Fahed Al-Ajmi

KUWAIT CITY, May 27 (KUNA): The Kuwait Winter Sports Club announced on Tuesday that it has officially submitted a bid to host the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV. The tournament features national teams from Armenia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore, and Kuwait.

The announcement came during the club’s participation in the ongoing International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) annual meetings currently taking place in Sweden.

Speaking to KUNA, Club President Fahed Al-Ajmi said that the IIHF will evaluate all submitted bids and is expected to name the host nation shortly.

Al-Ajmi expressed hope that Kuwait will be granted the opportunity to host the prestigious championship, noting that doing so would significantly elevate the profile of Kuwaiti ice hockey on the global stage and further promote the sport domestically.

The Kuwaiti delegation to the meetings also included Development Director Mishal Al-Ajmi and board member Rashid Al-Failakawi.

According to Al-Ajmi, the meetings covered a wide range of topics focused on the development of ice hockey worldwide, particularly in Asia. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening tournaments and enhancing the sport through technical and administrative development.

The IIHF sessions also produced a number of key decisions aimed at improving officiating, coaching, and management by expanding training and development programs in these areas. Al-Ajmi praised the IIHF’s efforts in supporting the growth of the sport at the international level.