Daejeon: South Korea's veterans ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the Invictus Games, an international sports event for injured service members, in 2029 after the country submitted an official bid to host the sports event.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the central city of Daejeon, located approximately 135 kilometers south of Seoul, is among six cities and regions vying to host the 2029 games. Other potential hosts include Aalborg in Denmark, Abuja in Nigeria, Kyiv in Ukraine, San Diego in the United States, and the Veneto Region in Italy, as stated by the Invictus Games Foundation.

The ministry has expressed that hosting the games in Daejeon, which is home to the National Cemetery and a veterans hospital, would enhance awareness for veterans. It would mark the first time the event is held in Asia if Daejeon is selected.

Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai emphasized the significance of hosting the games in Asia, noting that South Korea's resilience and respect for service members would provide an ideal environment to promote the Invictus spirit across Asia and beyond.

The Invictus Games, founded by Britain's Prince Harry in 2014, are a multinational sports competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members. The event has been held biennially since 2023 after previously being held on an irregular basis.

This year, more than 550 athletes from 23 countries, including 11 South Korean nationals, participated in the Invictus Games in Canada.

The Invictus Games Foundation intends to shortlist the candidate cities later this year and will announce the host city in the summer of next year.