By Faten Omar
KUWAIT: Kuwait Police Sports Federation announced Kuwait will host the World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament in November. Federation Chief Maj Gen Waleed Al-Shahab said the tournament will be held under the auspices of the World Police Sports Union, headed by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in cooperation with Kuwait Football Association.
In a press conference held on Monday, Shahab announced Kuwait's hosting of the tournament based on international regulations, with referees from inside and outside Kuwait. "The World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament is an international futsal tournament for police officers from around the world. The keenness of the federation to ensure teams participate seriously in international competitions is reflected in the participation of the Kuwait Police Sports Federation team, especially since the union has all the necessary resources at its disposal and can effectively represent the Kuwait police force," he said.
"The Police Sports Federation will work to prepare the Kuwaiti police team in the best way to ensure the best result in the tournament, which is expected to witness the participation of 32 teams representing various countries of the world," he added. Shahab affirmed the federation's keenness in exerting all possible efforts to make this tournament a success and make clear progress for Kuwait, as the game will be at the global level following international laws set by FIFA.
The federation's deputy secretary general Brig Gen Khalid Al-Najar affirmed that 15 countries have already confirmed their participation so far. "During the past 10 days, 15 countries confirmed their participation. The aim is to have 32 teams, but there are still two months before the registration for the tournament closes," he said.
Vice-President of the Colombian World Police Sports Union Maj Gen Gonzalez Londono said due to its successful organization of numerous international police and regional sports events since it headed the organization of union events in 1994, Kuwait is a significant member of the organization, and that is why the tournament will be held in the country. Regarding Kuwait's notable international activity, he pointed out the World Police Sports Union has a close relationship with Kuwaiti Police Sports Federation, affirming Kuwait's success as its cadres are highly skilled at organizing the most significant police sports competitions.