Kuwait Sports Day 2025 draws 21,000 enthusiastic participants

• Former Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah noted that this year’s cycling race stretched to 35 kilometers, up from 15 kilometers last year, and he hopes to cross the entire Sheikh Jaber Bridge next year.

• Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi emphasized the role of Kuwait Sports Day in raising community awareness about the importance of sports and physical activity, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to promoting a healthy and safe environment.

• From the starting point, walkers participated in a five kilometre race, while cyclists competed in a twenty kilometre race, all in a vibrant and healthy atmosphere aimed at promoting public health and fostering a culture of sports within society.

With the inaugural shot fired by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, thousands of citizens and residents joined the “Kuwait Sports Day” marathon on Saturday morning. Held on Sheikh Jaber Bridge, this was the second edition of the annual event organized by the Public Authority for Sport, Al Rai newspaper reported.

From the starting point, walkers participated in a five kilometre race, while cyclists competed in a twenty kilometre race, all in a vibrant and healthy atmosphere aimed at promoting public health and fostering a culture of sports within society.

The organizing committees welcomed participants from various categories and age groups in the marathon, which began precisely at 8:05 a.m. under tight security arrangements. Volunteer teams provided essential services, while Ministry of Interior personnel managed traffic to prevent congestion, ensure smooth movement, and prepare for any emergencies.

The festival’s second edition saw broad participation from government and private entities and featured musical performances, sports activities, and other events—all reinforcing the message that sports are a community practice that enhances health awareness and protects youth from negative influences.

“A blessing for Kuwait”

Former Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah remarked, “This year, God has blessed us with beautiful weather and the participation of all Kuwait’s residents—Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, young and old, men and women. This is one of God’s great blessings: that our country is safe, and may He continue to bless us.”

Regarding his participation in this year’s 20-kilometre cycling race—an increase from last year’s 15-kilometre distance—Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah noted, “This year, the route was extended to 35 kilometres, and God willing, next year, we will cross the entire bridge. Last year, the race reached the southern island; this year, it extended to the northern island. Hopefully, next year, we will go all the way to Subiya and back.”

When asked about becoming a symbol of Kuwait Sports Day, Al-Sabah humbly stated, “No, the real essence lies with the people around us—I am merely a branch from this bundle. May God enable us to participate every year alongside the people of Kuwait and its residents.”

Acknowledging the event’s growing participation, he added, “Health is in the body, and security is in the homeland. Health is fundamental—God Almighty calls on us to care for our bodies and well-being. It is only natural for people to join in a day like this.”

He concluded, “This is a celebratory day where one does not compete against others but challenges oneself.” Encouraging participants, he said, “You must surpass yourselves next year. Every year, God willing, we will push our limits and strive for even better.”

More than 21,000 participants

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi revealed that more than 21,000 participants took part in the second annual marathon, describing the event as a distinctive gathering that attracted numerous government and private entities, diplomatic missions, and large crowds of citizens and residents from various age groups and backgrounds.

In a statement to Al-Rai newspaper, Al-Mutairi emphasized the festival’s role in raising community awareness about the importance of sports and physical activity, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to promoting a healthy and safe environment. He described the event’s second edition as “establishing an institutional memory and providing two valuable experiences from which we can learn, helping us create something even more remarkable with larger events covering all governorates of Kuwait.”

A growing tradition

Dawood Marafi, the Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and former Minister of State for Communications Affairs, praised Kuwait Sports Day and its annual continuation.

“The seed has grown into a tree, and thanks to the efforts of the Sports Authority, the Competitions Federation, and the organizing teams, it has now become an official sports day in Kuwait,” Marafi told Al-Rai newspaper.

“It is truly commendable that this event continues year after year, regardless of any changes in leadership, team members, or officials involved in sports, ensuring its lasting presence,” he added.

Expressing his joy in participating, Marafi noted that the event’s timing coincided with Kuwait’s National Day celebrations, making it even more special.

35 medical cases handled

The Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical Services Department reported handling 35 medical cases at the marathon site—23 males and 12 females.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, Director of the Department, told KUNA that the ministry had fully prepared for the event, implementing a well-planned strategy that included deploying 30 ambulances, 160 emergency medical technicians, and 16 ambulances stationed along the marathon route. Additionally, two permanent medical clinics were set up to provide necessary care.

Participation of 4,500 students

Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Development and Activities at the Ministry of Education, Maryam Al-Enezi, told the newspaper that 4,500 male and female students took part in Kuwait Sports Day. She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting activities and events that promote public health and encourage physical fitness among students.

Helicopters, patrols, and firefighting

The Ministry of Interior participated in Sports Day celebrations with three helicopters, as the Kuwaiti flag fluttered over the festival’s sky. The marathon featured various activities and events set to the tunes of national anthems and the traditional Ardha dance. Public Security, Traffic, Operations, Rescue, and Kuwait Fire Force patrols also took part in the event.

Shows, contests, and games

The event was not limited to athletes but was designed for all members of society—from families and children to the elderly—who gathered to enjoy healthy activities and participate in sports demonstrations. Special areas were designated for children, offering sports games and fun competitions.

Scenes from the Sports Day

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Sabah performed the naval daring feat on Jaber Bridge alongside Khalid bin Hussein. The organizers ensured the placement of gates representing Kuwait’s old walls along the bridge.

Bassam Al-Khadhrawi from the French Embassy was the first runner to cross the finish line. The first female participant to complete the race covered the distance in 40 minutes.

A special track was designated for bicycles, with the race starting half an hour before the running marathon. Additionally, a section was set up for fitness activities, featuring sports sessions such as yoga and CrossFit, supervised by professional trainers.