Tough Asian draws for Kuwait junior handball teams

Players are preparing for the tournament.

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, May 13: Kuwait’s youth and junior handball national teams were handed challenging draws in their upcoming Asian championships following the official ceremonies held in Almaty.

The youth team was drawn into a difficult Group B at the Asian Youth Handball Championship, set to take place in Chuzhou, China, from July 15-26. Kuwait will face Japan, Iran, South Korea, Qatar, India, and the UAE in a highly competitive group.

Group A includes hosts China alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Oman, and Chinese Taipei.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s junior handball team (players born in 2008) was also placed in Group B of the 11th Asian Junior Championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Junior World Championship.

The tournament will be held in Andijan, Uzbekistan, from August 10-21, with Kuwait set to compete against Japan, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Hong Kong. Group A features hosts Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Chinese Taipei.

The Kuwait Handball Federation has already resumed national team preparations following the return of sporting activity after a suspension that began on February 28 due to regional developments in the Gulf.

Kuwait is also taking part in the 4th Gulf Games in Doha with a reserve squad featuring several youth players as part of preparations for the upcoming continental competitions.

Domestic league and Federation Cup matches have been postponed until October, while the results of this season’s youth competitions have been officially approved.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff