Kuwait submits bid to host 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV
KUWAIT CITY, May 27 (KUNA): The Kuwait Winter Sports Club announced on Tuesday that it has officially submitted a bid to host the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV. The tournament features national teams from Armenia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore, and Kuwait.
The announcement came during the club's participation in the ongoing International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) annual meetings currently taking place in Sweden.
Speaking to KUNA, Club President Fahed Al-Ajmi said that the IIHF will evaluate all submitted bids and is expected to name the host nation shortly.
Al-Ajmi expressed hope that Kuwait will be granted the opportunity to host the prestigious championship, noting that doing so would significantly elevate the profile of Kuwaiti ice hockey on the global stage and further promote the sport domestically.
The Kuwaiti delegation to the meetings also included Development Director Mishal Al-Ajmi and board member Rashid Al-Failakawi.
According to Al-Ajmi, the meetings covered a wide range of topics focused on the development of ice hockey worldwide, particularly in Asia. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening tournaments and enhancing the sport through technical and administrative development.
The IIHF sessions also produced a number of key decisions aimed at improving officiating, coaching, and management by expanding training and development programs in these areas. Al-Ajmi praised the IIHF's efforts in supporting the growth of the sport at the international level.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait is still in the hunt for a World Cup playoff spot despite long odds
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: Kuwait launched an internal training camp today as part of its preparations for two decisive matches against Palestine and South Korea. These fixtures, set for Thursday and the following Tuesday, mark the ninth and tenth (final) rounds of Group B in the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Blues currently sit in sixth and last place in Group B with five points. South Korea tops the group with 16 points, followed by Jordan (13), Iraq (12), Oman (10), and Palestine (6). Despite the odds, National Teams Director Saud Al-Mujammed believes Kuwait still has a mathematical chance to reach the Asian play-offs. 'Everyone is holding on to this hope, even though it is slim,' he said. Al-Mujammed noted that qualification now hinges on the outcomes of other group matches. 'It's no longer in our hands,' he acknowledged, 'but the team is determined to give its best and achieve positive results in both games.' He also confirmed that Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi and his technical staff are fully in charge of player selection, expressing optimism that the squad will perform at a high level and fight for victories. Midfielder Hussein Ashkanani underwent an X-ray after experiencing minor muscle discomfort, as advised by Dr. Abdul Majeed Al-Bannai, head of the Football Association's Medical Committee. Dr. Al-Bannai confirmed Ashkanani will continue training under medical supervision. He also pointed out that some drop in physical condition is expected, as the domestic season has concluded, and players may lack proper recovery training. 'The medical staff is closely monitoring all players to ensure full readiness for both matches,' he said. The Asian Football Confederation has appointed a Tajik officiating crew for Kuwait's clash against Palestine. Sadullo Gulmoradi will serve as the referee, assisted by Hasan Karimov and Farkhad Karilov, with Abdul Davalitov as fourth official. Emirati referees Mohammed Obaid and Yahya Al-Mulla will manage VAR duties. The Palestinian national team began its preparations with a training session yesterday at Thamer Stadium and will hold a second session this evening at the same venue. Their final practice before the match will take place tomorrow night at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, where the game is scheduled to be played on Thursday.
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Yarmouk Club celebrates 60 years of sporting excellence
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: Yarmouk Club's Board of Directors held a commemorative celebration at its headquarters in Mishref, marking the club's 60th anniversary. The event brought together former club presidents, administrators, and stars from the golden generation, along with prominent Kuwaiti sports officials, including the Acting Director of the Public Authority for Sports, Bashar Abdullah. The ceremony honored past presidents and standout players of the "Sons of Mishref," recognizing their invaluable contributions since the club's founding in 1965 on Failaka Island. Bashar Abdullah lauded Yarmouk Club's rich legacy and its vital role in shaping the Kuwaiti sports landscape. 'Six decades of achievement and dedication deserve to be celebrated and passed on with pride to future generations,' he said. He also expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a model for other clubs across Kuwait. Club President Ahmed Al-Jarki warmly welcomed attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who laid the foundations of Yarmouk Club. 'This exceptional ceremony is a tribute to those who worked hard on Failaka Island to establish our beloved institution,' he said. 'Today's turnout reflects our trust and deep appreciation for your efforts throughout the club's journey.' Al-Jarki emphasized the impact of past leadership in transitioning the club from Failaka to its current location in Mishref, highlighting the club's proudest moments—winning the Amir Cup twice and clinching the joint league cup. He also extended thanks to the Public Authority for Sports for its continued support.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Pizzi rallies Kuwait ahead of decisive World Cup qualifiers against Palestine and South Korea
KUWAIT CITY, June 1: Kuwait continues its intensive daily training sessions at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, home of Al-Nasr Club, as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Palestine (June 5) and South Korea (June 10). These matches represent the ninth and tenth (final) rounds of Group B in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the guidance of Argentine coach Juan Pizzi, the technical staff met with players before the first training session, stressing the importance of maximum effort, particularly in the pivotal clash against Palestine. Pizzi urged the team to maintain focus, strictly follow tactical instructions, and execute their roles to keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the Asian World Cup play-offs. Currently, Kuwait sits at the bottom of Group B with 5 points. It must win both upcoming matches to stay in contention. However, qualification will also depend on Oman losing its remaining two games. The group standings are led by South Korea with 16 points, followed by Jordan (13), Iraq (12), Oman (10), and Palestine (6). The Kuwaiti team will begin a training camp starting tomorrow, continuing through the match days. It is scheduled to travel to Seoul next Friday to face the South Korean side. Coach Pizzi has called up a 26-player roster for the qualifiers, including key names like Saud Al-Hoshan, Fahad Al-Hajri, Yousef Nasser, and Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, among others. Meanwhile, the Palestine national team delegation is set to arrive in Kuwait today to commence its training sessions immediately. Palestine striker Wissam Abu Ali will join the squad from Cairo, and Oday Al-Dabbagh is already participating in the training camp, which started in mid-May.
