Players battling for the ball

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: Handball fans are gearing up for a high-stakes clash today at 5:00 pm at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, as Kazma, second in the Premier Handball League, takes on Al-Qadsia, currently fourth, in the opening match of the 10th round of the 2025–2026 season. Later at 7:00 pm, Kuwait Club will face Sulaibikhat, with tomorrow’s round concluding with Bargan vs. Al-Nasr and Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Arabi.

Kuwait Club tops the league standings with 18 points, followed by Kazma with 13, Barqan with 10, Al-Qadsia and Al-Arabi with 8 each, Sulaibikhat sixth with 7, Al-Salmiya seventh with 6, and Al-Nasr in last place with 2 points.

This season’s Premier Handball League is played over three phases (first leg, second leg – return leg) and includes eight teams. Promotion and relegation rules ensure strong competition between the Premier and First Divisions.

Kazma, riding a victory over Sulaibikhat, aims to solidify its runner-up position and continue chasing league leaders Kuwait Club, hoping for a slip in the upcoming rounds. Al-Qadsia, meanwhile, seeks to bounce back from last round’s defeat to Kuwait Club and stay in the title race.

In the evening match, Kuwait Club is heavily favored against Sulaibikhat, who is struggling after a recent loss to Barqan. Despite the addition of national coach Hussein Habib, Sulaibikhat will need time to rebuild and strengthen the team to remain competitive and secure its spot in next season’s Premier League.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff