Bahrain U-17 handball team trains in Kuwait ahead of Asian Championship

06/08/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The Bahrain U-17 national handball team has opened a one-week training camp in Kuwait as it enters the final stage of preparations for the Asian Men's Youth Handball Championship, which will be held in Jordan from August 21-30 and serves as a qualifier for the FIH/IHF World Championship.

As part of the camp, Bahrain will play two friendly matches against Kuwait's U-17 national team, allowing both sides to sharpen their form ahead of the continental tournament. The matches will allow the coaching staff to evaluate the players' technical and physical readiness before finalizing their squads.

Bahrain is considered one of the favorites to challenge for the Asian title, while Kuwait is continuing its build-up under Croatian head coach Ivan Dragic and national assistant coach Khaled Al-Mulla. The Kuwaiti team recently concluded a training camp in Slovenia and Croatia, where it gained valuable experience through a series of friendly matches.

The tournament draw placed Kuwait in Group B alongside South Korea, hosts Jordan, Syria, India, and Iran. Bahrain will compete in Group A with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and Chinese Taipei.

The two warm-up fixtures in Kuwait are expected to play a key role in helping both teams assess their progress, refine their tactical approach, and complete their preparations before traveling to Jordan for the Asian championship.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff