Kuwait players celebrate after their dramatic victory over Bahrain at the Asian Youth Games.

MANAMA, Oct 29: Patience often brings great rewards — and for Kuwait’s youth handball team, that moment has arrived. Blues stand on the verge of history as they face Saudi Arabia tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the final of the 3rd Asian Youth Games. Earlier in the day, hosts Bahrain will meet China at 5:00 p.m. in the battle for third place.

Kuwait’s rising stars have delivered a remarkable campaign, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork. In the group stage, they topped Group B with convincing victories over the UAE (37–21), Kazakhstan (42–26), and Thailand (43–15), losing narrowly to China (35–37). Their journey continued with a dramatic 23–21 semifinal win over host nation Bahrain, propelling them into the championship final and within reach of a historic gold.

Speaking on the achievement, Shabib Al-Hajri, Vice President of the Kuwait Handball Federation and head of the delegation at the Asian Youth Games, said the team’s success was no surprise given the tremendous support provided to Kuwaiti sports — especially handball — by Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, and Captain Ali Al-Merri, head of Kuwait’s delegation to the Games.

“Their constant backing and efforts to ease all challenges for our players were key to this impressive performance,” Al-Hajri said. “Our boys lived up to expectations and made Kuwait proud.”

He also expressed deep appreciation to Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, for the warm hospitality and exceptional organization of the event, which reflected Bahrain’s commitment to sporting excellence.

Al-Hajri noted that the Federation and national team staff have been preparing this youth squad for nearly two years. “That long-term investment is now paying off,” he said. “The players’ performance and spirit have been outstanding, and we hope to crown our efforts with the gold medal — a gift to the people of Kuwait.”

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff