Kuwait: hosting 2026 IIHF World Championship Division IV "professionally"

KUWAIT, Jan 14 (KUNA) - The Honorary President of Kuwait Winter Games Club Sheikh Jaber Bander Al-Sabah affirmed the club's intensive efforts to host the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV, April 2026, on a professional level in Kuwait.
In a statement on Wednesday after inspecting the club's ice rink, which will host the tournament matches, Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah said the organizing committee is implementing all technical and organizational requirements set by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), under its direct supervision.
He noted that preparations will soon begin to upgrade the rink, players' and officials' facilities in line with IIHF standards, in addition to establishing a fan zone near the venue with entertainment activities to encourage public attendance.
Sheikh Jaber praised the efforts of Club President Fahad Al-Ajmi and the board of directors in coordinating with the IIHF, the Public Authority for Sport, relevant state bodies and national sponsors to ensure the championship is staged to a high standard. The tournament will feature national teams from Singapore, Armenia, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and host Kuwait.
He added that hosting the event for the second time in Kuwait underscores the country's standing in international ice hockey, commending the support of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who is sponsoring the championship.
Regarding preparations of the national team, Sheikh Jaber said the Kuwait ice hockey team will hold two domestic training camps at the club rink, followed by an external camp in Sweden in March, including friendly matches with Swedish teams, expressing confidence in the team's ability to compete for the title. (end) sod.seo