Desert twins conquer jungle trails

Kuwait Times

17-05-2025

Kuwaiti brothers make history at mountain biking Asia Enduro Series, defying terrain and expectations
In a remarkable achievement on the international stage, twin brothers Mohammad and Khaleel Husain secured 1st and 3rd place respectively in the under-18 category at the mountain biking Asia Enduro Series, held in Sri Lanka last week. For these 14-year-old athletes from the deserts of Kuwait, the victory was more than just a medal — it was a statement. 'I got third place in the Asia Enduro Series, and it was my first time riding in tropical mud,' Khaleel told Kuwait Times.
Their biking journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. With movement restricted, Khaleel started riding around his compound, building small jumps, and quickly fell in love with mountain biking. The brothers' passion grew from humble beginnings. Trapped indoors, they swapped screens for bikes. 'I started watching YouTube tutorials on how to jump and wheelie,' said Mohammad. 'Eventually, I joined a bike shop as a volunteer mechanic, and that's how I heard about races in Oman.'
Khaleel Husain
Mohammad Husain
Twins Mohammad and Khaleel Husain took 1st and 3rd place at the Asia Enduro Series.
Mohammad entered his first race in Oman — and won. That victory lit a competitive fire, and he soon joined Al-Waal MTB, a local team that became the brothers' training ground. 'We trained hard before Sri Lanka — three days a week in Oman's mountains, getting into race mindset and tackling real enduro terrain,' Mohammad said.
Despite the stark contrast between Oman's dry, rocky trails and Sri Lanka's wet, muddy tracks, both brothers adapted quickly. For Mohammad, the most memorable moment came during Stage 2. 'It was fast and technical. My chain broke at the start, but I still pushed through and placed first in every stage. It was my first international race, and I was filled with joy and pride.' Khaleel agreed: 'Stage 2 stood out. The mix of slippery rock slabs and soft, loose dirt made it a monster of a stage. Every detail mattered.'
Competing with each other drives them to improve. 'Competing with my brother is both helpful and annoying,' Khaleel said. 'We push each other constantly. We debate lines, compare GoPro videos, and on race day, we're each other's biggest rivals.' Mohammad chimed in: 'We're like mirrors — same style, same mindset. It's the reason we're improving so quickly.'
Representing Kuwait on the international stage meant everything to them. 'It felt amazing to represent Kuwait in a sport I love. Even without mountains, we proved that athletes from our country can perform anywhere,' Khaleel said. Mohammad added: 'The vibe in Sri Lanka was incredible. The trails were completely different from the ones in Oman — very wet, slippery, and muddy. I had to adapt quickly, coming from Oman's rocky, dry, and harsh environment. This was the first time I had ever ridden in dirt and mud, and I adapted very well.'
Looking ahead, the brothers are already preparing for future races. They dream of creating a national Kuwaiti mountain biking team. 'I hope we inspire other Kuwaitis to pick up a bike,' Mohammad said, advising young riders to be patient. 'Failing is part of the game — learn, keep going, and the results will come.'