The swimming delegation.

MANAMA, Oct 25: Bashar Abdullah, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports, commended the Kuwait Olympic Committee for its pivotal role in preparing and supporting athletes participating in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain. He emphasized that the committee’s efforts directly contribute to raising the level of competition, improving athlete performance, and enhancing their overall experience. Bashar described the Games as a key step in developing young athletes and preparing them for upcoming championships, expressing appreciation for the committee’s dedicated care at all levels.

He highlighted the strong performance of Kuwaiti equestrians in the show jumping competition, where the team finished fourth in the finals. Riders Ali Al-Kharafi, Modhi Al-Jabri, Ghazi Al-Fulaij, and Hussein Al-Kharafi delivered a commendable performance, demonstrating the progress of equestrian sports in Kuwait, even though they narrowly missed a medal.

Bashar also praised the overall performance of the Kuwaiti delegation, noting the athletes’ competitive spirit and sportsmanship, which reflect the advancement of Kuwait on the Asian sports map. He congratulated teqball player Nasser Al-Saqr for winning the bronze medal in men’s singles.

He stressed the importance of regional and continental competitions for providing young athletes with experience, skill development, and exposure, helping to build a new generation capable of international success. Bashar wished the Kuwaiti delegation the best of luck, hoping they would achieve strong results and raise Kuwait’s profile on the global stage.

Kuwaiti riders secured fourth place in show jumping, reaching the finals with notable performances from Ali Al-Kharafi, Modhi Al-Jabri, Ghazi Al-Fulaij, and Hussein Al-Kharafi, showcasing the growth of equestrian sports in Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti national youth handball team will play a decisive match against Iran at 5:00 p.m., concluding the group stage of the Games. The team aims to win and secure a semifinal spot after a close 37-35 loss to China.

Iran leads Group B with four victories, while Kuwait and China are tied for second place with three wins and one loss each.

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti national swimming team departed for Bahrain to participate in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, including the country’s top young swimmers selected under the Kuwait Swimming Federation’s talent development program.

The delegation includes male swimmers: Hamad Al-Hamoud, Hassan Hussein, Abdullah Sultan, Saud Al-Anzi, Mohammed Zubaid, Omar Al-Khalfan, and Mohammed Ashkanani; and female swimmers: Saba Sultan and Jana Adel. The team is led by coaches Aziz Al-Zakrawi and Somaya Al-Riyahi.

The Swimming Federation emphasized that the participation aims to support young athletes, enhance their skills, and enable them to represent Kuwait at Asian and international competitions with excellence.