Khaled Melhem

KUWAIT CITY, June 18: The preliminary round of the 57th Kuwait Handball Association Cup wraps up today with Group Two matches at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. The day’s fixtures include Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Arabi at 4:30 pm, Khaitan vs. Burgan at 6:00 pm, and Al-Fahaheel vs. Al-Qadsiya at 7:30 pm.

The tournament, which began yesterday, is set to conclude with the final match on June 28.

The draw divided participating clubs into two groups. Group One features defending champion Kuwait Club, which was exempted from the preliminary round and will face the winner of yesterday’s Al-Qurain vs. Al-Sahel match in the quarter-finals. The group also includes Yarmouk, Al-Tadamon, Al-Nasr, and Al-Salmiya.

Group Two includes last season's runner-up Kazma, along with Sulaibikhat, Al-Arabi, Khaitan, Burgan, Al-Fahaheel, and Al-Qadsiya. Kazma will meet the winner of the Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Arabi match in the next stage.

Assistant Treasurer of the Kuwait Handball Federation, Mishaal Al-Qabandi, emphasized the historic value of the tournament, calling it one of Kuwait’s oldest and most prestigious handball competitions. He noted that the federation is committed to its continued development.

Al-Qabandi also highlighted the readiness of participating clubs, pointing out that the tournament’s timing—right after the league season concluded—has left players in peak physical condition. He encouraged fans to attend and support their teams.

Meanwhile, national coach and technical analyst Khaled Melhem praised the competitive spirit of the 57th edition, citing high-level performances and the presence of standout professionals. Melhem said Kuwait Club remains the favorite but expects strong competition from Al-Qadsiya or Burgan, while noting that the unpredictable nature of the tournament could pave the way for a new champion.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff