The Mini Club World Cup in Kuwait is well underway with the first round of group games complete. The competition is proving to be a world class event, not only in terms of futsal but also in organisation. We speak exclusively to the person who has been the driving force behind it and the chairman of The Higher Organizing Committee, Sheikh Talal Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah.

International Sports Event in Kuwait

Sheikh Talal first had the idea for this tournament over a year ago. He has always been a representative of Kuwait for sport and holds the position of Chairman of the Asian Bowling Association. His vision was to create an international sporting event in Kuwait that would grab the world’s attention. “I needed to do something for my country, not necessarily for futsal but for sport because it has been a long time since we had something at a world level in Kuwait.” he told us.

With futsal a rapidly growing sport across the world and Arab region, and a form of the world’s most popular game, it was the perfect discipline to choose. To have the impact he desired he had to get world class teams. “For each country we have selected the best teams from their championship” he commented.

Once he had the idea it was the time to put it into action. Like any great leader he was not only there to guide but also had a direct involvement and input with the organising in all areas. He has operated closely with all the various working committees to ensure that everything was completed to the highest standard. The result has been a tournament that has run like clockwork. His input has included designing the magnificent trophies and proposing ideas for the opening ceremony that stunned its audience.

Futsal in Kuwait

Futsal has only been around in Kuwait for 5 or 6 years but, with this tournament, Sheikh Talal hopes the sport will grow and flourish in the country. “I want this event to change futsal here, to make the national team strong. To have another powerful Asian team, we already have Iran who is very strong, and now Japan and Thailand are coming up. I also want Kuwait to join this group. I think futsal will be in The Olympics in 2020 and I want Kuwait to be there.”

Reaction

The reaction of the people to this exhibition surely shows that the people of Kuwait have taken to futsal and it has the potential to be very popular here. Not only is it being followed by those in the hall but across the Arab region and further afield with many TV channels covering the action. Sheikh’s Talal’s objective of grabbing a global audience for Kuwait has certainly been achieved.

The first round of games has now been completed and Sheikh Talal is satisfied with how it has gone. “The first games are difficult for any team but I think for the 2nd round of games the teams will perform even better. Each day I think the tournament will become stronger.” said Sheikh Talal who is attending all the matches and, being an avid sport fan, is a knowledgeable observer of the game.

The Future

With the tournament already proving to be such a success for Kuwait and for futsal he is already looking to the future. “I think we will organise this again in the future but in winter rather than during Ramadam. We will try to find what period is best for bringing teams here and what is best for us." If this championship becomes an annual event it is certain to leave a long legacy for this country and the sport. The people of Kuwait and the futsal community are very optimistic for the future and very grateful to Sheikh Talal, who has shown he is a great leader and visionary.









Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com