KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16: Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi, the director of Kuwait national handball team, affirmed that the Algerian coach, Saeed Hegazy, introduced innovative tactics and strategies in the recent trial match between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with a score of 21-28 favoring the Saudi team. This match is a crucial part of Kuwait’s preparations for their participation in the Asian qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

These qualifiers are set to take place in Doha, Qatar, from the 18th to the 28th of this month. Al-Zaabi emphasized the significant learning opportunity that facing formidable teams like the Saudi national squad provides, particularly in terms of player development and performance enhancement.

In the qualifying draw, Kuwait find themselves in the second group, sharing the stage with Bahrain, Iran, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Kazakhstan. The first group comprises the teams of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Korea, the Emirates, India, and China.

As per the qualification process, the champions of the qualifiers secure a direct spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while the second and third-place teams get a chance to participate in the Olympic qualifying playoff. Notably, the Kuwaiti national team demonstrated remarkable performances at the 19th Asian Games held in China this month, ultimately earning a well-deserved bronze medal. Additionally, a refereeing team, including Al-Enezi and Dalal Al-Naseem, has journeyed to Qatar to officiate several matches in the Asian qualifiers.

By Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff