New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has graced the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait as the 'Distinguished Guest', following an invitation from Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait.
PM Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday afternoon, marking him as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years.
The Prime Minister shared moments from his visit via social media, stating that this grand sporting event "celebrates the spirit of football in the region".
"I attended the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup. This grand sporting event celebrates the spirit of football in the region. I thank His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, for inviting me to witness this event," PM shared on X.
Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen. This football tournament is among the most significant sporting events in the region. Kuwait has claimed victory in the tournament the most times among the participating nations.
In the inaugural match of the football championship, Kuwait drew with Oman 1-1.
The Kuwaiti national team could not capitalize on their lead in front of their supporters at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, with a goal scored by Yousef Nasser in the 34th minute.
Oman equalized with a goal from Issam Al-Subhi in the 42nd minute, resulting in each team earning a point at the start of their journey in Group One.
The Kuwaiti national team continues to struggle against Oman, having not achieved a victory over them for 26 years, with their last win being 5-1 on November 9, 1998, during the 14th Gulf Championship.
Since then, Oman has recorded 10 victories, and the two teams have drawn 5 times in various continental and Gulf tournaments.
Kuwait will face the UAE in their second match next Tuesday, while the Oman national team will contend with Qatar, the champion of the last two editions of the Asian Cup.
