KUNA photo Kuwaiti player shoots as UAE defense tries to block.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 21: Kuwait will kick off its main round campaign in the 22nd Asian Handball Championship, currently being held in Kuwait until January 29, with a match against Iraq at 6:00 PM in Group A at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. Japan faces South Korea at 12:00 PM in the same group. In Group B, the UAE meets Bahrain at 2:00 PM, followed by Saudi Arabia against Qatar at 4:00 PM.

Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each preliminary group advance to the main round, and the top two from each main round group qualify for the semifinals, securing one of the four spots in the 2027 World Cup in Germany.

Kuwait is aiming to overcome Iraq as its first hurdle, moving closer to the semifinals and continuing to compete for the championship, while Iraq looks to disrupt Kuwait’s ambitions with an early tournament upset.

Asian Handball Federation President and International Handball Federation Vice President Badr Al-Dhiab lauded the high level of organization and the quality of play in the 22nd Asian Championship. He expressed confidence in Kuwait’s ability to host such a major continental event, highlighting the strong capabilities demonstrated by the country’s youth in previous sports events.

Al-Dhiab added that the organizers provided all necessary resources to ensure the tournament’s success, noting that all participating teams and officials expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and management—a factor recognized by both the Asian and International Handball Federations.

Several Gulf and Arab media outlets have praised the Asian Handball Media Center for its role in delivering outstanding coverage of the championship.

Jordanian journalist Mohammed Al-Jaloudi, Editorial Secretary of Al-Dustour’s sports section, said Kuwait organized a world-class edition of the tournament, reflecting long-term institutional planning and the professionalism of its technical and administrative teams. He added that the media center staff worked tirelessly, providing constant updates and comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the championship.

Saudi sports journalist Zuhair Al-Dhamin also commended the media center, headed by Handball Federation member Mishal Al-Qabandi, noting that it greatly facilitated journalists and photographers covering the event.

Similarly, Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Baqal praised the organizing and media committees for their meticulous attention to detail, which enabled media professionals to present the championship effectively to regional and international audiences.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al-Mutairi, presenter at Tel Golf Sports Events Company, highlighted his company’s role in providing logistical and operational support before, during, and after matches, including player and team announcements, the closing ceremony, and awards distribution. He emphasized that this support forms a key part of the media coverage, contributing significantly to the tournament’s overall success.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff