The World Friendship Games, originally scheduled for 2024, have been postponed until 2025

The World Friendship Games, originally scheduled for September 2024, have been postponed to 2025. Inside The Games was told that the Organising Committee will soon announce new dates for the event, which has received applications from nearly 2,500 athletes from 127 countries to compete in 36 sports at 21 venues, 17 in Moscow and four in Yekaterinburg.

The International Friendship Association (IFA), the rights holder of the tournament, cited serious concerns complicating the event's organisation in Russia. Key issues include safety concerns for athletes facing opposition from international sports federations and the overburdening of athletes due to their preparation for the Paris Olympics.

The Organising Committee, agreeing with the IFA, decided that postponing the Games will maximise athlete and official availability in a non-Olympic year and fully realise the potential of the high-level tournament in Russia.

The Committee also noted the crowded sports calendar in Russia for 2024, highlighting events like the new international e-sports and digital sports tournament Games of the Future held in February-March, and the BRICS Games recently concluded in Kazan.

In the interest of all stakeholders, the Organising Committee believes postponing the Games until 2025 is the best course of action, allowing future participants ample time to prepare and maximise their performance in the World Friendship Games.