KUWAIT: Kuwait came second in the IIHF Women's Development Cup which concluded on Saturday, marking their first major achievement on the international stage, trailing behind champions, Colombia. The huge milestone for the hosts in the competition's first-ever edition came after a 4-1 victory over the UAE at the Winter Games Club stadium on the back of a win over third-placed Luxembourg.

Colombia won the title after achieving its fifth victory in a row, which came at the expense of Luxembourg in a deserved 4-0 scoreline. Kuwaiti player, Joud Al-Ajmi, said she was filled with joy at the achievement, saying it would spur the team on to make further progress in international participations. Her role alongside her fellow players was praised by head coach Mishal Al-Ajmi, who said that performances, which "exceeded all expectations", against the UAE and Luxembourg were key to their success.

The event witnessed a huge turnout, according to organising committee and Winter Games Club head Fahed Al-Ajmi, who told reporters that the women's team benefited greatly from playing in this strong sports gathering, held for the first time in the region. The club chief said he felt "great pride" in the result, pointing out that women at the club are given equal attention to their male counterparts. Kuwait National Assembly female lawmaker Alia Al-Khaled, who attended the event, said she was "very proud." - KUNA