By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The 4th Asian U18 Athletics Championship began on Thursday under the patronage of President of Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Ahmad Al-Rashdan track and field in Kaifan. Competitions will resume on Friday (9:00 am) with loom hurdles, pole vault and discuss throw.

In the evening, there will be Javelin throw, 110m hurdles final, 400m final, triple jump, 100m final, 1500m in addition to girls 100m final and 110m hurdles. Meanwhile, South Korean player Kim Tahoa won the first gold medal of the hammer throw - scoring 59:24. Maleeka (from Iran) won the silver medal (57:85m) and her compatriot Mahadeez won the bronze medal (54:02m).

President of the International Athletics Association Prince Nawaf bin Mohammad Al Saud said KAA hosting of the 4th juniors tournaments is a distinguished initiative by the officials, and forms a major return to championships, after years of postponements due to the COVID pandemic. He said the tournaments will showcase the talents in Asia.

Iraq’s team official Ali Laftah said Iraq is participating with 7 boys and 6 girls and hope to win several medals. Meanwhile, Colien Chowdhury, manager of the Indian team said India is participating with 17 boys and 17 girls, adding that they seek to win many medals.