Bahrain Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run

 Nationals begin main round against UAE in Asian Handball Championship

Bahrain begin their main round campaign at the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship today with a Group II opener against the United Arab Emirates. Throw-off is set for 2 pm at the Saad Al-Abdullah Hall in Kuwait City.

Confidence is high within the Bahraini camp after a commanding passage through the preliminary stage. The nationals completed a perfect Group B run, opening with a convincing 32–21 win over Jordan before overpowering China 40–29 in their second outing. They then closed the preliminary round on Wednesday with a dominant 34–18 victory over Iraq, sealing top spot and underlining their growing momentum in the competition.

Against Iraq, Bahrain asserted control early and never loosened their grip. They built a seven-goal cushion by halftime and continued to dictate the tempo after the break. Goalkeeper Hesham Issa was instrumental in the rout and was deservedly named Best Player of the Match for his assured display between the posts.

Bahrain’s attacking depth has been just as impressive. Jassim Khamis led the scoring against Iraq with eight goals and remains one of the team’s key dangermen. He has been well supported by Salman Alshowaikh, Mohammed Habib Nasser, Mohammed Rabea, and Abdulla Abdulkarim, with contributions coming from across the squad, reflecting the balance and versatility within Robert Hedin’s side.

Today’s opponents, the UAE, progressed from Group C after mixed results in the preliminary phase. The Emiratis opened with emphatic wins over Hong Kong (36–21) and India (43–21), showing their attacking potential, before falling 27–22 to hosts Kuwait in their final group match.

The Bahrainis will then face Qatar tomorrow at 2pm before closing the group on Sunday with a 4pm encounter against Saudi Arabia. 

With semi-final places and qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship at stake, the intensity is set to rise sharply. The preliminary rounds have laid a strong foundation, but the main round now represents the phase where Bahrain’s title ambitions will truly be put to the test.