IIHF renews confidence in Kuwait to host 2027 World Championship
The Kuwait Winter Sports Club announced on Friday that the International Ice Hockey Federation has renewed its confidence in Kuwait by awarding the country hosting rights for the 2027 Division IV Ice Hockey World Championship, scheduled to take place next April.
Club president Fahad Al-Ajmi said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the decision was approved during the International Federation’s General Assembly (Congress), currently being held in Zurich, with broad participation from member nations, including Kuwait’s representative and the club’s technical director, Meshaal Al-Ajmi.
Al-Ajmi explained that the decision received overwhelming support from federation members after the cancellation of the 2026 edition, which had originally been scheduled to take place in Kuwait last April but was postponed due to regional geopolitical circumstances.
He expressed appreciation for the confidence and support shown by members of the international federation toward Kuwait’s hosting capabilities.
He stressed that the decision reflects the strength of Kuwait’s organizational, technical, and administrative preparations, particularly following the successful hosting of the previous championship edition in 2024.
He also highlighted a second Gulf achievement during the congress, as the United Arab Emirates secured hosting rights for the Division II World Championship, describing it as further proof of the Gulf region’s growing ability to host major international winter sports events.
Al-Ajmi added that organizing the global tournament once again reinforces Kuwait’s rising status in international winter sports and reflects the strong relationship between Kuwaiti sports institutions and the International Ice Hockey Federation.
He noted that preparations for the championship will begin immediately to ensure full compliance with all federation requirements and guarantee a successful tournament.
He also praised the support provided by Tariq Al-Jalahma and the Public Authority for Sports, emphasizing that their backing has contributed significantly to the development of winter sports in Kuwait.
Kuwait’s national ice hockey team had previously secured the bronze medal in the last edition of the championship.
