Kuwait handball team begins Asian Games preparations in Slovenia

Action from the friendly between Kuwait’s junior handball team and Bahrain.

LJUBLJANA, Aug 11: Kuwait’s senior national handball team begins its series of friendly matches in Slovenia today when it takes on Austrian champions Jags as part of its preparations for the Asian Games in Japan, which get underway on Aug. 19.

The match marks the first of several tests designed to sharpen the team’s technical and physical readiness as it enters the final phase of its preparations for the Asian Games.

The Blues have been conducting an intensive training camp in Slovenia under Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjansson and his assistant Haini. The coaching staff has focused on improving fitness levels, strengthening team cohesion, and working on tactical systems in both defense and attack.

Today’s game will allow the coaching staff to assess the players’ progress and their understanding of the tactical ideas introduced during the camp. It will also help identify areas that need improvement before the team continues its series of friendly matches.

Kuwait is scheduled to play six more friendlies in Slovenia as part of a comprehensive preparation program aimed at taking the team into the Asian Games at its best.

The team will conclude its camp and return to Kuwait on Aug. 13 before continuing preparations for its trip to Japan.

The coaching staff believes the friendly matches will provide valuable exposure against different handball styles while allowing the players to gain experience and test various tactical options ahead of the official competition.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s junior national handball team ended its friendly series against Bahrain with a narrow 23-22 defeat in the second match held the day before yesterday.

Both teams are preparing for the 11th Asian Junior Handball Championship, which will be held in Jordan from Aug. 20 to 31.