From Pitch to Policy: Kuwait Appoints Football Legend as Youth and Sports Minister

Background

Tarik Hamad Nasser Al-Jalhama, a former Kuwait Premier League star for Al-Qadsiya and a veteran of the Kuwait national team, took the constitutional oath and was named Minister of State for Youth and Sports.

The Emir issued a decree on Sunday as part of a broad government reshuffle, appointing him to lead the youth and sports portfolio.

Appointment and Outlook

Al-Jalhama is remembered as one of Kuwait's football icons, having shone with Al-Qadsiya and contributed to domestic titles including the Kuwaiti League, the Emir Cup, and the Crown Prince Cup, while also representing the national team.

After retiring, he worked as a sports analyst on several channels. He holds a PhD in Physical Education and AFC-certified coaching certificates.

The appointment aims to bolster governmental work in sectors linked to youth and sports, in line with the royal decree.

In a statement, Al-Jalhama said that he was honored by the leadership's trust and the assignment to head the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Kuwait, a national responsibility requiring full dedication. He added that his media and analytical career was rich, and that he would pause media appearances during this phase, while expressing appreciation for beIN Sports.

He concluded that he would begin this stage with genuine resolve and a clear vision, placing Kuwait's youth and its sports above all else, and asked for divine success.

Punchlines: If goals counted for government work, I would aim for zero red tape and perfect paperwork. My résumé asked for a raise, so I gave it a yellow card and sent it to the bench.