The Kuwaiti delegation has arrived in Nagoya, Japan, to participate in the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4. The arrival follows extensive preparation efforts, including a nine-day training camp in Tokyo, where the national handball team finalized its squad and engaged in a friendly match against a Japanese club. The team, led by head coach Aron Kristjansson, is set to open its tournament campaign against Iran.
The Kuwait Handball Association expressed confidence in the team’s readiness ahead of the Games. Khaled Taleb, treasurer of the association and a member of the delegation, highlighted the significance of the final training camp organized by the Kuwait Olympic Committee in Japan. Taleb noted that the camp helped the team prepare physically and mentally for the competitive challenges they will face. Emphasizing the presence of diverse and technically skilled opponents in Kuwait’s group, he acknowledged the need for tactical adaptability and noted the coaching and administrative staff’s attentiveness to these challenges. Taleb also expressed hope that the squad would remain injury-free throughout the competition.
Ahead of the official start of the Games, the Kuwait flag was raised during a ceremony at the Athletes’ Village in Nagoya. The event featured the Kuwaiti national anthem and was attended by key figures in the Kuwaiti delegation, including delegation chief and Kuwait Olympic Committee Director General Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mohammed Saeed Al-Khalfan, deputy delegation chief Dr. Hussein Al-Saeed, financial director Mohammed Atef, and representatives from various sports federations. Al-Khalfan described the moment as a source of pride for the entire delegation, underscoring the months of preparation and organizational efforts dedicated to ensuring the athletes’ technical and physical readiness, as well as overcoming logistical challenges associated with participating in a large-scale multi-sport event.
In addition to handball, Kuwaiti athletes are competing in other disciplines. Retaj Abdulhussein and Habari Al-Thuwaini are set to participate in the women’s individual modern pentathlon semifinals, an event that incorporates fencing, obstacle, swimming, and laser-run segments. The duo aims to advance to the finals with strong performances in this decisive stage. Meanwhile, in teqball, Zaid Eidan will begin the men’s singles qualifiers, with Basel Ahmad and Abdulwahab Al-Qattan competing in the men’s doubles qualifiers. These events are planned for the early hours, reflecting the Asian Games’ demanding schedule.
Overall, the Kuwaiti delegation presents a well-prepared and diverse team, focused on competing strongly across multiple sports in what is Asia’s largest multi-sport event.