25/08/2026
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25/08/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 24: The Embassy of Japan hosted a reception at the Ambassador's residence to support Kuwaiti athletes ahead of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, both to be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan — the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, and the Para Games from October 18 to 24.
Held under the theme "Imagine One Asia - Imagine One Heart," the event took place at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro, who welcomed the guests and praised Kuwaiti athletes for their achievements, expressing hope for another strong performance in the upcoming competitions.
Speaking at the reception, H.E. Mukai said the athletes had reached the Asian stage after years of hard training and overcoming numerous challenges, adding that their participation reflected the strong friendship between Japan and Kuwait through sports.
Mukai highlighted Kuwait's three gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games, including the dramatic 110-metre hurdles final in which Kuwait's Yaqub Al-Yuha and Japan's Shuya Aoyama shared gold after recording identical times. He also praised shooter Abdullah Al-Rashidi and karate gold medallist Fahad Al-Azmi, saying their achievements symbolized the deep sporting ties between the two countries.
Urging the Kuwaiti delegation to give its best, he said: "When you stand on the field, you carry the expectations and the cheers of all the people of Kuwait."
Kuwait's Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Hamad Al-Jalahma, expressed confidence in the abilities of the Kuwaiti athletes, wishing them success and hoping they would achieve strong results in their respective competitions.
The reception was attended by more than 70 guests, including Kuwait Olympic Committee President Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, Kuwait Paralympic Committee President Mansour Al-Sarheed, and Honorary President of the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, along with government officials, sports federation representatives and Kuwaiti athletes.
The event aimed to promote Kuwait-Japan relations through sports and demonstrate support for Kuwaiti athletes ahead of the upcoming games.
by John C Fernandes
Online Media Manager - Arab Times
