Oman blank Iran to claim second Asian beach handball title
MUSCAT: Oman blanked Iran 2-0 in the final summit clash of the 10th edition of AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship in Muscat on Thursday night to claim their second Asian title after 21 years from the first title which they won in 2004.
Oman's Asaad al Hasani and his teammates delivered solid performance and managed to end both match sets for their side as the opening half concluded at 21-18 while the deciding half finished at 14-10 to seal their victory and lift the Asian title. Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi became the man of the match following his top show.
Both Oman and Iran confirmed their attendance in the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships which will take place next year in Morocco while Pakistan claimed bronze medal following their thrilling win over Jordan in the third and fourth play-off on Thursday at the sands court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
Oman player makes a goal attempt.
In the women's category, Vietnam emerged winners after finishing top in the group following their last match win against Philippines 2-0 as both teams clinched the two tickets to the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships for Women. India ended in third place despite their 2-1 defeat against Hong Kong.
At the end of the final match, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of the Oman Golf Association (OGA), the chief guest, delivered the medals and trophies to the top winning teams in both men and women categories.
Oman team captain Said al Hasani received the trophy from the chief guest and the celebration started in the sand court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The final ceremony of the Asian event attended by Dr Hassan Moustafa, International Handball Federation (IHF) President, in presence of Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA), officials from both Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and top dignitaries.
Iran players with runners-up medals.
DREAM COME TRUE
Oman head coach Hamood al Hasani said it was a historic moment for him as they managed to earn the title after many years from their first title. 'I am very pleased with the players performance in all the matches specially from the last game against Jordan in semifinals and against defending champions Iran in the final. Winning this title was a dream for us in this edition as we were fighting for it and it became true in Muscat. Special thanks to the players for their outstanding show despite the lack of preparations prior to the Asian tournament,' he said.
'Since last April, the players were in a busy schedule as they had played in the GCC Beach Games and then in domestic camps until the Asian event. I am very proud of them and now our focus will shift to have a proper plan for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships,' he concluded.
Oman captain Said al Hasani receives the trophy.
Oman's star player Asaad al Hasani said all the team members had affirmed prior to the final for delivering their tremendous efforts. 'I am very glad with our achievement of winning this Asian title against the defending champions. This year is a special season for us as we ended as champions of Gulf and Asia. This will motivate us to do much better in the forthcoming participation at the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships. Our team is a mixture of young and experienced players and this will give us good chance to deliver our best in the global event,' he added.
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