edition due to . In the 2010 Beijing edition, Russia topped the standings with 18 gold medals, ahead of host nation with 15 golds, while placed third overall. The 2013 Saint Petersburg event saw dominate as host, securing 47 golds, 20 silvers, and 26 bronzes for a total of 93 medals, far surpassing competitors like and . The 2023 Riyadh edition marked a shift, with leading the medal count at 21 golds, 17 silvers, and 15 bronzes (53 total), followed closely by host with 51 medals (including 12 golds and 20 silvers) and with 48 medals.
NationGoldSilverBronzeTotalPrimary Editions
6531361322010, 2013
62~39~38~1392010, 2013, 2023
~25~15~21~612010, 2013
122019512023
~23~25~44~922010, 2013, 2023
Note: Exact totals for Ukraine gold (7+34+21=62); Russia from pre-2023 records. Approximations for others based on reported top performances; full breakdowns unavailable from primary sources beyond leading nations. Trends in the overall standings highlight the influence of host nations, as seen with China's strong showing in 2010, Russia's overwhelming success in 2013, and Saudi Arabia's runner-up position in 2023 despite being a newcomer to high-level combat sports aggregation. Eastern European countries have maintained prominence, with , , and collectively accounting for over 40% of all golds awarded, driven by depth in traditions like sambo, wrestling, and .

Participating Nations and Athlete Statistics

The World Combat Games have seen steady growth in global participation since their inception, reflecting the increasing popularity of combat sports worldwide. The inaugural 2010 edition in featured athletes from 60 countries and regions, marking the event's entry as a platform for international competition across multiple disciplines. By the 2013 edition in , participation expanded significantly to representatives from 108 countries, with over 1,300 athletes competing. The 2023 edition reached a peak, attracting over 120 nations and more than 1,500 elite athletes, underscoring the event's evolution into a truly global gathering. Across the three held editions, cumulative participation has exceeded 3,900 athletes, demonstrating robust growth in both scale and geographic diversity. Athlete demographics in the World Combat Games typically encompass competitors in the prime of their physical conditioning. Regional representation has been led by and , which together account for the majority of participants due to their strong traditions in and wrestling disciplines; for instance, nations from these continents dominated entries in the 2023 event. Efforts toward have been a key focus, particularly since 2013, with organizers promoting balanced quotas across sports to achieve near-equal male and female involvement, fostering inclusivity in a historically male-dominated field. Diversity initiatives have further enhanced the event's reach, notably through the inclusion of athletes from developing nations and expanded accessibility programs. The 2023 edition pioneered the integration of Paralympic and athletes, with 60 para and special competitors from 32 countries participating in adapted formats across multiple sports, representing regions from to and emphasizing sensory-impaired and categories. These measures have helped broaden representation beyond traditional powerhouses, supporting the growth of combat sports in underrepresented areas.
EditionHost CityParticipating NationsNumber of Athletes
2010601,108
2013108Over 1,300
2023120+Over 1,500

References

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