KUWAIT: Kuwait on Monday claimed its first medal at the Asian Games held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, as Yousef Al-Shamlan won a bronze in the men’s saber individual fencing competition, falling just short of qualifying for the finals.

Shamlan's bronze opens Kuwait's medal account at the Asian Games, the country's fencing federation secretary Hamad Al-Awadhi said in a statement, citing the progress the combat sport has made at home. He expressed his satisfaction over this achievement, dedicating it to Kuwait's leaders, saying it wouldn't have been possible without their support.

This is Kuwait’s first medal in fencing in the history of the country's participation in the Asian Games, from 1974. Meanwhile, Kuwait's handball team beat Thailand 49-19 in their first match at the Asian Games on Monday. Kuwait face host country China in their next Group A match. - Agencies