Riyadh: The World Championship in Fire and Rescue Sport stands as a unique global sporting event that successfully merges high physical fitness with essential professional discipline. Since its inception more than two decades ago, it has grown into a major international competition where men and women contestants from across the globe showcase their skill and sportsmanship.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the championship was first held in 2002 in Moscow, Russia, under the supervision of the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers (ISFFR), which was established in 2001. Though the inaugural event had limited participation, the tournament quickly expanded its scope. Key milestones in its growth include the first participation of teams from outside Eastern Europe in Sz©kesfeh©rv?r, Hungary, in 2004, and the official approval of the women's category in 2006.
The tournament steadily enhanced its organization, introducing electronic scoring and strengthening friendly cooperation among fire and rescue services from various countries. Over the years, the championship has expanded its reach, welcoming participants from over 25 countries spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
In a significant step, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 20th men's and 11th women's editions of the championship in the capital, Riyadh, from October 26 to November 1. The event, jointly organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the ISFFR, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. The hosting represents international recognition of the Kingdom's organizational capacity for managing specialized global events. The championship will feature the participation of 21 countries, with athletes competing for individual and team titles over a six-day schedule.
The championship focuses on realistic simulations of firefighting operations, testing athletes' speed, endurance, and team coordination. The four main events include the hook ladder climb, the 100-meter hurdle race, the 4 x 100-meter relay, and combat deployment using specialized pumps and hoses. The ISFFR ensures sporting integrity by applying strict WADA anti-doping standards.
The Riyadh 2025 championship reflects the Kingdom's commitment to promoting a culture of community safety and prevention, developing the capabilities of national cadres, and highlighting the Kingdom's image on the international stage, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Since its founding, the championship has carried a global humanitarian message: celebrating firefighters who dedicate their lives to saving others. The tournament successfully transforms a field job into a noble sport, embodying heroism, professionalism, courage, and cooperation. Riyadh 2025 is poised to be a new milestone, opening horizons for cooperation between Arab countries and the international federation and confirming Riyadh's position as a global destination for specialized international events.