Al-Jalahma: 'Al-Waqt' is the biggest competitor to the development of Kuwaiti sports
We Aim to Raise the Kuwaiti Flag on the Podiums at the “Aichi Asian Games”
Japanese Ambassador: Over 200 Visas Issued for the Kuwaiti Sports Delegation
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, in 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 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 Sheikha Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with more than 70 guests comprising prominent figures, representatives of government entities and sports federations, and a select group of Kuwaiti athletes.
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The Asian Games in Aichi, Japan, are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 next year, while the Asian Para Games will be held from October 18 to 24.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Al-Jalahma emphasized that Kuwait’s participation in both tournaments represents the nation, expressing his hope that Kuwaiti male and female athletes will achieve outstanding results and raise the Kuwaiti flag on the podiums.
He said, “We wish success to my brothers and sisters competing in the Asian Games, and we aspire to see the Kuwaiti flag on the podiums.” He noted that Kuwait possesses distinctive talents across various sports, in addition to prominent Para athletes on the international stage, expressing hope for winning medals in the upcoming competitions.
Regarding the possibility of enhancing sports cooperation with Japan, Al-Jalahma clarified that the exchange of expertise between countries is “an important and necessary matter,” affirming that any field that could add 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 line with the directives of the political leadership and its keen interest in the youth and sports sectors. He stated, “We support them and stand by them, seeking every means to make them active members of society, and we provide them with all the necessary conditions for success.”
On plans to develop Kuwaiti sports, Al-Jalahma affirmed that attention is not limited to football but extends to all sports, pointing to the existence of an action plan for the next phase targeting various disciplines.
He added that “the construction phase requires time, study, and careful decision-making, learning from the obstacles we have faced.” He noted that one of the biggest challenges facing sports work is the factor of time, stating, “We always have a competitor that no one notices, which is time… We are competing against time.”
He indicated that Kuwait’s journey and projects continue regardless of changes in leadership, expressing his aspiration to complete previously planned and designed projects, alongside studying the addition of new ones. However, he preferred not to disclose them at this time as they are still under study.
For his part, the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait, Kinichiro Mukai, affirmed that the event aims to support Kuwaiti athletes participating in the Asian and Asian Para Games, noting that sports serve as an important bridge for rapprochement between peoples and the strengthening of relations.
He clarified that Kuwaiti athletes will participate in more than 20 to 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 Kuwait-Japanese relations 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 ambassador disclosed 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 the two countries, clarifying that this file represents one of the topics under discussion and that talks on it will continue.
Earlier, Ambassador Mokai praised, in his speech at the event, the sporting spirit and friendship uniting Kuwait and Japan, expressing confidence in the ability of Kuwaiti athletes to achieve outstanding results, and reaffirming his country’s commitment to enhancing mutual understanding and rapprochement between the two peoples through international sporting events.
