Kuwait, Japan deepen sports ties as Asian Games approach
- We aim to see Kuwait’s flag raised on Asian podiums — Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr Tareq Al-Jalajema
- Japan to issue more than 200 visas for Kuwait’s Asian Games delegation
- Direct Kuwait-Tokyo flights under discussion as bilateral ties expand into AI, cybersecurity and renewable energy
The Japanese Embassy in Kuwait hosted a reception at the ambassador’s residence to support and encourage Kuwaiti athletes preparing to compete in the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, which will be held in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture in September and October.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr Tareq Al-Jalajema, Kuwait Olympic Committee President Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait Paralympic Committee President Mansour Al-Sarheed and honorary president of Kuwait Disabled Sports Club Sheikhkha Shaikha Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah.
More than 70 guests, including government representatives, sports federation officials and leading Kuwaiti athletes, also attended the reception.
Kuwait targets podium finishes
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Al-Jalajema said Kuwait’s participation in the two tournaments represents the country and expressed hope that Kuwaiti athletes would deliver strong performances and raise the national flag on the podium.
“We wish our brothers and sisters participating in the Asian Games every success, and we hope to see Kuwait’s flag on the podiums,” he said. He noted that Kuwait has talented athletes across various sports, in addition to distinguished Paralympic champions who have achieved international recognition. He expressed hope that the delegation would win medals in the upcoming competitions.
On strengthening sports cooperation with Japan, Al-Jalajema said exchanging expertise between countries is “important and necessary”, adding that any initiative capable of contributing to the development of Kuwaiti sport would be studied and given attention.
He stressed that supporting athletes, including athletes with disabilities, is part of the leadership’s commitment to youth and sports.
“We support them and stand by them. We are looking for every possible way to make them active members of society and provide them with all the means for success,” he said.
All sports included in development plans
Al-Jalajema said Kuwait’s sports development efforts would not focus solely on football, but would cover all sports. He said a work plan was being prepared for the next phase covering different sporting disciplines.
“The building phase requires time, study and careful decision-making, as well as learning from the obstacles we have faced,” he said. He identified time as one of the biggest challenges facing sports development. “We always have a competitor that no one feels — time. We are competing against time,” he said.
Al-Jalajema said Kuwait’s development projects and plans would continue regardless of changes in officials. He expressed hope that previously planned and designed projects would be completed, while new projects could also be considered. He declined to disclose details of potential new projects, saying they were still under study.
Japan to issue 200-plus visas
Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Kenichiro Mukai said the reception was held to support Kuwaiti athletes taking part in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, stressing that sport serves as an important bridge between peoples and helps strengthen relations.
He said Kuwaiti athletes would compete in more than 20 to 30 sporting disciplines, providing opportunities to interact with Japanese athletes and other Asian teams and further strengthen Kuwait-Japan relations.
Mukai said the Japanese Embassy was preparing to issue more than 200 visas for the Kuwaiti delegation, including athletes, committee members and coaching staff. He added that Kuwait and Japan were discussing ways to deepen cooperation in sports, although the two countries currently do not have a dedicated sports cooperation agreement.
Cooperation expands beyond oil and energy
On bilateral relations, Mukai said Kuwait and Japan were expanding cooperation into new areas alongside their traditional partnership in oil, energy, electricity and water. The cooperation now also covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy and other sectors, he said.
The two countries are also discussing security issues, ensuring stable energy supplies, strengthening resilience and exchanging expertise, Mukai said. He stressed Japan’s interest in cooperating with Kuwait on measures aimed at ensuring the security and stability of maritime traffic.
Mukai also revealed that high-level talks between the two countries are expected to take place soon, saying an announcement could be made “within days.”
Direct Kuwait-Tokyo flights discussed
On the possibility of direct flights between Kuwait and Tokyo, Mukai confirmed that discussions are underway between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries. He said direct flights are among the issues being discussed and that talks would continue.
The 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, while the 5th Asian Para Games will take place from October 18 to 24.
