Bahrainis step up Asian handball title bid

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain step up their bid for their first-ever title in the Asian Men’s Handball Championship tonight when they face Gulf rivals Kuwait in their opening game of the tournament’s main round.

Following the completion of the preliminaries, the 16-team field has been divided into two competitions—the main round where the battle continues for the coveted crown, and the consolation bracket where squads will compete for the Martyr Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah Cup.

Main round games are set to be played at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, while Martyr Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah Cup matches will take place at Bahrain Handball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam. This phase will feature games today, tomorrow and Sunday, starting from 1pm at each venue.

All are welcome to watch the action, with entrance free of charge for spectators. Bahrain’s clash with Kuwait is scheduled for a 7pm start tonight.

It is part of Group Two in the main round, which also includes nine-time winners South Korea and Iraq.

The nationals will be looking to continue their fine run so far, in which they have won all three of their preliminary round games.

Tomorrow, the Bahrainis face Iraq and then on Sunday they take on South Korea. Group One is composed of five-time defending champions Qatar, Iran, Japan and the UAE.

The 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship also acts as a qualifier for 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship. The top five senior men’s national teams secure berths in next year’s worlds, to be held in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway.

The Bahrain squad, coached by Icelandic tactician Aron Kristjansson, is spearheaded by inspirational captain and international handball star Hussain Al Sayyad.

The rest of the roster includes Mohammed Abdulhussain, Mohammed Mirza, Ali Mirza, Mohammed Habib Ahmed, Ali Eid, Hassan Shehab, Ahmed Almaqabi, Ahmed Jalal, Hassan Al Samaheeji, Mohammed Habib Nasser, Mujtaba Al Zaimour, Mohammed Hameed, Qassim Qambar, Ahmed Redha, Abdulla Al Zaimour, Hassan Madan, Jassim Khamis, Ali Al Ashiri and goalkeeper Hesham Issa.

The Bahrainis have never won the Asian men’s title, but have claimed the silver medals five times in the past and also won the bronze medal once.