Al-Shemlan wins bronze as the Asian Fencing Championship kicks off

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KUWAIT CITY, June 23, (Agencies): The Asian Fencing Tournament kicked off in Kuwait, featuring up to 350 champions representing 36 countries. The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Social Affairs, Family Affairs, and Childhood, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, head of the Asian Fencing Confederation Sheikh Salem Al-Qasimi, and the head of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah.

In his keynote statement at the inauguration ceremony, Abdulkarim Al-Shamlan, head of the Kuwait Fencing Federation, emphasized Kuwait’s long-standing tradition of hosting international sports events.

In the first competition, Korean fencer Oh Sang-uk won the gold medal in the sabre category, defeating China’s Changping, who secured the silver. Kuwaiti Yusuf Al-Shemlan and Iranian Mohammad Rahbari each took bronze. In the epee category, China’s Yu Sihan claimed the gold trophy, overcoming her compatriot Sun Yiwen, who took silver. South Koreans Kang Young-mi and Song Se-ra each earned a bronze medal.

Al-Huwailah, highlighted Kuwait’s efforts in organizing and hosting the tournament, in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a patron of sports and athletes. She added that this initiative is also under the guidance of His Highness the faithful Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and closely followed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, the Prime Minister, to support and care for the youth and athletes of both genders.

Al-Huwailah emphasized that the political leadership believes that the advancement of nations is now measured by excellence in fields related to human capital development, particularly focusing on youth, with sports being a key area. She noted that this tournament stands out, attracting significant attention from the sports media across Asia, and raises its technical level as it is the final championship on the continent before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Al-Huwailah welcomed the guests, wishing all participating teams success and a pleasant stay in Kuwait, their second home.

Abdul Karim Al-Shamlan, President of the Kuwaiti Fencing Association, confirmed Kuwait’s role as a hub for sports gatherings, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and communication among global communities. He expressed his hopes for the success of all participants, noting that the results of the Asian Championship will impact the Olympic classification of the players. Al-Shamlan highlighted the championship’s competitive nature and its importance to the teams involved.

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