Francisco V. Plazquez Garcia poses with participants.

KUWAIT CITY, July 12: Ali Al-Khadher, goalkeeper coach for both Kuwait Club and the Brazilian national team, has embarked on the third-level postgraduate course in handball, one of the most advanced international coaching certifications in the sport. The program is organized by the Spanish Handball Federation under the leadership of its president, Francisco V. Plazquez Garcia.

The year-long postgraduate program is structured into three comprehensive phases: distance learning, on-field attendance, and a final residency period in Madrid. Participants are also required to complete a graduation project, which includes a certified research component and a thesis.

Significantly, Al-Khadher is the first coach from outside Europe to join this elite course, proudly representing the Gulf, Arab, and Asian coaching communities. His participation paves the way for future inclusion of non-European coaches in this high-level academic program.

Al-Khadher extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Spanish Handball Federation and its president, Francisco V. Plazquez Garcia, for the opportunity and expressed his determination to overcome any challenges in pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

Garcia, who has led the Spanish Federation since 2013, was re-elected in July 2024 with 95 out of 99 votes and will continue in office until 2028. In addition to his national role, he serves as Vice President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (since 2017) and is a member of the Executive Committee of the European Handball Federation.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff