KUWAIT CITY, June 4: Omar Al-Mulla, the Treasurer of Kazma Club and Head of the Handball Authority expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Orange players for their outstanding performance in the season. Despite the season being extremely challenging and exhausting, the players maintained their faith and represented Kazma with great dedication, making every effort to compete for the title.

Al-Mulla also commended the team's goalkeeper, Abdulaziz Al-Dhafiri, for his exceptional performance and his role as a formidable barrier. He extended his praise to both the professional and local players for their contributions.

When questioned about the absence of goalkeeper Turki Al-Khalidi, Al-Mulla explained that Al-Khalidi had shown high-level performance at the beginning of the season but had to step away due to personal circumstances involving his family’s medical treatment abroad. Al-Mulla wished him a swift recovery and hoped for his return in even better form.

Al-Mulla expressed his gratitude to Asaad Al-Banwan, President of Kazma Club, for his unwavering support for the handball team and acknowledged the backing from the Board of Directors. He noted that the "Orange" team is striving to reach the podium with three rounds remaining in the Premier League. He urged the players to secure the runner-up position in the league, allowing the team to participate in the Asian Club Championship and clearly represent Kuwaiti sports and handball.

On another note, training for the national youth handball team, led by Coach Saeed Hegazy, has commenced in preparation for the 18th Asian Championship for youth teams, a qualifying event for the World Cup finals in Poland 2025. The championship, scheduled to be hosted by Jordan from July 16 to 26, will feature the "Blue" team alongside the Iranian and Chinese teams in the second group.

Ahmed Al-Shahoumi, former President of the Handball Association and Honorary President of Al-Qurain Club, will sponsor the retirement festival for former national team and Sulaibikhat Handball Club star Faisal Siwan on June 9.

In Gulf handball news, the Omani Club of Oman has officially requested to host the 41st Gulf Handball Club Championship in Muscat from February 14-25, 2025, featuring participation from eight Gulf clubs.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff