Here at the United Through Sports (UTS) World Youth Festival, President Stephan Fox, who is also the chair of the World Combat Games, said that Paralympic and Special Olympic athletes will be part of the multi-sport event for the first time.

More than 2,000 athletes and officials are expected to be at the 2023 World Combat Games, with 15 Olympic and non-Olympic combat sports set to feature.

"It is going to an improved format from the past," Fox told insidethegames.

"This is going to be the first all-inclusive Combat Games.

"We will also have Paralympic and Special Olympics disciplines.

"It also goes in line with what United Through Sports is doing.

"In total, there is going to be over 2,000 athletes and officials."

Another interesting aspect of the event is going to be the single medals table for all the athletes.

"They are all going to be in the same medals table," Fox continued.

"If you win a medal in karate and Para karate, it will be added in the same medals table."

An awards night has been planned in Saudi Arabia where fans will be allowed to vote as well.

"From March or April onwards, people can vote who is the best athlete in different categories," Fox said.

"It is going to be a great night for the participants."

Currently, the Organising Committee and Fox are in talks with media partners to make it an event televised worldwide.

Masterclasses will be another fresh addition.

Each country can bring their best masters and set up booths.

Participants and fans will be given passes to try the various martial arts on offer.

"We are not planning to run this event at a loss," Fox said.

"There is going to be television and media.

"We are talking with companies on media contracts at the moment.

"It is going to televised worldwide.

"We are also going to do a cultural forum to end the event.

"All the martial arts have so much history and every country can showcase the origin of the sport.

"It is all going to happen at one venue and everyone can enjoy different combat sports from once place."

The 2023 World Combat Games is scheduled to held from October 21 to 30.

The event was last held in Saint Petersburg in Russia back in 2013.

Saudi Arabia is also due to stage the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2025.

The Gulf nation is later set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 and Asian Games in 2034.

Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement and investment in sport has been scrutinised, with the nation accused of sportswashing due to its record on human rights.