Doha: The Qatar International Open Curling Championship has officially commenced at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Ice Arena in Al Sadd, featuring participation from national teams representing Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Belgium, and host nation Qatar. The event, which began on Thursday, has drawn attention for its diverse array of competitors, with the mixed doubles competition taking center stage.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the head of the Kuwaiti delegation and board member of the Kuwaiti Winter Games Club, Mohsen Al-Maasub, remarked on the impressive performances by Kuwaiti players Saud Al-Kandari and Fatima Abdulatif during the two-day mixed doubles event. Al-Maasub emphasized the competitive nature of the championship and highlighted the valuable exposure it provides to Kuwaiti athletes in preparation for future competitions.
Al-Maasub expressed optimism about the Kuwaiti team's potential to achieve strong results and noted the sport's rapid development within Kuwait. He referenced the team's commendable performance at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, last February, marking the club's debut on such a significant stage.
Furthermore, Al-Maasub praised the efforts of the Qatari organizing committee, led by Hassan Al-Habbabi, Secretary General of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, for their efficient organization of the tournament. He also appreciated the warm hospitality extended by Qatar, which he views as a testament to the country's prowess in hosting major sporting events.
The Kuwaiti Winter Games Club, under the leadership of its president Fahid Al-Ajmi, views international participation as crucial in the continual development of curling, one of the five Olympic winter sports overseen by the club. Al-Maasub emphasized the importance of expanding the player base, particularly among the youth, to ensure the growth and sustainability of the sport in Kuwait.