Bahrain juniors beat Qatar to win UAE handball title

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

National junior handball team won the UAE International Youth Friendly Championship on Wednesday after beating Qatar 32-24 in the final in Dubai.

The victory at Shabab Al Ahli Club's hall in Al Mamzar gave Bahrain the title after a sharp response to their narrow defeat by the same side in the preliminary round. It came as part of their build-up to next month's Asian Championship in China.

Bahrain had lost 31-30 to Qatar on Monday after leading 16-15 at half-time, but turned the tables in the final with a far firmer display to end the tournament on top.

The national team reached the final by finishing second in the preliminary round on goal difference ahead of hosts the UAE. Qatar topped the four-team table before the two sides met again for the championship.

Bahrain ended the round-robin stage with one win, one draw and one defeat. They opened with a 35-35 draw against the UAE, beat Oman 40-33, then lost by one goal to Qatar.

The tournament, organised by the UAE Handball Federation in co-operation with Shabab Al Ahli Club, brought together Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman. The teams played each other once in the preliminary round, with the top two advancing to the final.

Bahrain are using the Dubai event as part of their preparations for the 19th Asian Men's Junior Handball Championship, which will be held in Chuzhou, China, from July 15.

The national team, led by Bahraini coach Hussam Madan, are seeking to sharpen their technical and physical readiness, improve understanding between the players and gain high-level match practice before the Asian contest.

Bahrain have been drawn in Group A with China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong-China. They will open their campaign on July 15 against hosts China.