Sheikh Khaled Al-Badr

KUWAIT CITY, April 5, (Agencies): The Chair of the Kuwaiti and Asian Aquatics Federations, Sheikh Khaled Al-Badr Al-Sabah, attended the opening ceremony of the 3rd Gulf Beach Games, which was held in Muscat on Saturday, April 5.

According to a press release, Sheikh Khaled, before his departure, stated that the Gulf Beach Games is a distinguished sporting event and one of the most prominent competitions to be held in the Gulf countries in 2025.

He expressed his full confidence in the capabilities and expertise of the sports institutions in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman to successfully organize this event.

Sheikh Khaled highlighted that such events play a vital role in enhancing integration, facilitating the exchange of experiences, and elevating the technical and physical standards of athletes in the GCC countries.

He stressed that the Omani Federation is one of the main pillars of Gulf Aquatics and is always striving to exchange expertise and continuously develop the aquatics system.

Sheikh Khaled praised the tremendous efforts exerted by the relevant authorities in the Sultanate of Oman to provide all necessary facilities for the success of the Beach Games competition. This event, which brings together members of the GCC countries, will include eight sports and heritage events that will be held in a spirit of friendly competition.

He affirmed the strong cooperation between the Asian Federation and the national federations of the member states to promote and elevate water sports throughout Asia so that Asia will remain a symbol of excellence in the Olympic Games and a global benchmark in the world of sports.

Meanwhile, 65 athletes from Kuwait are competing across six sports: beach soccer, beach volleyball, sailing, paragliding, athletics, and tent pegging.

The Kuwaiti air sports team kicked off its participation with paragliding competitions at Al-Jissah Beach, where they will compete in six rounds over the next two days. The team includes talented athletes Ibrahim Al-Rashoud, Ahmad Al-Madhi, Mohammad Al-Dousari, and Talal Al-Mutawa.

The event aims to foster stronger sports cooperation among Gulf countries. Kuwaiti athletes are eager to achieve top results and proudly represent their country, hoping to raise the Kuwaiti flag on the podium.

The Oman Olympic Committee has made extensive preparations for the games, ensuring a smooth event as the GCC countries, including Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, come together to compete in a variety of beach sports.

Founded in the early 1980s, the GCC has worked towards closer regional integration, not only in sports but across many sectors, and continues to unite the Gulf nations in sporting events like this one.