05-07-2025
International Skating Union grants Kuwait full membership
LUSANNE: Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating,ِ pose for a photo with ISU President Jae Yeol Kim.
KUWAIT: The International Skating Union (ISU) granted the country full membership in its figure skating division, officially recognizing the Kuwait Figure Skating Federation. The decision, which was announced during the ISU's 2025 Congress currently being held in Switzerland, marks a major step forward for Kuwait's winter sports scene.
In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday, President of the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Fahid Al-Ajmi, hailed the development as a major milestone in the country's growing involvement on the global winter sports stage.
The Kuwaiti delegation attending the ISU Congress included Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating, and club administrator Farah Al-Qallaf.
Al-Ajmi said Kuwait exercised its full voting rights at the Congress for the first time following the approval, taking part in key decisions aimed at developing the sport internationally. He expressed deep gratitude to the ISU and its president, South Korea's Jae Yeol Kim, for their confidence in Kuwait's skating program and their continued support.
He explained that full membership was granted after Kuwait successfully met the ISU's eligibility requirements, including consistent participation in regional and international figure skating competitions and compliance with development standards.
'This recognition will boost the sport's development in Kuwait by creating more opportunities for our athletes to compete and gain valuable experience on the international stage,' Al-Ajmi said. He also extended congratulations to all club members and supporters who contributed to the achievement. Al-Ajmi credited the Kuwait Olympic Committee, led by Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, and Secretary-General Hussein Al-Musallam, for playing a key role in facilitating Kuwait's entry into the international skating community. He emphasized that the club remains committed to supporting all five winter sports under its umbrella. — KUNA