First friendly test for the Kuwait youth handball team in Croatia

The coach gives instructions to the youth handball team during an indoor training session in Croatia.

ZAGREB, June 18: Kuwait’s national youth handball team has begun its daily training sessions at its current training camp in Croatia as part of preparations for the Asian Championship, scheduled to be held in China next month.

The team continues its intensive buildup at the overseas camp in Croatia before moving to Slovenia to complete its preparation program. The camp has so far been marked by a positive atmosphere and strong focus from players and technical staff. Training includes daily sessions and friendly matches aimed at improving physical and technical readiness, while also enhancing cohesion among the squad ahead of the continental challenge.

The youth side will play its first friendly match today against Slovenia. In the final training session, head coach Danish Heine Jensen and assistant coach Musaed Mufreh concentrated on physical preparation, with players undergoing strength training exercises to improve muscle fitness at the camp facility. The technical staff is also working to restore match rhythm and sharpness after a recent break in activity.

Team manager Yousef Shaheen said the preparation process is proceeding according to the plan set by the Handball Federation’s board, along with the administrative and technical staff.

“We have a promising group of young players capable of meeting our ambitions despite the challenges facing sports in general,” Shaheen said.

He added: “We will play five friendly matches over a preparation period of no more than two weeks. Despite the short timeframe, we are determined to represent Kuwaiti handball well at the upcoming Asian championship.”

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff