Burgan player makes a goal attempt as rivals defend.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 5: The Kuwaiti Premier Handball League resumes today after a 90-day pause, following the national team’s participation in the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh last November and hosting the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, which served as a qualifier for the 2027 Handball World Cup in Germany. Kuwait secured third place in the Asian Championship, earning the bronze medal and qualifying for the 2027 World Cup for the tenth time in its history. Before these tournaments, the team held overseas training camps in Tunisia, Egypt, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Round 9 of the Premier League kicks off today with Salmiya facing Burgan at 5:00 PM, followed by Al-Arabi against Al-Nasr at 7:00 PM. Tomorrow, Kazma will meet Al-Sulaibikhat at 5:00 PM, while reigning champions Kuwait Club will take on Qadsia at 7:00 PM in the round’s highlight clash.

Kuwait Club leads the league standings with a perfect 16 points, followed by Kazma with 11. Burgan and Qadsia each have eight points, Al-Sulaibikhat seven, Al-Arabi and Salmiya six each, and Al-Nasr two points.

Today’s spotlight match between Salmiya and Burgan will feature a unique coaching duel: Hussein Habib, Burgan’s former coach, now leads Salmiya, while Yaqoub Al-Mousawi, previously at Salmiya, now coaches Burgan. Both coaches are well-acquainted with each team’s strengths and weaknesses, promising an open and competitive encounter.

Meanwhile, the First Division Handball League returned yesterday. Khaitan tops the standings with 10 points, followed by Al-Qurain with eight, Yarmouk with seven, the Youth National Team with five, Al-Fahaheel with four, and Al-Sahel with zero points.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff