Asian Club Handball Championship draw scheduled for Saturday

Tournament organizing committee chairman Sameh Al-Hajri.

KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The draw for the 28th Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship will be held next Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Al Raya Hotel. The tournament, postponed from 2024, qualifies the champion for the 2026 IHF Men’s Super Globe in Egypt.

The event had been delayed following developments in the Gulf region since February 28.

Eight clubs have confirmed participation so far, including hosts Kuwait Club, Burgan Club, Al-Arabi SC, Al-Duhail SC, Sharjah Club, Al-Khaleej Club, Al-Nojoom Club, and a Chinese club.

Matches will be played at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex from June 6 to 15, while the technical meeting is set for June 5.

Tournament organizing committee chairman Sameh Al-Hajri said preparations for the continental championship are nearing completion, praising the cooperation between the organizing committees and the management of Kuwait Club to deliver a tournament befitting Kuwait’s stature in Asian handball.

He noted that preparations at the venue are progressing quickly, including upgrades to the playing court, stands, team facilities, and media center, as well as arrangements for accommodation, transportation, and the reception of participating delegations. He added that all committees are working daily to ensure complete readiness before kickoff.

Al-Hajri described hosting Asia’s top handball clubs as a source of pride for Kuwaiti sports, especially with the participation of several leading continental teams, expressing confidence that the tournament will showcase Kuwait’s organizational capabilities.

He also confirmed that Kuwait SC has intensified preparations for the competition, with daily training sessions underway since sporting activities resumed. All players, including the club’s three professionals except those on military duty, are taking part. The team will also hold a training camp in Bahrain from May 17 to 31, featuring three friendly matches to boost technical and physical readiness ahead of the tournament.

Al-Hajri thanked Kuwait Club president Khaled Al-Ghanem and the club’s board members for their continued support of the organizing committee, stressing that everyone is working together to ensure the success of the championship.

Meanwhile, Burgan Club will hold a similar training camp in Cairo during the same period in preparation for the Asian event.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff