In a landmark announcement, the Invictus Games will be heading to South Korea in 2029, marking the first time this international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel will be held in Asia. The city of Daejeon has been selected as the host venue, succeeding Birmingham, UK, which will hold the games in 2027.
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The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, aim to celebrate the resilience of veterans and service members, showcasing their strength through sport. The announcement was made by the Invictus Games Foundation on July 20, with Daejeon winning out against other contenders, including San Diego in the United States.
Lord Charles Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, described the decision to host the games in Korea as a significant milestone. He expressed excitement over the opportunity to broaden the impact of the games, stating that the Republic of Korea’s involvement represents an “exciting new chapter” in promoting inclusivity for wounded service personnel and veterans globally. He praised Daejeon’s ambitious vision for a lasting legacy that extends beyond the event’s closing ceremony.
Under the plans for 2029, the games will feature 12 different sports and are expected to host around 550 competitors from 26 nations, alongside their families and supporters. This diversity of participation is a core value of the Invictus Games, highlighting the communal spirit and shared experiences of service personnel.
Na Hyeongyoon, a former Invictus Games competitor, shared her perspectives on the impact of the games. She noted that societal perceptions surrounding disability can be more challenging than the disabilities themselves. Her involvement in the Invictus Games has shown her that these perceptions can shift over time. Reflecting on the forthcoming games in Daejeon, she remarked that it will provide a platform for showcasing the potential and pride of wounded veterans while transforming societal views.
This announcement precedes the 2027 Invictus Games, set to take place in Birmingham, where Prince Harry recently participated in a countdown event. At the event held on July 10, he engaged in various sports, including wheelchair rugby and pickleball, while enjoying moments of camaraderie with athletes and attendees. Speaking to the crowd, he remarked on the significance of returning to the UK, stating that it is a particularly meaningful occasion for the Invictus journey.
Since its inception, the Invictus Games have served as an important venue for promoting understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by veterans. The inaugural games in London set the tone for subsequent events, which have been hosted in cities such as Orlando, Toronto, and Sydney.
The Duke of Sussex drew inspiration for the Invictus Games from the US’s Warrior Games, recognising the therapeutic power of sports in changing lives. His dedication to the cause was further highlighted when he stated his desire to include as many countries as possible to expand the benefits of these competitions.
The Republic of Korea first participated in the Invictus Games during the event held in The Hague in 2020, which was delayed due to the pandemic. With the upcoming event in Daejeon, it is expected that the games will not only promote sport but also foster international camaraderie and understanding among competitors from various nations.
The Invictus Games also hold personal significance for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as they made their first public appearance together at the 2017 games in Toronto. The supportive atmosphere of the Invictus community has been highlighted by Harry as essential for building connections, especially as they worked to establish their relationship amidst the public eye.
As the countdown to the 2029 Invictus Games in Daejeon begins, anticipation and excitement build, promising an event that aims to transform lives and challenge perceptions about veterans and injured service members. Prince Harry’s vision continues to evolve, paving the way for future generations to experience the unifying power of sport.