KUWAIT: Olympic gold medalist Fehaid Al-Deehani is welcomed by officials and well-wishers at Kuwait airport’s VIP lounge yesterday. – Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti champion shooter Fehaid Al-Deehani arrived in Kuwait yesterday to a hero's welcome, with many officials and a large crowd greeting him enthusiastically at the airport's VIP lounge. Deehani won the gold medal in the double trap event of the Rio 2016 Olympics on Wednesday.

"This achievement is for the sake of Kuwait and we were able to get the world on our side," said Deehani, dedicating his win to HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister and the Kuwait people, seeing how happy they are over his victory. He said the medal is the best answer to those who kept the Kuwait flag away from the award ceremonies, adding that everyone was calling him "Fehaid the Kuwaiti". This medal, he added, would carry the name of Kuwait. "I was not representing the Olympic Committee; rather I represented Kuwait," the proud army officer said, adding he hoped to win again at the Tokyo Olympics four years from now.

At the airport, many children wore t-shirts emblazoned with Deehani's image. His family was ecstatic too. "I thank Allah for the success of my son and his winning the gold medal, as this is what he hoped for and my prayers are with him wherever he goes," his father said.

Information Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said HH the Amir, the government and people appreciate the achievements of Deehani and fellow shooter Abdullah Al-Rashidi. Sheikh Salman added that everyone is proud of their success, especially since the shooting federation has notched up many achievements during the past years. Rashidi won bronze in the men's skeet event on Saturday.

Sheikh Salman added that despite Kuwait's suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other difficulties, Deehani, Rashidi and all participants at the Rio Olympics had Kuwait's name paramount, wishing Kuwaiti sport prosperity in the future.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi