Heavy losses cause consternation in Kuwait

Manama: Kuwait’s girls football team has come under heavy criticism following two “disgraceful” and “humiliating” defeats. The team on Friday lost 21-0 to Jordan days after it suffered a 17-0 defeat by Uzbekistan in the qualifying matches held in Amman for the Asia Cup to be hosted by Vietnam in 2014.

“Such defeats are a real disgrace. We are not talking about scores in a handball or basketball match, but in a football match,” Kuwaitis said, local Arabic daily Al Rai reported on Sunday.

“The Kuwaiti street is deeply disappointed with the results that tarnish Kuwait’s football reputation,” they said.

According to the daily, Kuwait should not engage a team if they are not confident they can perform well. “The tournament to determine the teams that will qualify for the finals cannot be used to gain experience and practice. If we do not have a competitive team, we should not participate in international events,” the daily said.

Authorities in Kuwait have been pushing for the proliferation of sports activities for women despite strong resistance by conservatives who claimed that they clashed with local traditions and social values. But as timid steps are being taken to help women in competitive games, the results have not followed, putting extra pressure from angry sports fans eager to celebrate achievements, similar to the international accomplishments by Kuwaiti teams and individuals, particularly in football. Kuwait’s 10-member team for the Olympic Games in 2012 included two women — Faye Sultan, the first female swimmer to represent the northern Arabian Gulf country in the Olympics, and shooter Mariam Razouki.

Women won the right to vote and run in parliamentary elections in 2005. They made history in 2009 when four women won seats, a feat that was repeated in December 2012 when they carried three seats in the parliamentary elections.