Qadsia and Salmiya removed from the handball league

Sulaibikhat player attempts a shot on goal against Kazma.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: The Kuwait Handball Association has officially removed Qadsia and Salmiya from the senior competitions after both clubs recorded their third consecutive withdrawal since the resumption of the 2025-2026 season.

Under the association's regulations, the clubs face financial penalties of KD 1,000 for the first withdrawal, KD 2,000 for the second, and KD 3,000 for the third. Both teams have been struck from the league standings after completing their third withdrawals.

Qadsia withdrew from its match against Kuwait Club on Thursday, while Salmiya pulled out of its fixture against Burgan. The decisions follow earlier announcements by both clubs that they would discontinue their first-team handball activities.

Elsewhere, Sulaibikhat recorded an impressive 31-25 victory over Kazma, adding to the latter's difficulties. Sulaibikhat dominated key stages of the encounter to secure both points and raise its tally to 11.

Al-Arabi also enjoyed a successful outing, defeating Al-Nasr 24-18 to move to 18 points and draw level with second-placed Burgan.

Kuwait Club remains clear at the top of the Premier League standings with 27 points. Burgan sit second on 18 points, ahead of Al-Arabi on goal difference, while Kazma occupy fourth place with 16 points. Qadsia had 14 points before their removal, followed by Sulaibikhat on 11, Salmiya on 10, and Al-Nasr on two.

Following the exclusion of Qadsia and Salmiya, the association adjusted the standings in line with the regulations and issued a revised schedule for the Premier League.

Two matches are scheduled for Saturday in the 17th round of the 2025-2026 season. Burgan faces Al-Nasr at 5 pm, while Al-Arabi meets Sulaibikhat at 6:30 pm.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times