In a significant stride toward greater gender equality in athletics, the Olympic Committees of GCC nations have committed to increasing the participation of women in sports across the region. The commitment was made during a recent summit focused on expanding access and representation in competitive arenas.
The gathering also confirmed that Qatar will host the 2026 GCC Games, offering a superior platform for athletes from every Gulf state. This event will be likely to usher in additional women’s sport categories, in reflecting the increasing awareness of females’ potential and contributions by the region.
In the meantime, Kuwait has been allowed to host the 2028 GCC Youth Games, which is a most welcome opportunity to foster talented young sportsmen, including girls, from a tender age. The organisers stressed the necessity of organised support structures, training facilities, and mentoring for young female athletes.
The GCC sport committees are presently developing policy frameworks and investment plans to maintain women’s participation in sport. This entails talent hunting, community outreach, and ensuring safer, friendlier spaces for women at both the grassroots and elite sports levels.
