Bahrain set to host Gulf handball elite

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Eight clubs from across the region have confirmed their participation in the 42nd Gulf Clubs Handball Cup Winners’ Championship, which will be held in Bahrain from November 21 to 30.

The Bahrain Handball Federation announced the line-up, with Al Ahli and Al Shabab set to represent the kingdom.

They will be joined by Saudi Arabia’s Al Muheet, Oman Club, the UAE’s Sharjah, Kuwait SC, and Qatari pair Al Rayyan and Al Arabi.

Bahrain will be looking to add another chapter to its rich history in the regional competition, as the kingdom’s clubs have enjoyed more success than any other country.

Al Ahli and Al Najma have combined to win 14 Gulf titles, with Al Ahli holding the competition record with eight crowns and Al Najma having lifted the trophy six times.

The Eagles will therefore have the opportunity to extend their record when they compete on home soil, while Al Shabab will be seeking their first title.

Al Najma remain the most recent Bahraini winners of the competition, capturing their sixth crown in 2022 after beating Saudi Arabia’s Mudar 39-24 in the final in Kuwait.

The following edition saw Kuwait SC claim their maiden title after overcoming Al Najma 29-27 in the 2023 final in Bahrain.

Qatari clubs have since won the competition in successive years. Al Rayyan lifted their third Gulf crown in 2024 after beating Kuwait SC 33-32 following extra time in Doha.

Al Arabi then captured their maiden title last year, edging Kuwait SC 33-32 in the 2025 final in Muscat.

Both of those regional heavyweights will be among the field in Bahrain, giving hosts Al Ahli and Al Shabab plenty of competition when the tournament gets underway in November.