Al-Anazi to Al-Jarida: A comprehensive plan to prepare our national teams
Kuwait Judo Federation President Yousef Al-Anazi affirmed that the achievement attained by the youth and junior national teams at the recent Arab Championship in Jordan represents a landmark milestone in the sport’s development, reflecting the substantial efforts exerted by all components of the system, from the board of directors and technical and administrative staff to the players, who operate under a long-term strategy aimed at elevating Kuwait’s name on the international stage.
The Kuwaiti youth and junior teams secured 11 medals in total, comprising six gold, two silver, and three bronze, along with the overall excellence trophy for both categories. Gold medals were won in the youth category by Salman Kamal (66 kg), Hani Al-Shammari (73 kg), and Salah Al-Obeidan (open weight). In the junior category, gold medals were claimed by Abduljalil Al-Shammari (50 kg), Rashid Al-Faras (73 kg), and Saleh Al-Obeidan (over 90 kg).
Al-Anazi clarified that the national teams have significant commitments at both the continental and global levels. The junior team will participate in the World Under-18 Championship in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from August 20 to 23 next year. Meanwhile, the youth team will compete in the World Championship in Kazakhstan in October, as well as the Grand Prix in Tashkent and the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in late October.
The men’s team will take part in the Asian Games in Japan from September 24 to October 4 next year. He also revealed that Kuwait will host the 2027 Asian Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the Los Angeles Olympics, in April next year.
Al-Anazi noted that player preparation will involve overseas training camps, starting with a 10-day camp for the youth team in Spain, followed by a month-long camp in Japan, which will include participation in international tournaments in Hong Kong and Macau. The men’s team will hold a training camp in Kazakhstan, featuring participation in an open international championship. The technical staff, led by Japanese expert Takahiro Nakamura, will select the final squads of participating players.
He concluded his remarks by expressing strong confidence in the national team players’ ability to achieve honorable results, while praising the substantial support provided by Youth Minister Tariq Al-Jalahma in overcoming obstacles and backing national teams across various sports.
