ShareKUWAIT: Recognizing the significance of Kuwaiti athletes’ achievements at the Asian Games, Chairman of BNK Group Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi honored champions Abdullah Al-Turqi, Yaqoub Al-Youha and Fahad Al-Ajmi by giving a Volvo car to each winner. During the event, Kharafi emphasized on encouraging the youth. “Our concern extends beyond sports. It is to encompass the youth as a whole, recognizing them as the future and pride of Kuwait. Consequently, it becomes a national duty for every capable Kuwaiti to honor and encourage their endeavors.
Our support encompasses more than financial assistance — we firmly believe that moral support also plays a significant role. Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to you, the champions who wave the flag of Kuwait high and fill our hearts with pride. May your achievements continue to soar to greater heights, unceasing in their magnitude. We stand united in our admiration for you,” he said. “The presence and visit of His Highness the Crown Prince to China laid the foundation for the champions’ triumph, and his fatherly moral support is an inseparable part of this monumental achievement.
Let it be known that the support we are celebrating today has been a collective endeavor, with the Olympic Committee under the leadership of Sheikh Fahd Al-Ahmad and Fatima Hayat,” Kharafi added. Kharafi’s monumental gesture signifies more than just material rewards — it symbolizes pride, inspiration and genuine appreciation. World champion shooter Abdullah Al-Turqi won Kuwait’s first gold medal in the championship. “While my participation in sports was never driven by financial gain, it is undeniable that rewards and gifts play a crucial role in assisting athletes and motivating them to persevere and excel.
Thus, the recognition presented by Mr Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi is a genuine source of support, boosting athletes’ determination to advance and triumph. This honoring gesture serves as a source of motivation for athletes to enhance their performance and proudly represent their country,” Turqi told Kuwait Times. “Mr Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi has not only honored me once, but twice with a car, for which I am deeply grateful. His continuous support and efforts to boost our morale are truly commendable. I hope that others will follow in his footsteps, as he is a prominent figure who uplifts spirits and encourages young individuals to strive for higher triumphs. This, in turn, elevates the overall caliber of athletes.
If such acts of recognition become more widespread and are adopted by other companies as well, it would not only promote the reputation of Kuwait, but also serve as a means of safeguarding the younger generation by motivating them to pursue sports and activities that contribute positively to the country’s name, diverting them away from harmful paths such as drugs,” Turqi added. Yaqoub Al-Youha, a member of the Kuwait national team in strength sports, emerged victorious in the 110-meter hurdles race at the Asian Games in China, earning the esteemed gold medal.
“Today’s celebration not only fosters the growth of sports, but also inspires young individuals to pursue athletic endeavors. I am immensely grateful to all those who supported and stood by me throughout this journey, with a special appreciation towards Mr Bader Al-Kharafi for his generous gift and unwavering support. Every athlete finds great pride in their accomplishments, and what truly fuels their motivation is the encouragement and acknowledgment they receive. Personally, I contemplated retirement after Paris, but today I make the decision to strive forward and not give up until 2027, with the will of God,” Youha told Kuwait Times Fahad Al-Ajmi won a gold medal in karate at the Asian Games.
Ajmi told Kuwait Times that karate has been his passionate hobby since childhood, and he officially joined the national team at the age of 15. Although he traveled to various tournaments, it wasn’t until 2022, during his first championship, the Asian Championship, that he achieved significant success. Competing in the under-21 category, he proudly secured the silver medal. The following day, he added another achievement to his name by winning the bronze medal in the same championship.
This marked his debut in international competition. Ajmi also highlighted that the Asian Games was not an easy challenge, accompanied by intense preparation. A rigorous 15-day training camp in Azerbaijan preceded the championship, but the hard work and dedication paid off as he and his team proudly represented Kuwait and secured the gold medal. The euphoria of standing on the podium, clutching the gold medal, and hearing his country’s national anthem playing served as a gratifying reward for his efforts, alongside the Volvo car he has received from Bader Al-Kharafi.
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