07/06/2026
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07/06/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, June 7: President of the Asian Handball Federation Badr Al-Deyab hailed the successful opening of the Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship, currently being hosted by Kuwait Club at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex.
Al-Deyab said the opening day reflected the extensive organizational efforts made by the hosts, noting that the tournament began with highly competitive matches that highlighted the quality of the participating teams and the significance of the continental event.
He stressed that staging the championship amid the region's challenges demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to supporting sports and athletes. He also praised Kuwaiti youth for their ability to organize major sporting events efficiently and expressed confidence in their capability to host even larger tournaments in the future.
Al-Deyab added that the participating clubs' determination to attend despite travel difficulties underscores Kuwait’s standing within the sporting community. He noted that all delegations received the necessary support and facilities from the moment they arrived.
The Asian Handball Federation chief said the positive feedback received from participating teams regarding the organization reflects the confidence placed in Kuwait as a host of continental championships. He reaffirmed the federation’s trust in Kuwaiti sports administrators to deliver major sporting events successfully.
He concluded by wishing the Kuwait Club, the organizing committee, and all participating teams success throughout the competition, and hoped the tournament would continue to enjoy both technical and organizational excellence until its conclusion.
The championship continues today with three matches at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex.
Bahrain’s Al-Najma will face Qatar’s Al-Duhail at 4:00 p.m., followed by a highly anticipated encounter between Kuwait Club and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej at 6:00 p.m. The day’s action will conclude with Qatar’s Al-Arabi taking on Burgan at 8:00 p.m.
The spotlight will be on the Kuwait Club-Al-Khaleej clash, with both sides seeking a second consecutive victory that would strengthen their chances of reaching the semifinals. Kuwait Club will look to make the most of home support, while Al-Khaleej aims to continue its impressive run in the tournament.
Burgan, which also opened its campaign with a win, will target another positive result to boost its qualification hopes. The team will rely on its strong collective display, as well as the contributions of professionals Mohsen Ramadan and Nabil Sharif, and goalkeeper Abdulrahman Humaid.
In the opening round, Kuwait Club defeated Al-Arabi 27-22; Burgan edged Al-Duhail 29-28, while Al-Khaleej overcame Sharjah 32-30. As a result, Kuwait Club, Al-Khaleej, and Burgan share the top spot with two points each.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Club has reinforced its squad by signing Brazilian international Brian Monte of French side Montpellier after Qatari star Frankis Marzo suffered an injury in the opening match.
Burgan Club President Anwar Al-Otaibi said the team’s participation in the Asian championship is the result of years of hard work and development, which have enabled the club to earn its place among the continent’s leading teams.
Al-Otaibi described Burgan’s opening-round victory over Al-Duhail as a significant achievement given the Qatari side’s rich history and continental experience. However, he emphasized that the result was no surprise considering the quality and potential within the Burgan squad.
He praised the players for their preparation, commitment, and fighting spirit throughout the match, noting that their performance reflected the extensive work they had put in ahead of the tournament.
Al-Otaibi expressed hope that Burgan can maintain its positive momentum in the upcoming rounds and continue producing performances that reflect the strength of Kuwaiti handball. He added that the quality of all participating teams means the club must continue working hard to remain in contention for a place in the latter stages of the competition.
By Khaled Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
