Religious and cultural sporting events such as the Maccabiah Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games have grown into important stages for cultural expression, community building and international diplomacy. Rooted in faith and tradition, they allow athletes and audiences to celebrate shared values. Yet their focus on religion also raises questions about inclusivity and unity in today’s interconnected world.

The Maccabiah Games, often called the “Jewish Olympics,” have been held every four years since 1932. They bring together Jewish athletes from across the globe to compete and celebrate heritage. After the Holocaust, the Games took on a deeper meaning, offering Jewish communities a way to reconnect, rebuild bonds across continents and celebrate resilience through sport. Today, the event is a symbol of continuity and identity, linking generations of Jewish athletes and communities worldwide.

The Islamic Solidarity Games, organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, share similar ambitions. They aim to promote unity among Muslim-majority nations while showcasing shared values through sport. Inclusivity, however, remains a challenge. Questions around gender participation highlight the difficulty of reconciling cultural identity with diversity on the international stage.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2025 edition in Riyadh from 7 to 21 November, returning the event to the Kingdom after two decades. Nineteen sports are scheduled, including athletics, judo, taekwondo and boxing, with more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries expected to compete. For the first time, British athletes have been invited. The move suggests a shift toward expanding participation beyond the ISSF’s traditional membership and signals a desire to boost the Games’ global reach.

Despite the challenges, these events offer remarkable opportunities for dialogue and understanding. The Maccabiah Games strengthen ties across Jewish communities worldwide, serving as a celebration of shared heritage and resilience. The Islamic Solidarity Games provide Muslim-majority countries with a stage to present their culture and values. Both highlight the role of sport as a form of soft diplomacy, building bridges where politics too often builds walls.

To reach their full potential, such events must go beyond competition. Educational and cultural programmes, cross-cultural exchanges and a commitment to political neutrality are essential. Done well, they can celebrate identity while promoting inclusivity. Religious-cultural sporting events remind us that sport is more than medals and records. They can strengthen identity while at the same time building solidarity. As Riyadh 2025 approaches, the test will be whether these Games can move beyond their roots to truly embody unity.

What must also be remembered is that these events should never fuel rivalry between religions. In sport, no faith or race is superior to another. The values of the Olympic Charter should guide them, bringing athletes together to compete fairly and equally, not only in religious or cultural games but also on the world stage of Olympic sport.