Kuwait Club is on the brink of qualification at the Asian Club Handball Championship

A Burgan player unleashes a shot on goal as a Kuwait Club defender scrambles across in a bid to intervene.

KUWAIT CITY, June 13: Kuwait Club faces a crucial test at 6:00 p.m. today against UAE’s Sharjah in the seventh and final round of the preliminary stage of the 28th Asian Club Handball Championship, currently hosted in Kuwait at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. The clash is pivotal in determining the final semi-final qualifiers, with today also featuring Qatar’s derby between Al Duhail and Al Arabi, as well as Bahrain’s Al Najma meeting Saudi Arabia’s Al Khaleej.

Kuwait Club enters the match in a strong position, needing only a win or a draw to secure a place in the semi-finals and continue its pursuit of the Asian title and qualification for the 2026 Club World Championship “Super Globe.”

In contrast, defending champion Sharjah has already been eliminated from title contention. It will be playing for pride, aiming to conclude its campaign on a positive note against one of the tournament favorites.

With home advantage and strong fan support behind them, Kuwait Club will look to maintain its momentum and confirm qualification before the semi-finals, in what is expected to be an intense contest despite the contrasting objectives of both teams.

Burgan and Saudi Arabia’s Al Khaleej have already booked their semi-final spots, while Kuwait, Al Arabi, and Al Duhail are contesting the remaining two places. The semi-finals will take place tomorrow, with the first-place team facing the fourth, and second meeting third, before the winners advance to Wednesday’s final.

Kuwait Handball Federation Secretary-General Qaed Al-Adwani expressed his satisfaction with Kuwait Club hosting the 28th Asian Men’s Club Handball Championship, praising the club’s major efforts in delivering a successful continental event.

Al-Adwani said Kuwait Club’s strong organizational record is well known, highlighting its successful track record of hosting Gulf, Arab, and Asian tournaments and consistently presenting an outstanding image of Kuwaiti sport.

He added that the federation has provided full support and made all its capabilities available to the organizing committee to ensure the championship is delivered in the best possible way, reflecting Kuwaiti handball's high standing regionally and internationally.

He also noted that close coordination between the federation, Kuwait Club, and relevant authorities has ensured smooth organisation and full readiness across technical and logistical aspects, earning praise from participating delegations.

Al-Adwani concluded by stressing that all parties are working as one team to ensure the tournament's success and showcase Kuwait’s strong sporting and organizational capabilities.

Burgan Club President Anwar Al-Otaibi expressed satisfaction with his club’s historic first participation in the 28th Asian Men’s Club Handball Championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Club World Championship in Egypt.

Al-Otaibi said Burgan’s strong performances are the result of structured planning and strategy from the club’s board, supported by the technical staff and players.

He added that the signings made specifically for the tournament have proven successful and made a clear impact, stressing that the club’s ambition goes beyond participation, with a focus on winning titles and raising Kuwait’s profile in continental competitions.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff