Al Najma claim narrow victory

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Bahrain’s Al Najma came away with their first victory yesterday in the preliminary round of the 25th Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship, currently being held in Isfahan, Iran.

The Bahrainis edged past Al Duhail of Qatar 28-26 in their second Group B contest of the competition, which features 11 teams from across the continent.

Najma battled back from a 12- 14 deficit at the break to take control of the contest in the closing half and come away with the hard-earned result.

The national champions did well to bounce back from a loss against reigning Asian clubs titlists Kuwait SC in their opening fixture of the tournament on Thursday evening.

They will now be hoping to continue their winning ways as they continue their campaign in this stage of play.

Mohammed Habib Nasser was named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). He received an award after the contest from tournament officials.

In other results yesterday, Kuwait defeated Shahid Shameli Kazeroon of Iran 40-30, while Junior Club of China played to a 25-all stalemate with RKOR Tashkent of Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Oman Club defeated T-Sport of India 35-20.

Najma are back on the playing court today when they face off with Junior Club in their third Group B assignment.

They then have a rest day tomorrow before facing Shahid Shameli on Monday next week.

Najma then complete their preliminary round campaign against RKOR the following day.

The tournament, organised by the Asian Handball Federation (AHF), continues until June 10.

The top two teams from each group following the single round-robin move on to the knockout semi-finals on Thursday, while the others will play in the classification fixtures.

The gold and bronze medal games will then take place on the final day of the championship.

The winners of the event will qualify for the 17th IHF Men’s Super Globe, to be held from October 17 to 23 in Saudi Arabia.

Najma are hoping to replicate or improve on their finish in last year’s Asian clubs competition held in Hyderabad, India, where they won the silver medals.