Daejeon, Republic of Korea, has been officially selected as the host city for the 2029 Invictus Games, an international adaptive sports event for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel. This achievement, made possible through close cooperation among the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Daejeon Metropolitan City, and the Korea Disabled Veterans Association, holds significant historical value as the first Invictus Games to be held on the Asian continent.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister Kwon Oh-eul) announced that the Invictus Games Foundation, based in the UK, unanimously voted at its Board of Trustees meeting to select Daejeon, Republic of Korea, as the host city for the 2029 Games. Daejeon emerged victorious after competing fiercely against strong rival cities, including San Diego (USA) and Aalborg (Denmark).
Meticulous Preparation and K-Culture Synergies: Foundation Expects a "New Leap Forward"
The Invictus Games Foundation explained that its decision to choose Daejeon as the 2029 host city was driven by South Korea’s exceptional preparation level and strong collaborative framework. The Foundation highly praised Daejeon's systematic and thorough preparation process, which included on-site evaluations in February, the submission of the official bid in May, and the presentation in London in June.
In particular, the close partnership established among the central government (Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs), the local government (Daejeon Metropolitan City), and the disabled veterans community under the shared goal of recovery and rehabilitation for wounded service members played a decisive role in the final approval.
The Foundation added that it expects the event to mark a major leap forward for the Invictus Games and drive expanded participation across Asia, leveraging South Korea’s global cultural influence (K-culture) and the symbolic importance of being the first host nation in Asia.
A Global Celebration of Wounded Warriors' Indomitable Spirit
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event designed to foster the physical, psychological, and social recovery of wounded military personnel through sports. Unlike conventional sports competitions that focus solely on winning medals, the Invictus Games highlights the journey of wounded veterans overcoming physical limitations to regain purpose and independence. Furthermore, it serves as a platform of global solidarity to inspire families who share in the rehabilitation process and to honor the service members' sacrifices.
Starting in London, UK, in 2014, the Games have been hosted in Orlando, USA (2016), Toronto, Canada (2017), Sydney, Australia (2018), The Hague, Netherlands (2020), Düsseldorf, Germany (2023), and Vancouver-Whistler, Canada (2025). The 2027 Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, UK. South Korean disabled veterans have been competing in the event since The Hague 2020.
Opening October 2029 in Daejeon… 3,000 Participants from 26 Nations
The 9th Invictus Games, "Invictus Games Daejeon 2029," will take place from October 6 to October 15, 2029 (10 days and 9 nights) around the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC).
This event holds profound historical significance as it will take place one year prior to the 80th anniversary of the Korean War, featuring 12 participating nations that sent troops during the Korean War (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Colombia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, Denmark, Italy, and Germany). The South Korean government plans to work closely with the Invictus Games Foundation to expand participation to include other Asian nations involved in the war.
Government and Local Authorities Launch Full Preparations… Special Law Enactment Pursued
Following the host city confirmation, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Daejeon Metropolitan City will quickly establish the organizing committee and launch official preparations. Efforts will also focus on building institutional support, including the enactment of a special law to back the successful execution of the Games.
Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, stated, "It is a truly historic and meaningful achievement that a global stage honoring the indomitable spirit of wounded warriors will be hosted in Asia for the first time on our land. The government will work closely with Daejeon Metropolitan City and the Korea Disabled Veterans Association to prepare the best event in history."
Heo Tae-jeong, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, remarked, "We will prepare this event as a platform where wounded service members can push past physical limitations and embrace new life challenges through sports. We will do our utmost to ensure that a culture of respect and gratitude toward wounded warriors spreads from Daejeon to the entire nation."
Yoo Eul-sang, President of the Korea Disabled Veterans Association, expressed, "Securing the 2029 Games brings great pride and hope to all wounded veterans. We hope this event serves as an opportunity for the public to deeply understand the sacrifices of our service members and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Daejeon Metropolitan City, and the Korea Disabled Veterans Association will hold a joint press briefing at Daejeon City Hall to outline the detailed preparation direction and vision for the Games.
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