Sports Figures: Kuwaitis Offer the Finest Examples of Unity in Sacrifice for the Homeland

Thirty-six years have passed, yet the memory of the brutal Iraqi invasion remains vivid in the hearts of all Kuwaitis, regarded as a pivotal milestone in the history of the “Nation of Friendship and Peace.” The treacherous invasion revealed the profound unity between the leadership and the people, and cemented the values of resilience and steadfastness in their most magnificent forms in the face of the treacherous aggression. Today, as Kuwait commemorates the 36th anniversary of that ordeal, it proudly recalls the eternal sacrifices of its martyrs and heroes of resistance, and honors the actions of its sons who embodied the finest examples of loyalty and patriotism. Kuwait reaffirms its commitment to continuing the path of construction and development, consolidating the values of national unity, and safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. This anniversary serves as a historical lesson, confirming that nations are preserved through the unity of their people, and that truth will ultimately prevail, regardless of how long it takes. “Al-Anbaa” spoke with several sports figures to reflect on this anniversary.

At the outset, M. Daigh Al-Otaibi, President of the Kuwaiti and Arab Shooting Federations, said, “On these days every year, we remember the aggression and betrayal suffered by our country, Kuwait. However, by the grace of God, and thanks to the support of our brothers and friends, and the steadfast backing of the Kuwaiti people behind their leadership and legitimacy, Kuwait managed to repel the aggression, defeat the Iraqi forces, and liberate Kuwait. We must not forget the stances of our brothers, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership, as well as the positions of our brothers across all Arab Gulf states. He added, “The resilience of the Kuwaiti people was one of the most important factors in repelling the aggression. Today, we remember the heroes among the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Kuwait. Kuwait will remain free, God willing, under the leadership of our beloved Amir, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, and the loyal Kuwaiti people.”

President of the Board of Directors of the Basketball Federation, Dhari Burjis, stated, “Kuwaitis proved during this historical ordeal that nations are preserved by the will and unity of their sons. Love for Kuwait was not merely a feeling; everyone translated it into eternal practical actions, embodied by the heroism of resistance fighters, the resilience of Kuwaiti families, and the solidarity and cohesion of citizens both domestically and abroad, behind their wise political leadership. This national scene will remain a source of inspiration for successive generations.” Burjis pointed out that the Kuwaiti people wrote bright pages in the record of national history during the occupation period, earning the respect and appreciation of the world through their adherence to national principles and rejection of all attempts to erase their identity. He emphasized that this national unity, alongside the significant support from sister and friendly countries, was one of the key factors that paved the way for the liberation of the country and the restoration of rights to their rightful owners.

For his part, M. Falhan Al-Otaibi, President of the Board of Directors of the Table Tennis Federation, noted that Kuwaitis stand as one hand in times of calamity and hardship. He said, “We remember the catastrophe of the brutal invasion with even greater pride and honor for what the Kuwaiti people offered of bravery, devotion, and sacrifice of their most precious assets for their great homeland, with its values and authenticity. Kuwaitis recorded many eternal moments by standing in a single line behind their wise political leadership, uniting domestically and abroad, and presenting the finest examples of resilience and loyalty in resisting the occupier. The major crisis revealed the strength of cohesion and unity within Kuwaiti society.” He added that although the anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion is painful and left scars in the nation’s memory, it remains an occasion to proudly recall the eternal epics of bravery and devotion demonstrated by the Kuwaiti people, and the great sacrifices they made.

Former goalkeeper for Al-Qadsia Club and the national football team, Dr. Hussein Al-Mikaimi, said that the anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion is painful to the hearts of all who love the good land of Kuwait. He added that personally, he was on a special trip to London when the news of the invasion, which shocked the entire world, turned his joy into sorrow. He noted that he subsequently moved to Egypt to stay with his family there. He continued, “After that, all national team players stationed in Egypt were summoned to form a team to play several friendly matches with Egyptian clubs. The goal was to spread the cause of the Kuwaiti people and to show that this country still exists and will not be erased from the map.” Al-Mikaimi elaborated, “Our matches received significant interaction from Egyptian clubs, the public, and the media, which was positive for us.”

Al-Mikaimi did not forget the support of Egyptian national team goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair, who stood by him after the Al-Ahly and Zamalek staff provided supervision for his training, treatment, and rehabilitation following surgery several months before the invasion.

For his part, former national team and Kazma Club star Saleh Al-Misned recalled the memories, saying, “We received the news like a bolt from the lightning while we were in the national team camp in France, around 4 a.m. Paris time. We immediately tried to contact our families in Kuwait to check on them. Communications continued for two days before the lines were cut. As players and administrators, we exercised patience and strong determination, insisting on returning and participating in any way possible to restore our country and liberate it.” He added, “After that, we received orders to gather in the friendly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Youth Welfare Center. Some players managed to enter Kuwait, placing themselves at the disposal of the authorities. Then, high-level orders were issued to preserve the name and flag of Kuwait in international forums, despite the aggressor’s attempts to erase Kuwaiti identity. Indeed, the national team was reformed to participate in the Asian Games held in Beijing at that time. I was tasked at the time with traveling to Bahrain to summon Al-Arabi Club players who were there, including Captain Mohammed Karam, who took over the role of coaching the team. We then traveled to Beijing. We cannot forget the moments when the national anthem was raised and the Kuwaiti flag was hoisted amidst tears and great sympathy from the public. We thank God for the blessing of liberation and the return of Kuwait as a free and independent nation, and may God have mercy on our righteous martyrs.”

Former national team player and Al-Qadsiah captain Rashid Badih expressed his deep pride and admiration for the dignified stance of the Kuwaiti people during the crisis of the brutal Iraqi invasion, which offered a lesson in loyalty and allegiance to the wise political leadership, and presented an exemplary model of resistance against the occupation both inside and outside Kuwait. He said, “The entire world was amazed by the strong unity of the Kuwaiti people, whose leaders and citizens stood alongside Kuwait’s just cause, contributing to the liberation of the country and its people from a brutal invasion that lacked even the most basic ethical and legal standards.”

Rashid Badih noted that Kuwaiti athletes played a role in raising the Kuwaiti flag at international forums, providing an inspiring example of resistance and sincere expression of their just cause. He pointed out that the outstanding participation of the national football team in the 1990 Asian Games (Asiad) attracted significant global attention at the time.