By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The opening ceremony of Third Gulf Games will take place on Sunday (7:30 pm) at Rafa Nadal Academy at Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah International Tennis Complex. The ceremony will be attended by high ranking dignitaries - both local and international. President of Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser said he was very pleased with Kuwait's hosting of the Games. He said the events represent the core of the youth and sports movement in the Gulf region due to its contribution in improving athletes' technical levels in various sports.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser said the Gulf teams will benefit from the Games. "There was strong competition in various games as more than 1,700 athletes represent the six GCC countries," he said. Al-Nasser lauded the organization's aspect of the games which is excellent.

Kuwait tops the list

On Sunday, three new sports competitions (tennis, table tennis and women eSports) will begin. Meanwhile, Kuwait replaced Bahrain on top of the medals list with 21 gold, 17 silver and 18 bronze medals while Bahrain grabbed 17 gold, 16 silver and 10 bronze medals. Qatar took the third position with 12 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals.  Oman (fourth) grabbed 11 gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze. Saudi Arabia (fifth) secured 7 gold, 9 silver and 17 bronze while UAE (sixth) took 5 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals.

Women eSports

The women eSports will be held at Jumaira hotel starting from 4:00 pm with players from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. The players will compete in the "FIFA 22" game. The finals of the games will be played at 9:00 pm.

10 medals for shooting

The shooting competitions concluded on Friday as Kuwait shooting team were able to win 10 medals. President of Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated Kuwait shooters for their achievements adding that shooting sport is accustomed to winning and raising Kuwait flag in the most important arenas around the world.