KUWAIT CITY, Feb 5: The Handball Federation hosted a commendation event at its Daiya headquarters, celebrating the players for their qualification to the 2025 World Cup finals scheduled for January in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. The event also acknowledged the junior team's remarkable third-place achievement and bronze medal in the Arab Championship held in Tunisia last September.

Key attendees at the ceremony included Qayed Al-Adwani, Secretary-General of the Handball Federation, Abdullah Al-Dhiyab, Assistant Secretary, Khaled Talib, Treasurer, and board members Talal Al-Otaibi and Mubarak Al-Daihani. Faisal Siwan, the director of the national teams, and both the technical and administrative staff, along with the players, were also present.

In recognition of their accomplishments, Al-Ittihad presented a financial reward of one thousand dinars to the senior team players and their technical and administrative staff, and 200 dinars to the junior team and their respective staff.

Qayed Al-Adwani emphasized the significance of honoring both the first and junior national teams, highlighting the need to inspire young champions by showcasing the attention given to the senior team. He expressed confidence in nurturing talents for future success, with a focus on the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in June as a stepping stone towards the World Cup.Al-Adwani called for collective support for the national teams and expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Daoud Marafi, for pledging to honor the players.

Assistant Secretary Abdullah Al-Dhiyab urged sports authorities and the private sector to recognize and support the achievements of the heroes, stressing the importance of early preparations for the 2025 World Cup. He revealed the federation's strategic plans for both short-term and long-term goals, praising the efforts of players, technical, and administrative staff, while acknowledging the backing of the General Sports Authority.

Hussein Al-Habib, assistant coach of the junior team, highlighted the bronze medal in the Arab Championship as a solid foundation for the upcoming Asian Championship in Iran in June. He underlined the strategic importance of these competitions in preparing for the World Cup and the Gulf Games for Juniors in April in Sharjah.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff