Mohammed Mirza: Retirement was difficult, but I’m proud of my legacy

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presents a gift to Mohammed Mirza.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: Bahraini handball star Mohammed Mirza has brought the curtain down on a distinguished playing career filled with titles, international appearances and lasting memories.

The Bahrain international announced his retirement after years of representing both the national team and several leading clubs, leaving behind an impressive legacy in Bahraini handball.

In a farewell message to the fans, Mirza said wearing the Bahrain jersey had always been a source of pride, responsibility, and belonging.

“Today, I announce my retirement from handball after years of giving. I had the honor of wearing the Bahrain jersey and representing my country at international events,” he said.

Mirza added: “Goodbye to the courts, but not goodbye to handball.”

He earned widespread admiration throughout his career for his sportsmanship, commitment, and strong character, while maintaining close relationships with teammates, coaches, administrators, and fans.

Mirza began his career with Al-Tadhamon before moving to Al-Ahli and Al-Najma, eventually returning to Al-Ahli for the final chapter of his playing career. With Al-Najma, he won the Asian Club Handball Championship in editions held in India and Iran.

At the international level, Mirza represented Bahrain from the youth ranks through to the senior national team. One of the defining moments of his career came when he helped Bahrain qualify for the 2011 World Championship in Sweden for the first time.

That breakthrough paved the way for a series of World Championship appearances and helped establish Bahrain as a force in Arab and Asian handball.

Mirza also shared the court with several generations of Bahraini handball stars, including Jaafar Abdulqader, Mohammed and Ahmed Abdulnabi, Saeed Jawhar, Hussein Al-Sayyad, and Ali Mirza, before playing alongside members of the current generation.

Beyond his achievements, Mirza was respected for his fighting spirit and leadership. He was particularly keen to support younger players, offering advice and sharing his experience both on and off the court.

Mirza also spoke fondly of his relationship with Kuwait, describing the ties between the two countries as strong and deeply rooted, particularly through sport.

His career in handball allowed him to become familiar with Kuwaiti handball, its stars and legends, as well as officials and administrators at the federation and club level.

He said he had developed many friendships in Kuwait that he greatly valued, adding that sport has a unique ability to bring people and nations closer together.

After years of training, competing, and representing Bahrain at major tournaments, Mirza admitted that deciding to retire was extremely difficult.

“After all these years, you become accustomed to the court, training, and matches, and suddenly you say: That’s it, the journey is over. There is certainly sadness, but at the same time there is satisfaction and pride in everything I have given,” he said.

Mirza revealed that he had been considering retirement for some time as the physical demands of the sport increased.

“I wanted to stop while I was still capable of giving, rather than wait until my body made the decision for me,” he said.

“It was never an easy decision. It took a lot of thought because handball was such a big part of my life. But eventually, you have to know when it is time to stop, and I believe I made the right decision at the right time.”

“If I could go back in time, I would choose handball again without hesitation. It gave me everything—not just championships, but friends, memories, and experiences. It introduced me to so many people whom I will never forget,” he said.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff