The ISF Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024, featuring more than 5,400 participants representing over 70 countries worldwide, got underway today with the official opening ceremony at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa.

Azerbaijan’s flag bearers Para swimmer Ali Valiyev and taekwondo fighter Khuraman Javadzade joined a colourful parade of nations.

The competition will furthermore feature plenty of actions over the next few days in the Gymnasiade’s 26 sports.

The 26 sports that will be a part of the Gymnasiade’s programme are archery, athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, chess, dance sport, fencing, aerobic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, judo, karate, orienteering, padel, Para athletics, Para badminton, Para judo, Para swimming, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and wrestling.

During the event, a cultural day will also be held on Sunday, with the participating delegations sharing various aspects of their nation’s cultures.

This year’s Gymnasiade is the 19th edition of the event. It was first held in 1974, hosted by West Germany, with 13 nations taking part and just two sports on the programme. It has grown over the years and its last edition in 2022, which was held in Normandy, France, featured 69 countries competing in 20 sports.