Al-Jalahma: We Race Against Time to Develop Kuwaiti Sports
- We look forward to Kuwaiti athletes achieving outstanding results at the Asian and Paralympic Games in Japan.
- Development encompasses all sports... The construction phase requires careful study and deliberation.
- Ambassador Mukai: Sports serve as a bridge for rapprochement between our two countries... Over 200 visas issued for the Kuwaiti delegation.
- Expanding joint cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
The Japanese Embassy in Kuwait hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence to support and encourage Kuwaiti athletes participating in the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, during September and October of next year.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma; the President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah; the President of the Kuwait Para Sports Committee, Mansour Al-Sarheed; and the Honorary President of the Kuwait Sports Club for Persons with Disabilities, Sheikha Shikha Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with more than 70 guests comprising dignitaries, representatives of government entities and sports federations, and a select group of Kuwaiti athletes.
Speaking on the sidelines of the reception, Dr. Al-Jalahma emphasized that Kuwait’s participation in the two championships represents the nation, expressing his hope that Kuwaiti athletes will achieve outstanding results and see the Kuwaiti flag raised on the podiums.
He said, “We wish success to my brothers and sisters in the Asian championship, and we aspire to see the Kuwaiti flag on the podiums.” He noted that Kuwait possesses distinctive talents across various participating sports, in addition to prominent Paralympic champions on the international stage, expressing hope for winning medals in the upcoming competitions.
Regarding the potential for enhancing sports cooperation with Japan, Dr. Al-Jalahma clarified that the exchange of expertise between countries is “a vital and necessary matter,” affirming that any field offering added value to Kuwaiti sports and its development would be subject to study and attention.
He stressed that supporting athletes, including those with disabilities, is in implementation of the directives of the political leadership and their keen interest in the youth and sports sectors. He stated, “We support them and stand by their side, seeking every means to make them active members of society, and we provide them with all the prerequisites for success.”
On plans to develop Kuwaiti sports, Dr. Al-Jalahma affirmed that attention is not limited to football but extends to all sports, pointing out the existence of an action plan for the upcoming phase targeting various disciplines.
He added that “the construction phase requires time, study, and deliberation in decision-making, and learning from the obstacles we have faced,” noting that one of the biggest challenges facing sports work is the factor of time. He said, “We always have a competitor that no one else perceives, which is time... We are competing against time.”
He pointed out that Kuwait’s journey and projects continue regardless of changes in leadership, expressing his aspiration to complete projects previously planned and designed, alongside studying the addition of new projects. However, he preferred not to disclose them at this time as they are still under study.
For his part, Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Kenichiro Mukai affirmed that the reception aims to support Kuwaiti athletes participating in the Asian and Asian Para Games, noting that sports serve as an important bridge for rapprochement among peoples and the strengthening of relations.
He clarified that Kuwaiti athletes will participate in between 20 and 30 sports, providing them with the opportunity to interact with Japanese athletes and other Asian teams, which will help deepen relations between Kuwait and Japan.
The ambassador revealed that the embassy is in the process of issuing more than 200 visas for the Kuwaiti delegation, covering athletes, committee members, and coaching staff. He noted that the Japanese and Kuwaiti sides are currently discussing ways to deepen cooperation in the sports sector, despite the absence of a specific agreement on the matter at present.
On the issue of bilateral relations, Mokai affirmed that they are expanding into new areas, alongside traditional cooperation in oil, energy, electricity, and water, to include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and other sectors.
He pointed out that the two countries are also discussing security issues, ensuring the stability of energy supplies, enhancing resilience, and exchanging expertise, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to cooperating with Kuwait in all matters that ensure the security and stability of navigation.
The Japanese ambassador expressed anticipation for high-level talks between the two countries in the near future, stating that he expects an announcement to be made “within days.”
Regarding the possibility of operating direct flights between Kuwait and Tokyo, he confirmed that discussions are underway between the civil aviation authorities of both countries, clarifying that this file represents one of the topics under discussion and that talks on the matter will continue.
The Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi, Japan, from September 19 to October 4 next year, while the Asian Para Games will take place from October 18 to 24.
