Push for Hosting in Daejeon
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Ji-heon = The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 12th that it has begun the official process to host the ‘Invictus Games’, an international sports competition for wounded warriors, in 2029.
A government delegation headed by Vice Minister Lee Hee-won submitted an official letter of intent to host the games to the Invictus Foundation on September 9th (local time) in Vancouver, Canada, where the 2025 Invictus Games are being held.
Vice Minister Lee stated, “If the 2029 Games are held in Korea, it will be the first in Asia,” adding, “The Invictus Games expanding to Asia from its traditional focus on America and Europe will help spread global interest and support for the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.”
Vice Minister Lee, himself a wounded veteran, served as a naval colonel and participated in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong.
He added, “I deeply resonate with Invictus’s vision to encourage the rehabilitation and recovery of injured veterans through the power of sports and to spread understanding and respect for those who have dedicated their lives for their country.”
Prince Harry of the UK, who spearheaded the establishment of the Invictus Games, met with Vice Minister Lee and said, “I welcome Korea’s hope to host the Invictus Games and look forward to great competition.”
Charles Allen, chairman of the Invictus Foundation, also expressed, “The expansion of the Invictus spirit into Asia is significant, and we look forward to the interest and hospitality of the Korean people.”
To secure the hosting rights, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs established the ‘2029 Invictus Games Bidding Committee’ at the end of last year, involving 15 government ministries, the Korean Disabled Veterans Organization, and civilian experts. They have decided on Daejeon as the candidate city for the event.
The ministry expects that hosting the event will bring economic benefits by attracting around 2,500 athletes and officials from over 20 countries to Korea, as well as contribute to strengthening the rehabilitation sports and medical systems for wounded national veterans.