Jumana Asad’s pursuit of Arab gold continues after 2 decades

Assad is representing Al Fatat Sports Club at the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026), currently taking place in Sharjah. For her, the tournament offers a chance to finish what was left incomplete.

Her return to AWST 2026 carries added significance. In a previous edition, the Kuwaiti club came within reach of the title before falling short, with the trophy eventually going to Sharjah Women’s Sports. That near miss remains a powerful motivator as the side enters the 2026 edition determined to go one step further.

Assad is one of the most experienced players in women’s volleyball in Kuwait, with a career spanning more than 22 years at club and national-team level. A central figure in the squad, she has long been recognised as one of the team’s key performers in the middle-blocker position, combining technical discipline with match awareness shaped by years of competition.

Despite the physical demands of the sport, Assad’s commitment has not wavered. Over the years, she has represented Kuwait in multiple regional competitions, including the 2022 West Asia Women’s Championship in Amman. More recently, she helped Al Fatat secure the silver medal at the inaugural West Asia Women’s Clubs Championship in 2025.

Beyond her on-court achievements, Assad’s journey has a human dimension. Before committing fully to volleyball, she studied music and explored other sports, including basketball and athletics. She credits sport with shaping her confidence, discipline, and social connection, and continues to advocate for greater family support for girls pursuing athletics across the region.

More than 20 years after first stepping onto the court, the motivation remains unchanged, and the title remains the goal.