Al-Shuraie: Partnership, not guardianship, is key to handball development

Kuwait Handball Association President Eng. Ahmed Al-Shuraie.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 8: Kuwait Handball Association President Eng. Ahmed Al-Shuraie has underlined the importance of strong cooperation between the association and clubs in advancing the game, saying the board is guided by the principle of “partnership, not guardianship.”

He stressed that the association’s doors are open to all clubs and that regulations will be applied equally and without exception.

Al-Shuraie said a technical assessment program has been introduced for junior and youth teams at clubs to evaluate players and help improve their skills through clearly defined standards and simple on-field tests. He described the development of younger players as a central part of the association’s long-term plan to establish a solid and sustainable base for Kuwaiti handball.

He also said work is underway on an integrated schedule for the new season that takes into consideration the commitments of clubs and national teams. The association is meanwhile seeking to improve coaching standards and ensure that coaches meet the certification requirements introduced this season.

On differences of opinion, Al-Shuraie said these were inevitable but should be handled through dialogue, meetings, and official channels, while respecting the regulations governing the game.

Turning to the senior national team, he said preparations for the World Championship in Germany, which gets underway on Jan 13, 2027, would take priority in the coming period. The tournament will be Kuwait’s 10th appearance at the world event and its second consecutive participation.