Najma begin Asian campaign in Kuwait

The 28th Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship began in Kuwait yesterday, with Bahrain’s Al Najma set to open their campaign today under the competition’s revised format.

Al Najma arrive at the continental tournament aiming to make a strong start after a mixed domestic season, where they topped the regular-season standings but missed out on the league final and failed to complete a title defence.

They begin their campaign this evening against hosts Kuwait Sports Club at 6pm Bahrain time. The match marks their first step in a bid to secure a third Asian club title and qualification for the 2026 IHF Men’s Club World Championship in Egypt.

This year’s competition features a reduced field of seven teams following the withdrawal of China’s CHA, and has shifted to a single round-robin preliminary stage. All teams compete in one standings table, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.

Al Najma have strengthened their squad ahead of the tournament, including the loan signing of Bahrain international Jassim Khamis from Al Shabab. He is expected to add experience and control during a demanding schedule.

Further additions include Al Dair goalkeeper Hesham Isa and several overseas players, among them Uros Mitrovic of Serbia, Radojica Cepic of Montenegro, and Daniel Neves of Portugal.

The club is also under new leadership, with Abdulrahman Mohamed taking over as head coach from Ali Al Falahi.

Al Najma remains one of Asia’s most successful clubs, having won the continental title in 2017 and 2023, finished runners-up in 2015 and 2022, and placed third in 2001.

After their opening match against Kuwait SC, they will face Qatar’s Al Duhail on Monday at 4 pm, followed by Sharjah of the UAE on Wednesday at 8 pm. They then meet Al Arabi of Qatar on June 11 at 4 pm, Burgan of Kuwait on June 12 at 4 pm, and conclude the preliminary round against Saudi Arabia’s Khaleej Club on June 14 at 8 pm. All matches are in Bahrain time and will be played at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah Covered Halls Complex in Kuwait.