Players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 9: The Kuwaiti Premier and First Division Handball Leagues have been temporarily suspended following the first round of the Premier League. The break allows the national team to focus on preparations for the Islamic Solidarity Games, which will take place in Saudi Arabia starting November 3, and for Al-Azraq to gear up for the Asian tournament – 2027 World Cup qualifiers, set to be hosted in Kuwait next January.

The national team will kick off its preparations with a local training camp beginning next Sunday, followed by the announcement of international training plans.

Shebib Al-Hajri, Vice President of the Kuwaiti Handball Federation, praised Saudi Arabia’s significant role in developing Gulf and Arab sports, particularly in handball, which has experienced remarkable growth in the Kingdom.

Al-Hajri added: “We are preparing our national teams through local training and overseas camps, including matches against top-level teams, to provide players—especially young talent—with critical field experience. These young players form a large part of the national team and are the future of Kuwaiti handball.”

He emphasized: “Our national team is capable of achieving ambitious goals and raising Kuwaiti handball to new heights. However, it is crucial not to place undue psychological or mental pressure on the players. Their role is to perform on and off the court, and we aim to showcase Kuwaiti handball proudly on the international stage.”

In the first round of the second phase of the Premier League, Kazma defeated Al-Arabi 33-28, while Al-Sulaibikat overcame Al-Salmiya 36-34. With the win, Kazma secured second place with 11 points, Al-Arabi remains sixth with six points, Al-Sulaibikat moves up to fifth with seven points, and Al-Salmiya drops to seventh with six points.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff