Kuwait Chess Team Reaches Semi-Finals of Pacific Asia Games

The Kuwaiti national deaf team achieved a new milestone at the 2026 Deaf Asia-Pacific Games held in Malaysia, after its player Abdulrahman Al-Anzi qualified for the semi-finals of the classical chess competition following his victory over a Malaysian opponent, allowing him to continue his journey toward competing for top positions.

Khaled Al-Mutairi, chairman of the board of directors of the Kuwaiti Sports Club for the Deaf, told KUNA on Wednesday that Al-Anzi’s qualification reflects the determination and willpower of the national team players, as well as their resolve to deliver their best performances and represent Kuwait with distinction at this Asian sporting event.

Al-Mutairi added that the team members are competing with high spirits and great ambition, drawing strength from their thorough preparation and desire to achieve success. He emphasized that reaching the semi-finals in chess enhances the team’s hopes of continuing their path toward the podium.

He noted that the performances of Kuwaiti champions at the Games embody the capabilities and potential of deaf athletes in competing at the continental level, expressing confidence in Al-Anzi and his teammates’ ability to continue delivering positive results and holding Kuwait’s flag high in upcoming sporting events.

It is worth noting that the Kuwaiti national deaf team is participating in the 2026 Deaf Asia-Pacific Games in Malaysia in four sports: table tennis, chess, athletics, and bowling, as part of a continental competition bringing together deaf athletes from Asia and the Pacific region.