KUWAIT CITY, June 8: Over the past two decades, Kuwaiti sports faced numerous challenges hindering its progress and growth. Among these, the most significant setback occurred in 2015 when the International Olympic Committee suspended Kuwaiti sports due to perceived government interference, stemming from a sports law deemed incompatible with Olympic principles.

This suspension, initially temporary and then fully lifted in 2019, severely impacted Kuwaiti sports, setting it back decades. It deprived national teams and clubs of international participation, undermining the aspirations of generations aspiring to represent Kuwait in global competitions and relegating Kuwait to the bottom of world rankings.

However, with the dawn of a new era under the leadership of His Highness Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad as Crown Prince, optimism surged among athletes. Their commitment to overcoming obstacles and the government’s renewed interest signaled a promising resurgence in Kuwaiti sports.

Recognizing the need for systemic change, national coach Saleh Al-Asfour emphasized the absence of sporting interest from officials over the years, particularly in youth sports. He underscored the urgency for a long-term plan to rejuvenate Kuwaiti sports, expressing optimism in the government’s reform agenda.

Jaber Al-Zanki, a member of the Board of Directors of Al-Shabab Club, echoed the call for government intervention to reclaim Kuwait’s sports leadership in the Gulf and beyond. He emphasized the necessity of upgrading sports facilities and implementing professionalism to enable athletes to excel on regional and international platforms.

Al-Zanki highlighted the need for continuity in leadership, lamenting the disruption caused by frequent changes in sports officials. He emphasized the importance of sustained, long-term planning to prevent stagnation and ensure continuous progress in Kuwaiti sports development.

By Khaled El Anzi
Al-Seyassah/ArabTimes Staff