Kuwait’s Jana pursues medicine while rising in fencing

Still in school and relatively new to fencing, the 16-year-old is among the youngest athletes in the Kuwaiti delegation. The regional event in Sharjah marked an early test beyond domestic competition, introducing her to unfamiliar opponents and a faster competitive tempo. “It’s very different from competing at home; Everything moves quicker, and you have to adapt fast.”

Alhaj began fencing just over a year ago, selecting foil after several years in equestrian sport. She said the transition felt natural, with skills from horse riding carrying over. “Balance and focus are important in both sports,” she said. “You learn to stay calm even when things don’t go as planned.” She now follows an intensive training schedule alongside her studies.

Her progress at the domestic level has been steady. Competing in several tournaments inside Kuwait, she has managed to balance training with school commitments, a common challenge for athletes her age. Early results included a second-place overall finish in the under-13 category at the national level, followed by a first-place finish at a local championship.

Those results secured her place within the Kuwait Fencing Association Academy programme. Despite her age, consistent performance in domestic competitions suggests a gradual development rather than a brief surge in form.

As a Year 11 student, balancing education and sport remains her primary challenge. “School always comes first,” she said. “But fencing has taught me how to manage my time better.” The demands of international travel and competition at AWST added a new layer to that routine, marking her first exposure to a multinational field.

The tournament’s value lies in experience rather than immediate results. Competing away from home introduced new competitive structures and a different atmosphere from local events. “Even watching other fencers here is a learning experience,” she said.

Although fencing is now her focus, Alhaj has not entirely stepped away from equestrian sport, which remains a personal interest. For now, her attention is centred on developing in foil and gaining experience through competition.

Her ambitions extend beyond sport. Alhaj hopes to pursue a future in medicine, viewing the discipline required in training as preparation for the demands of higher education.

At AWST 2026, she is part of a wider group of young athletes gaining early regional exposure, reflecting Kuwait’s emphasis on long-term development. Her participation underscores a familiar reality for emerging athletes: the first step onto a larger stage often matters more than the immediate result.