Gold medalist Omar Al-Qanaie

RIYADH, Nov 13: Kuwait karateka  Omar Al-Qanaie delivered the country’s first gold medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, held in Saudi Arabia. Al-Qanaie claimed victory in the Karate Kumite 75 kg final against Iranian competitor Morteza Namit. The match ended 4-4, with Al-Qanaie awarded the win for scoring the first point.

Kuwait’s national e-sports team also contributed to the medal tally, winning silver in the Rocket League competition thanks to champions Yousef Al-Mutairi, Abdullah Al-Shammari, and Mohammed Al-Mutairi. Meanwhile, the national equestrian team continues competing in the show jumping qualifiers with riders Fawaz Rashid, Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Hamad Al-Hajri, and Ali Al-Kharafi.

Karate team member and Chairman of the Athletes Committee at the Kuwait Olympic Committee, Abdullah Shaban, expressed his pride in the silver medal achievement and praised his teammates’ performance. He emphasized that these accomplishments reflect teamwork and continuous planning, aimed at raising Kuwait’s profile in international sports.

Shaban dedicated the achievements to Kuwait’s leadership and people, highlighting the athletes’ determination and perseverance in a tournament featuring top-ranked competitors from across the Islamic world.

Kuwait’s karate team has now secured four medals at the Games—one gold, two silver, and one bronze—showcasing the high skill level of the players and the efforts of the technical and administrative staff in preparing them.

Shaban noted that these successes were made possible by the strong support of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and the Public Authority for Sports, which ensures optimal conditions for all athletes. He also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, for his continued support for Kuwaiti sports talent.