Burgan celebrates historic Asian Handball Championship triumph at gala ceremony

Burgan handball team celebrates its Asian championship victory with a group photo during the ceremony.

KUWAIT CITY, July 8: Burgan Club honored its men's handball team at a gala ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Monday, celebrating the club's historic victory in the 28th Asian Men's Club League Handball Championship, which was hosted in Kuwait last month.

The event brought together leading figures from Kuwait's sporting community, including Bashar Abdullah, representing the Minister of State for Youth and Sports; Kuwait Olympic Committee President Fahad Al-Nasser; Asian Handball Federation President Bader Al-Dhiyab; honorary Kuwait Club President Marzouq Al-Ghanim; Kuwait Club President Khaled Al-Ghanim; Burgan Club President Anwar Al-Otaibi and members of the club's board; Handball Secretary Qaed Al-Adwani; Kuwait Handball Association board member Talal Al-Otaibi; along with athletes, officials and guests.

The ceremony recognized Burgan's remarkable continental success after the club secured its first-ever Asian title, marking the greatest achievement in its history and underlining the steady rise of its handball program.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Youth and Sports and in his capacity as Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sport, Bashar Abdullah said Burgan's Asian crown was a source of pride for all Kuwaiti sport

He credited the triumph to years of dedication by the club's management, players and staff, describing the title as the reward for long-term planning, commitment and perseverance.

Abdullah added that Burgan had won the admiration of Kuwaiti fans during the tournament and predicted the club's support base would continue to grow as it prepares to compete at the IHF Men's Club World Championship (Super Globe) in Egypt this September.

He pledged the Public Authority for Sport's full backing ahead of the global event and urged other sports bodies to provide every possible form of support to ensure Burgan represents Kuwait with distinction.

Asian Handball Federation President Bader Al-Dhiyab described Burgan's success as a historic accomplishment, saying the title reflected the club's clear vision, careful planning and unwavering belief in its ability to compete with Asia's best.

He noted that the latest edition of the Asian championship was widely regarded as the strongest in the tournament's history, making Burgan's achievement even more impressive.

Al-Dhiyab also praised the club's management, coaching staff, players and supporters, saying the passionate backing from Kuwaiti fans played a significant role in inspiring the team throughout the competition.

Burgan Club President Anwar Al-Otaibi said the club may be one of Kuwait's newer sports institutions, but it had overcome numerous challenges to stand atop Asia against clubs with far greater continental experience.

He stressed that the achievement was the result of strategic planning and collective effort rather than coincidence, adding that the team's success despite limited preparation time highlighted the quality of both the players and technical staff.

Al-Otaibi thanked Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sport Bashar Abdullah, and all those who supported Burgan throughout its Asian campaign, saying their financial and moral support helped elevate Kuwaiti handball on the continental stage.

Burgan won the 28th Asian Men's Club League Handball Championship in its first-ever continental appearance, earning qualification for the 2026 IHF Men's Club World Championship (Super Globe) in Egypt. The tournament, staged in Kuwait in June, featured seven clubs: Al-Khaleej (Saudi Arabia), Al-Najma (Bahrain), Sharjah (UAE), Kuwait Club, Al-Duhail and Al-Arabi (Qatar), and Burgan.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff