ShareKUWAIT: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship (Khaleeji Zain 26), expressed pride in Kuwait’s organization of this exceptional Gulf sports forum. The event was held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Following the tournament’s conclusion, where Bahrain defeated Oman 2-1, Al-Mutairi emphasized that the gathering of GCC sports youth in Kuwait was the biggest success of this edition. He highlighted the critical role of HH the Amir’s generous patronage and presence at the tournament’s opening ceremony, reflecting Kuwait’s warm hospitality toward delegations and teams from brotherly nations.
He also expressed gratitude to HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for honoring the closing ceremony and presenting the trophy on behalf of the patron, as well as to HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for his support of this prestigious sports gathering.
Al-Mutairi praised the impressive public, technical and organizational success of the tournament, attributing it to the collective efforts of working committees, government agencies, the Kuwait Football Association, Gulf Football Federation and volunteers who played a vital role in ensuring the event’s success.
He further noted that Kuwait is eager to host more significant sporting events in the future, citing their sporting, economic and social benefits. A procedural guide and institutional memory have been established to streamline the organization of such events. Concluding his remarks, Al-Mutairi highlighted the Gulf Cup’s role since its inception in 1970 in fostering fraternal ties and cooperation among Gulf sports youth, making it more than just a competition but a platform for strengthening bonds across the region.
President of Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah on the successful hosting of the 26th Gulf Cup Championship, held in Kuwait from Dec 21, 2024 to Jan 4, 2025.
Sheikh Fahad praised the efforts of Minister Al-Mutairi and the working committees in ensuring the tournament’s outstanding organizational success, which garnered widespread acclaim. He congratulated the Bahrain national team on their victory, stating that all participating teams contributed to the tournament’s success in strengthening ties between Gulf nations.
Chairman of Kuwait Football Association Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah extended his gratitude to HH the Amir for his generous patronage of the Khaleeji Zain 26 tournament. He also thanked HH the Crown Prince for attending the final match and presenting the trophy. Sheikh Ahmad congratulated the Bahrain national team on their 2-1 victory over Oman and praised the match’s high level of competition. He expressed appreciation for the unwavering government support and thanked all involved in organizing the tournament, including the fans whose attendance and sportsmanship contributed to its success.
Vice President of Gulf Media Committee Sattam Al-Sahli expressed his thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Khaleeji Zain 26. He praised the leadership of Minister Al-Mutairi and the dedication of the Kuwait Football Association, chaired by Sheikh Ahmad. Al-Sahli highlighted the role of local and Gulf media in creating excitement and applauded the GCC fans for their enthusiasm and presence, which elevated the tournament’s atmosphere. He noted Kuwait’s readiness to host similar events in the future.
Bahrain national team coach Dragan Talajic commended his players for their outstanding performance throughout Khaleeji Zain 26, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Oman in the final. He congratulated the Bahraini fans for their unwavering support and the kingdom’s leadership for its backing of the team.
Bahrain’s star player Ismail Abdullatif celebrated his team’s victory, noting that winning the Gulf title twice in the last five years is a remarkable feat. He thanked Kuwait for its excellent organization and support, which ensured the tournament’s success.
