16/06/2026
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16/06/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, June 16: Kuwaiti club Burgan will look to make history when it faces Saudi Arabia's Al-Khaleej in the final of the 28th Asian Men's Club League Handball Championship at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex today.
The highly anticipated final, scheduled for 6 p.m., pits Burgan's ambition against Al-Khaleej's experience, with both teams aiming to lift the continental trophy and secure qualification for the IHF Men's Club World Championship. Earlier in the day, Kuwait Club and Qatar's Al-Duhail will contest the third-place match.
Burgan has emerged as one of the tournament's biggest success stories, reaching the Asian final for the first time in club history. The Kuwaiti side booked its place in the title match after edging Al-Duhail 32-31 in a thrilling semifinal, capping a remarkable debut appearance on the continental stage.
The club's international journey began in 2019 when it finished fourth in the Arab Clubs Championship in Jordan. Burgan later competed in the 2024 Gulf Clubs Championship in Doha before making its first appearance in the Asian championship this year, where it has exceeded expectations and established itself as a genuine title contender.
Al-Khaleej, meanwhile, enters the final seeking a second Asian crown. The Saudi side advanced after defeating Kuwait Club in the semifinals and will rely on its wealth of experience in high-pressure matches. Al-Khaleej previously captured the Asian title in Kuwait in 2023 and hopes to repeat that success on the same court.
The two finalists met during the preliminary stage, with Al-Khaleej narrowly claiming a 26-25 victory, setting the stage for another closely contested encounter.
Burgan will once again depend on the tactical guidance of coach Hussein Zaki, the fighting spirit of its players, and strong support from home fans. Al-Khaleej, on the other hand, will count on its experienced roster and the backing of supporters traveling from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
The final is expected to provide another showcase for Gulf handball, which has continued to strengthen its presence on the Asian stage in recent years.
Burgan secretary-general Nawaf Al-Adwani praised the team's achievement in reaching the final, describing it as the result of hard work and dedication throughout the season.
"We congratulate the club's board, technical and administrative staff, players and supporters on this deserved accomplishment," Al-Adwani said. "The team demonstrated strong character and fighting spirit throughout the tournament and rose to the challenge in a difficult semifinal against a quality side like Al-Duhail."
He added that the achievement reflected the planning and commitment of the club's management and coaching staff, who worked tirelessly to prepare the team for the competition.
"Reaching the final is an important milestone, but it is not the end of our ambitions," he said. "The players are determined to continue making history and compete for the club's first Asian title, despite the challenge posed by a strong and experienced Al-Khaleej team."
Burgan finished second in the preliminary round after victories over Al-Duhail, Sharjah, Kuwait Club, and Bahrain's Al-Najma, while drawing with Al-Arabi of Qatar and losing narrowly to Al-Khaleej.
Al-Khaleej topped the standings after defeating Sharjah, Kuwait Club, Burgan, and Al-Duhail, drawing with Al-Arabi, and suffering its only defeat against Al-Najma.
The semifinals saw Burgan eliminate Al-Duhail and Al-Khaleej overcome Kuwait Club, setting up today's Gulf showdown for the Asian title.
Qatar's Al-Sadd remains the competition's most successful club with six titles.
Kuwait's Kazma and Al-Qadsia, Qatar's Al-Jaish and Al-Duhail, and Bahrain's Al-Najma have each won the championship twice.
One title each has been claimed by Kuwait's Al-Fahaheel, Al-Sulaibikhat and Kuwait Club; Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli, Mudhar, Al-Noor and Al-Khaleej; Qatar's Al-Rayyan, Lekhwiya and Al-Arabi; and the UAE's Sharjah.
By Khaled Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
