The Kuwaiti delegation poses for a group photo at the Qatar International Curling Championship.

DOHA, Dec 25(KUNA): The Qatar International Open Curling Championship kicked off recently at the Ahmed bin Ali Al-Atiya Ice Hall in Al Sadd, featuring five national teams: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Belgium, and host Qatar. The three-day tournament promises high-level competition and international exposure for all participating teams.

Kuwaiti curlers Saud Al-Kandari and Fatima Abdul Latif are representing the nation in the mixed doubles event, according to Mohsen Al-Muasib, head of the Kuwaiti delegation and board member of the Winter Sports Club.

Al-Muasib highlighted the championship’s strong competitive level, noting that teams from Europe and Asia are providing valuable experience for Kuwaiti athletes. “This participation is a great opportunity to prepare our players for upcoming sporting events,” he said.

He expressed optimism about Kuwait’s performance, citing the growing development of curling in the country after the team’s impressive showing at the Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China, last February. This tournament marks the club’s first participation at this international level.

Al-Muasib also praised the Qatari organizers for their excellent management and warm hospitality, emphasizing that those competitions help elevate the technical skills of Kuwaiti players.

He added that the club, led by Fahad Al-Ajmi, is committed to promoting curling, one of the five Olympic winter sports it oversees, aiming to expand the sport’s player base, especially among younger athletes.