KUWAIT: Sheikh Salman cutting the ribbon to open the diwaniya named after him

KUWAIT: President of the Civil Aviation Directorate General Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah was honored by the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) on Sunday evening. The event was attended by KOC President Sheikh Fahad Al-Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, KOC Vice-president Sheikh Fawaz Al-Mishal Al-Sabah, Secretary Shafi Al-Hajiri, President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi along with a number of member federations.

The honoring that took place at the committee premises was in recognition of Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud's efforts in serving the sports movement and was handed the Olympic Committee medal, which is given for the first time. The committee's former Vice-president Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi was also honored in the diwaniya that was named after Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Salman thanked Kuwait Olympic Committee president and members for this move. He lauded the major support given by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Youth and Athletes. He also called for consolidating efforts for the sake of Kuwait sports and getting over struggles and differences, and having Kuwait interest on top.

Sheikh Salman lauded the role of Commerce and Industry Minister, Acting State Minister for Youth Affairs Khalid Al-Roudhan, and Public Authority for Sports Director General Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour in advancing the sports movement.

Al-Humoud said "success in sports depends on the state's strategy success in supporting schools and universities activities in all areas so that we can reach our goals." He said the state spares no effort in supporting sports through building facilities or participating in international events. He called for closing the files of the sports crises the country had suffered during recent years and led to the international suspension of Kuwait sports.

Al-Humoud said "I was honored to have participated in the achievements the sport of shooting had made at all levels and having Kuwait flag high in all arenas be it local, regional or international.

Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud said Kuwait is among the most countries spending on sports under the directions of HH the Amir and political leadership to remove all obstacles that face Kuwait athletes.

Meanwhile, President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi wished Commerce and Industry Minister, State Minister for Youth Affairs in lifting the Kuwait sports suspension at the international level.

He said as for the sport of shooting "we were able to remove the suspension through a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), and we are participating under the flag of the state of Kuwait.

Al-Otaibi lauded the support of HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister, who despite the suspension, we are still receiving support that is unmatched by many international federations be it at the level of facilities, trainers, and training camps.

He also lauded the efforts of PAS Director General Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his support to the sport of shooting.

He said the honoring of Sheikh Salman is actually an honoring of the shooting sport community, as he is the founder of the shooting sport in Kuwait.

By Abdellatif Sharaa