Saudi Arabia Hand Bahrain First Handball Loss

Hosts Pull Away Early to Defeat Bahrain in Islamic Solidarity Games

Bahrain’s senior men’s handball team suffered their first defeat of the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, losing 21–27 to hosts Saudi Arabia in a physical Group B encounter at the Olympic Complex’s Green Hall.

After their dramatic opening win over Kuwait, Bahrain struggled to contain Saudi Arabia’s blistering start, trailing 9–17 at halftime. Hassan Alturaiki, Sadiq Almohsin, and Mojtaba Al Salem powered the hosts early, capitalizing on Bahraini exclusions and defensive lapses, including penalties for Ahmed Kadhem and captain Hasan Ali. Bahrain’s Husain Alsayyad and Ahmed Kadhem kept the nationals in touch initially, but Saudi Arabia’s 7–1 mid-half surge proved decisive.

Bahrain improved after the break, with Hasan Alsamahiji converting twice, Kadhem scoring from the 7m line, and Hasan Ali striking key goals as the deficit narrowed to 20–15. Salman Alshowaikh, Bahrain’s most reliable scorer, added four goals from wing positions, keeping them within range.

However, Saudi Arabia’s relentless attack responded to every Bahraini push. Al Salem continued to score freely, Alturaiki added his fourth, and Hossam Gad and Abdullah Alhulaili punished turnovers to restore control. Late goals from Jasim Khamis and Hasan Ali trimmed the gap, but the hosts maintained composure to seal the 27–21 win.

Alshowaikh led Bahrain with eight goals, Hasan Ali added five, and Alsamahiji scored two. Kadhem and Khamis each had two goals, with Qasim Qambar and Husain Alsayyad chipping in one apiece. Saudi Arabia were led by Al Salem’s seven-goal performance, supported by Alturaiki (five), Almohsin (five), and Alabas Mohammed (five). Goalkeepers were influential, with Bahrain making eight saves and Saudi Arabia recording 18.

Bahrain, now 1–1 in Group B, return tomorrow at 2 PM to face Iraq in their final preliminary match. The top two teams advance to Wednesday’s semi-finals, with medal games on Thursday and Friday.