Al Arabi player sandwiched by rivals.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 15: Kuwait Club has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 28th Asian Men’s Club League Championship for the 2024-2025 season, which also serves as the 2026 World Club Championship Qualifiers in Egypt. The tournament is scheduled to run from April 6 to 16, 2026.

Teams are set to arrive in Kuwait on April 4 and 5, with the technical meeting scheduled for April 5 and the tournament kickoff on April 6. The final is slated for April 16.

The championship was initially planned for November 2025 but was postponed due to the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia. Kuwait also hosted the Asian Men’s National Teams Championship (2027 World Cup Qualifiers) in January. Meanwhile, the Gulf Handball Cup Winners’ Championship will be held in Manama from March 25 to April 1.

Samah Al-Hajri, Director of Handball at Kuwait Club, expressed pride in the club’s selection, citing its successful history in organizing international tournaments and the presence of experienced national staff capable of delivering a world-class event.

Al-Hajri emphasized, “Kuwait Club competes in every local and international competition with one goal: victory. This will apply both in the Gulf Club Championship in Manama and the Asian tournament here in Kuwait.” He added that while the packed schedule puts a heavy strain on players, he has full confidence in the “White” stars.

For the Gulf Club Championship, Kuwait Club will rely on three professional players: Francis Marzo, Vladan Lipova, and Victor Ituriza, while the team is searching for a fourth professional to join the Asian tournament roster.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Al-Arabi defeated Al-Qadsia 26-20 in the 10th round at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, while Al-Salmiya beat Al-Nasr 28-21. With these results, Al-Qadsia moved to 12 points in fourth place, overtaking Al-Nasr, which remains in fifth with 10 points. Al-Salmiya sits sixth with 8 points, and Al-Nasr remains eighth with 2 points.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff