Kuwait drawn into challenging Group B at Asian Games

Kuwait Handball Association’s referees committee begins its preparation programme ahead of the new season.

KUWAIT CITY, July 23: Kuwait has been placed in a challenging Group B for the 20th Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan.

The draw saw the Blues grouped with Bahrain, South Korea, Iran, and Kazakhstan, while Group A features hosts Japan, alongside Qatar, China, and Hong Kong.

Group B is widely regarded as the tournament’s toughest section, with several established Asian handball powers competing for qualification spots in the knockout stages.

Kuwait has already started preparations for the continental event, with training sessions getting underway at the Martyr Fahad Al-Ahmad Hall at the Kuwait Handball Association headquarters in Dasma.

Under Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjánsson, the opening sessions focused on rebuilding fitness levels and regaining match sharpness following the recent break. The team also continued its training programme at Spark Health Club in Shuwaikh.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s youth national handball team faces a crucial showdown against Saudi Arabia today in the Asian Championship quarter-finals in China.

The knockout encounter carries major significance, as victory would secure Kuwait a place in the semi-finals and guarantee qualification for the World Youth Handball Championship.

Kuwait Handball Association Secretary-General Qaied Al-Adwani praised the team’s achievement in reaching the last eight despite facing difficult conditions.

He highlighted that Kuwait was the only side forced to play four consecutive matches without a rest day, unlike the other participating teams, calling the schedule unprecedented in official competitions.

Al-Adwani also commended the efforts of the coaching staff, administrators, and players for overcoming challenges and maintaining their pursuit of the tournament’s objectives.

Elsewhere, the Handball Association’s referees committee has begun its preparation programme ahead of the new season.

The programme, held at the Martyr Fahad Al-Ahmad Hall, will include two phases: a domestic training stage followed by an overseas camp in Slovenia.

Referees committee member Abdulrahman Al-Mulla praised the support of the Handball Association and the Public Authority for Sport, saying the programme is designed to raise the level of Kuwaiti officials and improve their performances in local and international competitions.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff