Kuwait handball season set to resume in October after Asian Games in Japan

Fahad Rabee appointed as manager of the senior national team.

KUWAIT CITY, May 9: The Kuwait Handball Federation is planning to resume and complete the current 2025–2026 season during October and November, following the national team’s participation in the Asian Games scheduled in Japan next September. The remaining competitions will include the league and the Federation Cup.

The federation is working to compress the schedule in order to finish all domestic competitions before December, allowing the national team sufficient time to prepare for the 30th IHF Men’s World Championship, which will be held in Germany from January 13 to 31 with 32 participating teams.

The new 2026–2027 season is expected to begin after the conclusion of the World Championship.

Domestic sports activity had previously been suspended following a decision by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma on February 28, before being resumed earlier this month.

The federation’s plan comes as part of efforts to reorganize the domestic calendar after the long break, while ensuring that local competitions are completed without affecting national team preparations or international commitments.

In the coming period, coordination will take place between the competitions committee and clubs to finalize a compressed fixture schedule, enabling the league and cup tournaments to be played within a tight timeframe, while considering players’ international duties and clubs’ external engagements.

In a separate decision, the Handball Federation has appointed former national team star Fahad Rabee as manager of the senior national team. Rabee previously enjoyed a successful playing career with Al-Fahaheel Club and the national team before serving as team manager at the club level after retirement.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff