GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has highlighted the spectacular rise in regional and international sports in the GCC nations.
Thanking Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, for hosting the 37th meeting of the Presidents of Olympic Committees in the GCC countries, Albudaiwi said Olympic Committees in the GCC nations were working hard to further improve the sporting scene.
Albudaiwi said that there has been a significant rise and development in the levels and numbers of Olympic athletes from GCC countries, and the series of achievements at the regional and international levels witnessed by sports in the Gulf countries.
He said the member states have taken up sports as vital path for human development, recognising its importance in building a healthy and active society, enhancing the spirit of fair competition and national belonging, and strengthening the Gulf presence at regional and international sporting events.
Earlier, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in Kuwait to lead Bahrain’s delegation.
Upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport, HH Shaikh Khalid was received by Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Vice President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, and Sheikh Jaber Thamer Jaber Al Sabah, Board Member of the Kuwait Olympic Committee.
The Bahraini delegation included BOC vice president Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, BOC secretary general Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, and board member Fajr Jassim.
Albudaiwi noted that the Council countries have witnessed significant developments in sports infrastructure investment, which is estimated at over $260 billion. The Council countries are making efforts to establish sport as a vital sector, forming a fundamental pillar of economic and social development, Albudaiwi observed.
This is achieved by supporting programmes and initiatives that clearly contribute to enhancing sport as a unifying force for the peoples of the Gulf, hosting joint championships, exchanging expertise, and supporting young athletes, he said.
The aim is to expand cooperation to broader horizons, build new generations of Gulf athletes capable of competing regionally and internationally, and encourage youth to take part in the future of the sports industry, he added.
He expressed hope that the meeting in Kuwait would come out with practical outcomes, contributing to sports integration, supporting young Gulf talents, and opening new prospects for integration to achieve common goals. The meeting discussed approving Qatar’s request to host the fourth GCC Games in 2026 and Kuwait’s demand to host the second GCC Youth Games in 2028.
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