KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27: Kuwait handball team received a warm welcome at Kuwait International Airport's ceremony hall following their participation in the 21st Asian Cup Championship, concluding in Manama, Bahrain. Kuwait secured a commendable fourth place and qualified for the 2025 World Cup in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, scheduled from January 14 to February 2, 2025.

Leading the delegation's reception were key figures, including the Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and the Minister of State for Communications Affairs, Daoud Marafi. Also present were Sheikh Fahd Al-Nasser, President of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Yousef Al-Baidan, Director of the Sports Authority, Bashar Abdullah, Deputy Director, Olympic Committee member Fatima Hayat, Handball Federation members, players' families, and a large gathering of media professionals.

Minister Daoud Marafi commended the outstanding achievement of the team in qualifying for the 2025 World Cup. He conveyed the political leadership's congratulations and emphasized the importance of focusing on and caring for the players, expressing his commitment to resolving challenges faced by Kuwaiti sports and athletes. Minister Marafi announced financial rewards for the players to recognize their efforts in achieving this significant victory.

Sheikh Fahd Al-Nasser considered the qualification after a 15-year absence from the major international stage as confirmation of the team's elite status. He praised the federation's cooperation and the players' dedication, expressing hope for more achievements in various sports competitions.

Fatima Hayat, a member of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, deemed Kuwait" achievement as unsurprising, crediting the well-thought-out plan by the Handball Federation in developing national teams. She wished for continued support from the Ministry of Youth and the Sports Authority for ongoing success.

Qayed Al-Adwani, Secretary of the Handball Federation, acknowledged increased responsibility and affirmed the team's preparation for the World Cup and upcoming Asian Championship. Treasurer Khaled Talib highlighted the success of the Board of Directors and their commitment to developing a young team for the next decade.

Algerian Saeed Hegazy expressed happiness at qualifying for the World Cup and emphasized the importance of continuous preparation for better performance. Captain Abdullah Al-Khamis dedicated the qualification to His Highness the Amir and the Kuwaiti people, expressing joy for restoring cheerfulness to the fans. He stressed the immediate commencement of World Cup preparations after addressing injuries and readying the players.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff