Faisal Al-Kuhlani’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and growth. It was in 2013 that Faisal first discovered archery while working as a sports teacher at an international school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
He organised a school trip to a games park for his students, and what was intended as a fun activity, quickly sparked a deep interest in the sport.
Reflecting on the moment he released his first arrow, Faisal said:
“I felt a unique mix of calm focus and excitement. Unlike other sports, archery required not only physical control but also mental balance — it was like meditation in motion. That harmony between body, mind, and precision instantly drew me in, and I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.”
Navigating the highs and lows
Over the years, Faisal has organised training and refereeing courses, built national teams for Yemen, and represented the country in many Arab, Asian, and international tournaments.
His dream of competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was cut short when participation was cancelled due to limited resources and lack of support. This moment was difficult for Faisal but gave him greater determination to continue his journey elsewhere.
He said, “Years of preparation disappeared overnight. But instead of giving up, I decided to see it as a new beginning. That disappointment became my motivation and led me to the United Kingdom to rebuild my dream, not just for myself but for future archers who may face similar challenges.”
A new chapter in Scotland
Faisal settled in Scotland and it’s here he began training with Glasgow Archers. His dream is to found a dedicated archery club to attract diverse communities, integrate them with national teams, and prepare future champions to represent Scotland and the UK internationally.
Connecting with community is important to Faisal and while he started as a participant at the club, he quickly became part of the development sessions.
Faisal said, “Their encouragement and inclusiveness helped me integrate easily and feel at home. It’s friendly, supportive, and full of passion. The members come from all walks of life, yet we all share one goal — to enjoy and improve in archery. The club promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and learning. It’s not just a training ground; it’s a family that grows together through every arrow shot.”
Scottish Archery and Archery GB have been instrumental in Faisal’s development. Through the Archery GB Level 1 Session Coach course, Faisal gained modern coaching techniques and learned how to create safe, inclusive, and motivating environments for athletes.
Sharing his perspective of the archery community in Scotland, Faisal said:
“It’s incredibly inspiring. The Scottish archery community is well organised, encouraging, and open to everyone. The way they blend professionalism with warmth has helped me grow as both an athlete and coach. It’s different from what I experienced before, but in the best possible way — it’s a place that truly supports your potential.”
Faisal added, “Sport is my bridge between cultures. Archery connects me to my Yemeni roots, where the bow has long been a symbol of honor and strength, while also connecting me to my new home in Scotland, where I find structure, opportunity, and community. Through sport, I carry my heritage forward while building a future that belongs to both worlds.”
United Yemeni Community in Scotland
Faisal was the first coach, athlete, and pioneer of the archery in Yemen, establishing the basis for the national federation and training national teams. He also established the first-ever archery field in a Saudi school and began preparing teams for all ages, which led to the creation of the first dedicated Archery Academy in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking about the technique and influence of archery in Yemen, Faisal said, “Traditional Yemeni archery emphasises simplicity and intuition, focusing on feeling the shot rather than relying solely on equipment. That mindset has stayed with me. It reminds me that true archery is about connection — between the archer, the bow, and the spirit of the shot.”
On the 5 October 2025, Faisal was elected as the Sports and Scouting Officer of the United Yemeni Community in Scotland (UYCS) and says that their encouragement has inspired him to work even harder to represent his community and sport in the best way possible.
The UYCS is a charity dedicated to supporting asylum seekers, refugees, students, migrants and ethnic minorities. With more than 200 members, the charity holds and takes part in many events and activities with members and other communities.
