KUWAIT: The personal museum of Kuwaiti sports historian Hussein Al-Bloushi is the first of its kind in Asia, dedicated exclusively to football history. It showcases the rich sporting heritage of Kuwait, with a particular focus on the country’s triumphs in the Arabian Gulf Cup tournaments, culminating in Kuwait’s hosting of the 26th edition of the competition (Khaleeji Zain 26).

Al-Bloushi, speaking to KUNA, said the museum, located in his home in the Abdullah Mubarak area, is open daily to visitors. Fans attending Khaleeji Zain 26 can enjoy a journey through history, reliving the glory days of Kuwaiti sports and exploring a wide array of artifacts from the Gulf and Arab football scene, as well as international football history, collected over decades.

The museum houses more than 10,000 items, including rare and exceptional sports memorabilia dating back to the early days of Kuwait’s sports movement and past Gulf Cup tournaments. Among the exhibits are trophies, medals, player jerseys worn by football legends, match balls from decisive games, and footwear worn by prominent Gulf stars in various tournaments.

The award designated for the top scorer of the tenth Gulf Cup held in Kuwait in 1990.

A football used in a match between Kuwait and Bahrain's national teams in 1974.

Kuwaiti sports historian Hussein Al-Bloushi

The medal designated for the winning team in the fifth Gulf Cup held in 1979 in Iraq.

Memorabilia related to Kuwaiti football player Jasem Al-Huwaidi.

The Golden medal Iraq's national team won in the ninth 1988 Gulf Cup held in Riyadh.

The Hussein Al-Bloushi Museum includes several football artifacts, including historic documents, old match tickets, and trophies.

Goalkeeper gloves belonging to retired Omani player Ali Al-Habsi are displayed at the museum.

The football jersey of Kuwaiti player Ali Budustoor, which he wore during a match with Sporting Lisbon in 1980.

Additionally, the museum holds an extensive archive of articles, media reports, and interviews conducted by Al-Bloushi throughout his career in sports journalism. This archive includes coverage of major events like the Gulf Cup, the Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup, as well as interviews with players, coaches, and sports officials.

The collection also features historic documents, old match tickets, and programs from tournaments held in Kuwait since the 1950s, alongside rare archival photos of Kuwait’s first football teams and players who have become icons in Kuwaiti sports history. — KUNA