17/05/2026
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17/05/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, May 17: The director of the 28th Asian Men’s Club Handball Championship, Samah Al-Hajri, confirmed that Kuwait Club is fully prepared to host the continental event, set to take place from June 6 to 15 at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex.
His remarks came during the official draw ceremony held at Al-Raya Hotel, attended by Asian Handball Federation officials, including Treasurer Faisal Baqer and Technical Director Jassim Al-Diyab, along with representatives of participating clubs and the organizing committee. Kuwait Club was represented by team manager Haitham Al-Rashidi, while Burgan’s delegation was led by Abdullah Al-Yousefi.
The draw placed Kuwait Club in Group B (Gulf Group) alongside Bahrain’s Al-Najma, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej, and Qatar’s Al-Arabi. Burgan was drawn in Group A with Sharjah (UAE), CHA (China), and Al-Duhail (Qatar).
Al-Hajri praised the Asian federation for the organization, noting that the groups are balanced and highly competitive, featuring strong teams with rich continental experience. He added that this edition is expected to be one of the strongest in the tournament’s history due to the high level of participating clubs.
He also confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly with strong support from the Kuwait Club’s management, led by President Khaled Al-Ghanem, as well as cooperation from the Asian Handball Federation, the Kuwait Handball Federation, and the Public Authority for Sport. He highlighted that all organizing committees are working continuously to ensure a successful championship, emphasizing the Kuwait Club’s strong track record in hosting major events.
Al-Hajri revealed that the Kuwait Club’s handball team has cancelled its overseas training camp and instead entered an internal camp starting today, due to the commitments of military personnel and student players. The squad will train twice daily until the start of the competition.
He also thanked the club leadership for providing full support and facilities for the camp, while calling on fans to play a key role in supporting the team throughout the tournament.
Asian Handball Federation official Jassim Al-Diyab described the draw as “fair,” stressing that all eight teams will compete on equal terms for the title.
He explained that the tournament features two groups of four teams, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals in a crossover knockout format. He added that the competition level is very close, with strong contenders including Sharjah, Al-Khaleej, and top clubs from Qatar and Bahrain.
Al-Diyab expressed confidence that the event will be successful both technically and organizationally, even before it begins.
Kuwait Club handball team director Haitham Al-Rashidi said the draw placed the team in a challenging group that includes elite sides such as Sharjah, Al-Duhail, and Burgan.
He noted that the club intentionally sought a strong group to better assess its level, especially after a break in competition, adding that the tournament format provides valuable preparation through high-quality matches.
Al-Rashidi emphasized that the Kuwait Club operates under a fully professional system established by honorary president Marzouq Al-Ghanem and club president Khaled Al-Ghanem, stressing that the team always enters competitions aiming for titles. He also said the club is determined to pursue an Asian handball crown following its recent continental football success.
Al-Sulaibikhat Club has announced the signing of Brazilian international Leandro da Silva and French player Nicolas Clerc to reinforce its handball team ahead of the 2026–2027 season.
Team manager Hussein Sowan confirmed that the club is continuing its reinforcement strategy and is in talks to sign a third foreign player. He also praised the appointment of national coach Hussein Habib, expressing confidence in the technical staff and squad to deliver strong performances in the upcoming season.
By Khaled Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
