The Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait, Her Excellency Aliya Mawani, said sports — particularly hockey — represent core values such as teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. These are the principles shared by both the Canadian and Kuwaiti people and reflect the strong sense of community in both nations.
She said this during a special sports event hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait. The event featured a friendly hockey match between Canada’s “Mooseheads” and Kuwait’s “Kuwait Stars.”
Ambassador Mawani stated, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this celebration of six decades of friendship and cooperation between our countries. We’re marking the occasion through a sport that is deeply woven into Canada’s national identity and is gaining popularity here in Kuwait, attracting players from around the world.
She highlighted that the year 2025 has seen a diverse range of Canada–Kuwait initiatives, spanning art, music, technology, education, and cuisine — now joined by sports as a new avenue for deepening bilateral cooperation.
“The Mooseheads have a long-standing history in Kuwait, having started as an independent team in 1998 and later joining Kuwait’s International Hockey League in 2015,” she added. “Meanwhile, Kuwaiti players across various levels continue to advance and impress — I’ve truly enjoyed watching their development during my time here.”
The ambassador expressed her gratitude to Fahad Al-Ajmi, President of the Winter Sports Club, for his support in organizing the event, as well as to all the organizers, players, and fans who contributed to its success.
She concluded her speech by saying, “Sport brings people together in a unique way, blending skill, competition, unity, and teamwork. As we cheer for both teams today, let us celebrate the shared values that connect us in Kuwait, Canada, and around the world.”
