By Salem Al-Methen ABU DHABI, Jan 25 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti national swimming team has topped the overall standings at the 30th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Swimming Championship, Abu Dhabi 2026.
The squad delivered a stellar performance, securing a commanding 88 medals - comprising 30 gold, 35 silver, and 23 bronze - to firmly establish their supremacy as the championship concluded Sunday.
The impressive tally was accumulated across the men's and junior competitions. The women's contingent also made a significant impact, contributing 23 medals and demonstrating a high technical standard and strong competitive resilience.
In the fiercely contested men's division, Kuwait seized the top spot, outpacing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, while Oman finished in sixth place.
For the women's events, the host UAE team led the standings, followed by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with Kuwait securing a commendable fourth place finish.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) at the close of the championship, the head of the Kuwaiti delegation, Musa Boushehri, said that this achievement is a testament to the tremendous effort and dedication exhibited by both the male and female swimmers.
He extended his congratulations to the athletes for raising Kuwait's profile on the regional stage and showcasing a level of performance befitting Kuwaiti swimming.
Boushehri affirmed that the results underscore the team's preeminent position and the noticeable progression in their technical execution.
He further highlighted the historic maiden participation of the women's team in the championship, which commenced last Thursday with entries from all six Gulf nations.
He characterized this milestone as a pivotal moment in the history of Kuwaiti swimming, reflecting the sport's expanding foundational base.
Stressing that the triumphant outcome was the culmination of seamless teamwork, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment during the competitions, he expressed supreme confidence in the team's trajectory toward future successes.
Boushehri conveyed his gratitude to the Public Authority for Sport for its comprehensive support, which proved instrumental in facilitating these honorable results.
He dedicated the victory to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Kuwaiti people, in appreciation of their continuous encouragement of Kuwaiti athletics.
Kuwait's contingent for the championship comprised forty athletes, including nine female swimmers, marking a historic debut for the nation in the women's swimming category at this event. (end) skm.ibi