Kuwait handball team withdraws from Gulf Games amid preparation concerns

A file photo of players battling for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, April 18: Kuwait Handball Federation Secretary-General Qaed Al-Adwani confirmed that the federation has officially addressed the Kuwait Olympic Committee regarding the withdrawal of the national team from the upcoming Gulf Games “Doha 2026,” set to take place in the Qatari capital on May 14.

Al-Adwani said the decision request was driven by insufficient preparation time and the suspension of training for nearly two months due to current regional circumstances, which have significantly impacted the team’s readiness.

He noted that the final decision now rests with the Kuwait Olympic Committee, which will determine whether to approve the withdrawal or proceed with participation.

“The current situation, along with the halt of sporting activity since late February and the interruption of training sessions, led the federation to request withdrawal due to the inability to properly prepare the team in such a short period,” Al-Adwani explained.

He added that participating without adequate preparation could increase the risk of player injuries, which the federation is keen to avoid, especially with major upcoming competitions on the calendar, including the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, as well as the World Handball Championship in Germany next January.

Al-Adwani emphasized that player safety remains the federation’s top priority in all international competitions.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah /Arab Times Staff