Al-Imran: "Al-Iskwaq" unveils a comprehensive plan to restore its golden era and compete globally

Hamad Al-Omaran, General Secretary of the Kuwait Squash Federation, affirmed that the federation prioritizes the development and enhancement of coaches’ technical and physical competencies in the current phase, considering that coaches are among the most critical elements in player development and performance improvement.

Speaking on the A2Z program on Sports Channel 3, Al-Omaran announced that the federation will organize a specialized fitness course for coaches, delivered by international lecturer and national team fitness coach Ahmed Al-Sayed. This initiative aligns with the federation’s strategy to elevate the physical conditioning of players.

He added that national team technical director Sherin Adel emphasized the importance of physical fitness in player development, noting that passing fitness tests will be a prerequisite for coaches to receive match accreditation cards. This measure ensures that coaches benefit from the course and apply the knowledge gained.

Al-Omaran highlighted that Kuwaiti squash boasts a rich history and previously experienced a golden era thanks to generations of players who achieved numerous accomplishments. He stressed that the federation’s current responsibility is to preserve these achievements, build upon them, and work to elevate the sport to higher levels.

He explained that recent results were the outcome of harmony and cooperation between the federation, clubs, the technical staff, and players. He pointed to the outstanding performances by Kuwaiti athletes at the tournament held in August, where the national team delegation was led by vice president Khaled Al-Habib. Abdullah Maioof won gold in the under-15 category, while Saleh Ashkanani secured silver. In the under-11 category, Adnan Al-Shamari finished second and Mohammed Al-Awadi third. Additionally, promising player Saqr Al-Kandari won silver in the under-13 category.

Al-Omaran stated that these results were the fruit of plans devised by the National Teams Committee, which began its work at the start of the cycle under the chairmanship of Meshal Al-Sharqawi, followed by Ahmed Al-Adwani, and is currently chaired by Assistant Secretary-General Hamad Al-Dughaim. He emphasized that the continuity of work and each official building upon the efforts of their predecessors contributed significantly to achieving these results.

Regarding player support, Al-Omaran said the federation operates within its available resources and strives to provide a distinguished technical staff led by Sherin Adel, alongside Ahmed Abdelaal, Majid Khan, national coach Falah Faiz, and Ahmed Al-Sayed. He added that the National Teams Committee and technical staff are implementing continuous training programs and creating suitable conditions for players at the late Salem Al-Sabah Squash Center. They are also providing opportunities for young players to interact with national team members and higher-level athletes, which plays a major role in their development.

On talent discovery, Al-Omaran stressed that it begins at the club level, which attracts players at young ages, while the federation monitors them through competitions and training sessions. He noted that the National Teams Committee, chaired by Hamad Al-Dughaim, in coordination with Sherin Adel and national teams manager Abdullah Al-Subaie, monitors club players, particularly those in the under-9 category, through visits, organizing tournaments and festivals, and preparing technical reports on player levels.

Al-Omaran praised the role of parents, affirming that they are a fundamental partner in the system’s success through their attendance at training sessions and matches, support for their children, and participation in camps and tournaments. He stated that family support for young players is crucial for their continued development, especially after defeats, commending the cooperation parents show with clubs and the federation.

Looking ahead, Al-Omaran confirmed that hosting the Under-19 World Cup is one of the federation’s key objectives. He highlighted the significant progress in the national team’s results, noting that Kuwait finished ninth out of 24 teams in the recent edition in Canada, compared to 15th out of 16 in the previous tournament.

He clarified that three players from the current squad will continue to participate in the upcoming World Cup, with additional players to be added and prepared through a program encompassing camps, international competitions, and continuous training.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Omaran stated that the next goal is to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and advance further. He affirmed that the federation’s ambition extends beyond preserving past achievements to building a new generation capable of raising Kuwait’s name and competing in international tournaments.