KUWAIT CITY, Jan 8: The Australian national handball team is staging a training camp in Kuwait from January 8 to 14 as part of its preparations for the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup in Germany. Kuwait will host the tournament at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex from January 15 to 29.

The championship draw placed the Australian “Kangaroos” in Group D alongside Japan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Group A includes Oman, Qatar, and South Korea, while Group B features Bahrain, Jordan, China, and Iraq. Group C consists of Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India.

Australia will begin its Asian Championship campaign against Japan on January 15, followed by matches against Iran and Saudi Arabia.

As part of their Kuwait camp, the Australians will play two friendly matches against Burgan Club and Swedish side Malmö, which is also holding a training camp in Kuwait from January 11 to 16. Malmö’s visit comes at the invitation of the honorary president of Al-Qurain Club and Malmö, Ahmed Al-Shahoumi.

Meanwhile, Kuwait continues its own preparations for the Asian Championship through a training camp in Croatia. The team recorded a win over Algeria in its first friendly match, but suffered a loss to Slovenia in the second match. Kuwait will wrap up the camp tomorrow with a match against Georgia.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff