Bahrain Handball Team Look to Build Momentum

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s senior men’s handball team face Saudi Arabia tonight at 6:30 PM at the Duhail Handball Hall in Doha in a key GCC Games clash that could influence the early standings.

Bahrain opened their campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Kuwait 30–21 after taking control early and maintaining their intensity throughout. A 14–10 half-time lead set the tone, before a dominant second half saw them pull away comfortably. Mohammed Rabia and Salman Alshowaikh helped drive the early rhythm, while Ahmed Kadhem’s impact after the break ensured Bahrain never let the momentum slip.

Coached by Swedish tactician Robert Hedin, Bahrain enter the tournament with growing confidence after a landmark year in which they captured their first-ever Asian Men’s Handball Championship title in Kuwait.

Alshowaikh acknowledged the challenge ahead, pointing to the rivalry between the sides:

“Saudi Arabia are a strong side. We’ve faced them before in the Islamic Solidarity Games and the Asian Championship, and every time they’ve caused us difficulties. We’re taking it one game at a time.”

Tonight’s fixture is expected to be Bahrain’s toughest test so far in the round-robin format, with further matches against hosts Qatar and the UAE still to come. Qatar currently lead the standings, with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on two points after the opening round.