Prince Harry has announced the next stop for the Invictus Games, just weeks after a successful trip to the UK to promote the 2027 sporting event. The Duke of Sussex travelled to his home country in early July to attend a major event in Birmingham marking the official one year countdown to next year’s Games, where he met with officials and veterans.
2029 Games to Be Held in Asia for First Time
Now, Harry has shared the exciting news that Daejeon, South Korea, will host the 2029 Games, announcing that he is ‘delighted’ for them to stage the sporting competition. The announcement means the event will be brought to Asia for the very first time.
As founder of the Invictus Games, Harry made the announcement on Monday, as he said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce Daejeon, South Korea as the host of the 2029 Invictus Games and, on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation, we are so excited to work together.
“As the first Asian nation selected to host the Games, the Republic of Korea represents an exciting new chapter in our journey to ensure that more wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans can benefit from the power of sport and the strength of the Invictus community.”
Details of the 2029 Games
According to the announcement released today, hosting the games in South Korea will “provide an opportunity to further strengthen understanding and support for the military community across Asia while showcasing the role that sport can play in rehabilitation, recovery and lifelong wellbeing.”
The games will take place from October 6–15 2029 in and around the Daejeon Convention Centre in Yuseong-gu. It will bring together 550 competitors from 26 nations, supported by 1,100 family members and friends in 12 sports.
Lord Allen, chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Today's announcement is a defining moment for the Invictus Movement. We are delighted to announce Daejeon as the preferred host of the Invictus Games 2029 and we look forward to working together.
“As the first Asian nation selected to host the Games, the Republic of Korea represents an exciting new chapter in our journey to ensure that more wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, wherever they live, can benefit from the power of sport and the strength of the Invictus community.”
Harry's Visit to Birmingham
Harry founded the Invictus Games in London in 2014, with the competition aiming to challenge "perceptions of disability, champion adaptive sport, and demonstrate the resilience, determination and unconquered spirit of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans."
In early July, the Duke travelled to Britain to attend the One Year To Go ceremony, where he competed in a variety of sports alongside former Labour minister Al Carns and TV personality Alison Hammond.
Harry was also reunited with friend and former Invictus Games competitor Dave Henson for a game of pickleball, which is one of three new events introduced to the 2027 Games programme. He also took part in a game of wheelchair rugby and a laser run, before delivering an address to attendees.
