KUNA photo A Kuwaiti player goes for a shot as Iraqis defend.

RIYADH, Nov 16: Kuwait’s handball team recovered from its opening defeat at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia by securing a commanding 33–22 victory over Iraq in the second round. The win in Group B, which also features Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, revived Kuwait’s hopes of reaching the semifinals. Kuwait's decisive clash against Saudi Arabia tomorrow will determine advancement to the next stage.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s national track and field team has arrived in Riyadh to compete in the Games. The delegation includes:

Men: Yaqub Al-Youha (110m hurdles), Ibrahim Al-Dhafiri (800m & 1500m), Isa Al-Zankawi (discus throw), Abdulrahman Al-Azmi (javelin), Bader Al-Suwaid (800m), Abdullah Al-Zankawi (discus throw)

Women: Mudawi Al-Shammari (100m & 200m), Amal Al-Roumi (800m & 1500m), Aisha Al-Khader (long jump)

Coaches: Bader Ali, Hamo Boukili, Mohammed Al-Zankawi, Umit Tan, Naik Kashinata

Track and field competitions will begin Monday morning and run through Thursday at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Kuwait’s fencing squad has also arrived in Riyadh, with events starting today. Abdulrahman Al-Manea and Ali Al-Nakkas will compete in the individual épée qualifying rounds. The full team includes Abdulrahman Al-Manea, Abdulwahab Mohammed, Ali Al-Nakkas, Ali Al-Nassar, Ammar Al-Omari, Rakan Al-Harban, and Mohammed Abdulkarim, coached by Saud Al-Zamel, Arnok Chouffai, and Luigi Tarantino.

In equestrian action, riders Ali Al-Kharafi and Hamad Al-Hajri concluded their league participation, finishing first and twelfth, respectively, in the show jumping competitions.