KUNA photo Kuwait Club celebrates after beating Kazma to win the 40th Arab Handball Club Championship.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 23: Kuwait Club secured the title of the 40th Arab Handball Club Championship for League and Cup winners on Monday, defeating fellow Kuwaiti side Kazma 32-22. The tournament had kicked off on September 12.

The final, held at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, began with Kazma taking an early lead of five goals. However, Kuwait Club maintained composure and led 14-12 at the end of an intense first half.

In the second half, Kuwait Club dominated proceedings, controlling the game to secure its third Arab Championship title in history. The club’s foreign player, Vladan, was named “Man of the Match” for his outstanding performance.

Kuwait Club board member and assistant secretary Dheen Al-Din expressed pride in seeing two Kuwaiti teams reach the final, highlighting that it reflects the strength of the Premier League and the hard work of the local federation.

Kazma’s board member, treasurer, and head of handball, Omar Al-Mull, also praised the achievement, calling it a major milestone for Kuwaiti handball and emphasizing the high technical level of the tournament.

In other results, Egypt’s Al-Ahly Bank Club claimed third place with a 30-27 victory over Iraq’s Al-Hashd. Sulaibikhat (Kuwait) finished fifth, Qatar Club sixth, Basra Oil Club (Iraq) seventh, and Syria’s Al-Shabab came in eighth.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Club President Khaled Al-Ghanem confirmed that the club has submitted applications to host both the Gulf Handball Club Championship and the Asian Club Championship.

The announcement follows Kuwait Club’s historic victory at the 40th Arab Club Championship the day before yesterday, where the team secured the title for the third consecutive year. With this win, Kuwait Club becomes the most successful local club in international competitions, holding one Asian title, one Gulf title, and three Arab titles (2023, 2024, 2025), alongside two appearances in the Handball Club World Cup.

Al-Ghanem highlighted the success of hosting the recent Arab Championship, as well as the previous edition in Kuwait, as a key factor motivating the club to pursue hosting rights for the Gulf and Asian tournaments. Approval from the relevant continental federations is now awaited.

Reflecting on the Arab Championship victory, Al-Ghanem said the win was well-deserved, resulting from the dedication of players, technical and administrative staff, support from the club management, and the unwavering backing of fans. He added that the club is determined to continue pursuing international success this season, which promises both domestic and regional challenges.

Al-Ghanem also extended his congratulations to Saudi Arabia, represented by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people, on their National Day.

Arab Handball Federation President Fadel Al-Nimr thanked Kuwait for its hospitality and praised the successful organization of the Arab Club Championship. He commended the Kuwait Handball Federation, Kuwait Club, and associated governmental and media bodies for their exceptional efforts in making the tournament a resounding success.

The federation also congratulated Kuwait Club on their championship win and praised Sulaibikhat’s strong performance, noting that it reflected positively on Kuwaiti handball and showcased the quality of local clubs in international competitions.

In the fifth round of the Premier League today at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, Sulaibikhat will face Kuwait Club at 5:00 PM, followed by Al-Salmiya against Kazma at 6:30 PM.

Kuwait Club leads the Premier League with six points, edging Burgan on goal difference. Kazma has five points, while Qadsia, Arabi, and Al-Salmiya each have four points. Sulaibikhat has three points, and Nasr remains winless.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies