Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah


Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was a member of the House of Sabah and a Kuwaiti military officer who was also the founder of the Asian Handball Federation and Kuwait Olympic Committee. Fahad died fighting alongside the Kuwait Emiri Guard in defending Dasman Palace.

Early life

Fahad was the son of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and was educated in Kuwait for his primary and secondary schooling.

Military career

Fahad was commissioned in the Kuwait Armed Forces on April 22, 1963 as an Aspirant. He pursued further military training in a military institution in the United Kingdom on July 30, 1964. Fahad was subsequently promoted to Second lieutenant on July 19, 1965 and First lieutenant on March 1, 1967. On June 7, 1970 he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Military commands

In June 1967 the Kuwait Armed Forces were engaged outside the borders of Kuwait for the first time, during the Six-Day War between Israel and four Arab countries. Fahad took part in the Six-Day War attached to the Yarmouk Brigade of the Kuwait Army; as acting commander by delegation of the 2nd Commando Battalion, on the Egyptian front.

Olympic and sports administration career

Kuwait sports

During the match against France at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, France scored a goal while some of the Kuwaiti players had stopped, having heard a whistle. The goal was initially awarded by the referee, who had not blown, but was cancelled after Fahad stepped onto the field and ordered the referee to reverse his decision. A few months before his death, Fahad invited Michel Platini to apologize for his unethical behavior eight years before.

Dasman Palace

In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. While Kuwait was being overrun, the Emir of Kuwait was exiled from the country. Various Military Forces units were engaged in different battle sectors; Fahad died fighting alongside the Kuwait Emiri Guard commanders in the Battle of Dasman Palace.

Personal life

Fahad was married and was the father of five sons and one daughter. One of his sons is Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, who is president of the Olympic Council of Asia, as well as a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Honours and awards

National