Kuwait will resume suspended sports activities only when regional conditions stabilize, the president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee said on March 8, 2026. Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah told Al Arabiya that the halt ordered by Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma on March 1 prioritizes athlete and fan safety, with clubs shifting some training to remote formats, according to Arab Times.
The Arab Times reported that Sheikh Fahad Nasser confirmed the suspension was necessary due to exceptional circumstances in the region. He emphasized that the safety of athletes and fans remains the top priority. In his remarks, the Olympic chief noted that the committee is closely coordinating with relevant authorities for a resumption as soon as conditions improve. He expressed hope for peace and security across the region.
The directive from Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma, the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, applies to all sports events and competitions nationwide. Official competitions, tournaments and public sporting activities across all disciplines will remain on hold until further notice, the report said. Clubs have paused daily training sessions although some have continued with home workouts or fitness facilities to keep players in condition.
Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was elected president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee on June 30, 2019 and re-elected on Dec. 3, 2023, the Association of National Olympic Committees data shows. The committee has overseen Kuwaiti participation in international events since the IOC lifted the suspension on the KOC in July 2019. That suspension, originally imposed in 2015, had prevented Kuwait from competing under its own flag at the Olympics, according to IOC records.
A coordinating meeting by the KOC in late March 2026 led to plans to set up an interministerial body that will review each week a gradual and safe return to sport, according to Kuwait Times. Sports activities in Kuwait remained suspended until further notice as of late March, the Public Authority for Sport indicated. Clubs were allowed to resume practice starting April 26, 2026, the authority announced.
Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma affirmed on Feb. 9, 2026 that advancing the sports system and elevating athletes is a top priority, Kuwait Times reported. The minister has continued to engage with sports organizers throughout the year. His ministry oversees the Public Authority for Sport which regulates the sector.
The Kuwait Olympic Committee reiterated its contact with local sports federations and clubs following the initial suspension order, multiple reports indicated. Sheikh Fahad Nasser made additional statements to KUNA on March 30 about prioritizing public interest in any resumption plans. The minister and the committee have maintained close coordination on the matter since the March 1 announcement.
