Bahrain Run Riot in Asian Championship

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain kicked off their main round campaign at the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship in style, cruising to a 32–20 victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah Hall in Kuwait City. The win marked the nationals’ fourth consecutive win in the tournament, building on the confidence from their flawless preliminary rounds and last year’s Islamic Solidarity Games gold. Their performance yesterday reflected the promise of the squad that claimed bronze on home soil at the 2024 Asian Championship, and the team looks eager to go even further this time around.

The first half was closely contested, with Bahrain holding a close 12–10 advantage at the break. Both teams traded fast-paced goals, but the nationals' structured defence and measured attack kept them just ahead. UAE looked lively at times, yet Robert Hedin’s men were always a step ahead, controlling the tempo and capitalising on every opening.

The second half belonged entirely to Bahrain. Mohammed Abdulhussain opened the scoring at 16–12, followed by a seven-metre strike from Jassim Khamis and a fast-break finish by Mohammed Hameed. Hussain Al Sayyad then set up Hameed for 19–13, while well-timed tactical fouls slowed UAE’s momentum. Khamis struck again to make it 20–13, Mohammed Habib Nasser finished a close-range team move, and Salman Alshowaikh delivered a precise seven-metre goal between the keeper’s legs – a moment that perfectly captured Bahrain’s attacking flair.

Bahrain continued to dominate through the final 15 minutes, with goals from Qassim Qambar, Khamis, Alshowaikh, Abdulla Abdulkarim, Jaffar Farsan, and Ali Alasheeri. UAE struggled after the break, managing just ten goals, while Bahrain’s collective depth ensured they controlled the pace of the game. Mohammed Habib Nasser led Bahrain with seven goals and earned man of the match for his outstanding performance. Jassim Khamis also netted seven, while Salman Alshowaikh, Qassim Qambar, and skipper Hussain Al Sayyad added three apiece. For the UAE, Waleed Rashed stood out with five goals.

With the win, Bahrain sits comfortably in Group II alongside Qatar and Saudi Arabia. They face a sterner test today against defending champions Qatar at 2 pm before concluding the stage against Saudi Arabia on Sunday at 4 pm. Semi-final places and qualification for the 30th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, set for January 13–29 next year, are at stake, with all four top-ranked sides earning tickets to the worlds. The gold and bronze medal games are scheduled for January 29.

Bahrain’s performance not only extends their unbeaten run but also reinforces their reputation as a continental powerhouse. Since 2010, the team has consistently finished in the top four at the Asian Championships, showing that this squad is on track to go all the way.