18/08/2026
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18/08/2026
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AMMAN, Aug 18: Kuwait completed its final training session in Jordan as preparations concluded for the 11th Asian Junior Handball Championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 World Championship.
The competition begins tomorrow at Princess Sumaya Hall in Amman and runs until August 31, with 10 teams competing: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Iran, South Korea, India, and Uzbekistan.
Kuwait Handball Federation National Teams Director Faisal Sayeoun described Kuwait’s group as highly competitive, pointing to the rapid development of handball across Asia and the strength of the teams taking part.
Following the revised draw held last Thursday, after Japan and Chinese Taipei withdrew because of the security situation in the region, Kuwait was placed in Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, and Syria. Group A features South Korea, Bahrain, Jordan, India and Uzbekistan.
Sayeoun said the Kuwait players are targeting one of the tournament’s four World Championship qualification spots and expressed confidence in their ability to achieve that objective.
He stressed that the entire delegation has been working hard to ensure the team enters the tournament in the best possible condition and delivers a performance that reflects the reputation of Kuwaiti handball on the continental stage.
The delegation is headed by Federation Treasurer Khaled Taleb and includes Media Committee Chairman Mishal Al-Qabandi, National Teams Director Faisal Sayeoun, and Team Manager Shaker Arti. The coaching staff comprises Icelandic head coach Stefan Arnason, national coach Khaled Al-Mulla, goalkeeper coach Marwan Maqayez, and physiotherapist Hani Al-Dawas.
Kuwait completed an overseas training camp in Slovenia, where the team played several friendly matches, before returning home for an intensive domestic camp focused on tactical and physical preparation.
The Blues will open their Asian Championship campaign tomorrow against Syria, with qualification for the 2027 World Championship firmly in their sights.
By Khaled Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
