Invictus Games Foundation Begins Five-Day Inspection of Daejeon’s 2029 Host Bid
Updated (2 articles)
Invictus Delegation Arrives in Daejeon for Five-Day Review Officials from the Invictus Games Foundation touched down in Daejeon on Monday, Feb. 22, 2026, and will remain for a five‑day on‑site assessment of the city’s 2029 bid. The team will tour nine designated sports arenas and evaluate planned athlete housing. Their inspection aims to verify the city’s capacity to host the biennial competition for wounded service members. [1]
Daejeon Competes with Aalborg and San Diego for 2029 Games The central Korean city joins Denmark’s Aalborg and the United States’ San Diego as the three finalists seeking to host the 2029 Invictus Games. All three will present formal bids before the foundation’s decision in July. Daejeon’s proposal highlights its proximity to Seoul and existing infrastructure. [1]
Unique Cycling Venue Proposed at Daejeon National Cemetery Daejeon’s bid suggests converting the Daejeon National Cemetery into a temporary cycling arena, a distinctive use of a solemn site for sport. The plan includes constructing a track that can be dismantled after the Games. Officials will assess feasibility and community response during the inspection. [1]
July Decision Will Crown 2029 Invictus Games Host After each city delivers its presentation, the Invictus Games Foundation will announce the selected host in July 2026. The decision will determine where wounded, injured and sick military personnel gather for the next edition. The timeline follows the foundation’s biennial schedule established since 2014 by Prince Harry. [1]
Timeline
2014 – Prince Harry founds the Invictus Games, a biennial international competition that brings together wounded, injured and sick military personnel from around the world, establishing a platform for rehabilitation through sport [2].
2023 – The Invictus Games resume a regular biennial schedule after earlier irregular timing, solidifying the event’s global profile and expanding its athlete base [2].
Dec 2025 – Daejeon, South Korea, is announced as one of three finalist cities—alongside Aalborg, Denmark, and San Diego, USA—to host the 2029 Invictus Games, marking the first Asian bid and highlighting the city’s veterans hospital and National Cemetery as symbolic venues [2].
Feb 22‑28 2026 – Invictus Games Foundation officials land in Daejeon for a five‑day on‑site inspection, reviewing nine designated sports arenas and athlete housing, and evaluating the proposal to convert the Daejeon National Cemetery into a temporary cycling venue [1].
July 2026 – The Invictus Games Foundation will announce the selected host city for the 2029 competition after formal bidding presentations, determining whether Daejeon, Aalborg or San Diego will stage the event [1][2].