Sheikh Ahmad, also an influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the Olympic Council of Asia, was recognised during the 25th anniversary celebrations of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOCU).

NOCU President and IOC Executive Board member Sergey Bubka was among those present at the ceremony.

The Kuwaiti received the "Doctor Honoris Causa" for his contributions to the development of sports and the promotion of Olympic values in Ukraine and around the world.

“I would like to thank the University for their special welcome," he said.

"It is an incredible honour to receive this doctorate and it is a privilege to be here in Ukraine for this significant milestone for their National Olympic Committee.

“I offer my congratulations to the University for the tremendous work it does in inspiring academics and preparing sports professionals in all fields for the world of work.

"Sport and education are so closely linked and this is an important part of ANOC’s vision.

"We support National Olympic Committees in inspiring and engaging young people through educational projects.”

The doctorate follows various other honours awarded to Sheikh Ahmad in recent years.

These have included a Sports Merit Award from the President of Turkey, the Highest Civilian Award from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Saudi Sports Order from Prince Sultan, General Director of Saudi Youth and Sports.

The 52-year-old has also received honorary PhDs from institutions including the Dong-A University in Busan, Korea, Taipei University in Taiwan, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Nippon Sport Science University in Tokyo and Inha University in Seoul.

But it comes at a difficult time for Sheikh Ahmad after he was jailed for six months and fined 1,000 dinar (£2,200/$3,300/€3,000) by the Kuwait Misdemeanour Court for allegedly insulting the judiciary.

He has vowed to fight the sentence.