KUALA LUMPUR, 15 October 2003 — Saudi Arabia will host the first Islamic nations’ games for members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 2005, the official Bernama news agency reported yesterday.

“The idea of organizing the games was put up some 20 years ago but it did not materialize because of many problems. This time we hope it will be a reality,” Mohammad S. Gazdar, secretary-general of OIC subsidiary Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), was quoted as saying. The event will feature games such as football, basketball, equestrian, shooting, handball and swimming.

Speaking in the Malaysian capital, Mohammad asked Malaysia to help promote the games.

“Since Malaysia will chair the OIC for three years, it can play a big role in sports development,” he said.

Malaysia is hosting a two-day OIC summit beginning today. Iran will organize the games in 2009 and Syria in 2013.