Prince Harry‘s Invictus Games is heading to Korea.
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014
The 41-year-old royal founded the sporting competition for wounded, sick and injured veterans and service personnel back in 2014 and it was announced on Monday (20.07.26) that the event will be taking place in Asia for the first time in 2029, with the city of Daejeon beating off bids from San Diego in the US and Aalborg in Denmark to win the right to host.
Lord Charles Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, hailed the choice of Daejeon as a “defining moment” for the games.
He said: “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.
“We were deeply impressed by Daejeon’s vision, the commitment of its partners and the ambition to create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the closing ceremony.”
Around 550 competitors from 26 nations will take part in 12 sports at the Korea event, which will take place from 6-15 October, 2029.
Na Hyeong-yoon, a former Invictus Games competitor who appeared in Harry’s Heart of Invictus TV series, is proud that Korea has been chosen to host.
The cyclist said in a statement, “I have always believed that the greatest barrier is not disability itself, but the way society perceives it. Through the Invictus Games, I have seen that those perceptions can change.
“Now, in 2029, it will be Korea’s turn to lead that change. I hope the Invictus Games in Daejeon will showcase the strength, potential, and pride of our wounded service personnel and veterans and become a turning point in transforming how our society sees them.”
The news comes after Harry took part in events including a laser run, wheelchair rugby, and pickleball, at an event in Birmingham earlier this month as part of a one-year countdown event to the next Invictus Games being staged in the English city next year.
In a speech at the event, Harry – who lives in California with wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their two children – noted it was “incredibly special” to bring the competition back to the UK.
He added: “Not just because this is where the Invictus journey first began, but because Britain has always understood the importance of service, resilience, and standing together when it matters most.”
