Kuwait SC clinch 15th Handball Federation Cup
KUWAIT: In a thrilling end to the local handball season, Kuwait SC snatched a dramatic 30-29 victory over Qadsiya in the final of the 2024–2025 Kuwait Handball Federation Cup, claiming the title for the 15th time in its history — and for the 12th consecutive season.
The final showdown, held at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Hall, drew a packed crowd and delivered action from the very first seconds. Both teams came out strong, exchanging goals rapidly and matching each other's energy, leaving the first half deadlocked at 18-18.
The second half started off tight, with neither team able to break the silence for six full minutes — a testament to the intensity of the match. Qadsiya finally found the net, sparking a fresh wave of goals from both sides. But as the clock ticked down to the final second, Kuwait edged ahead by a single goal to seal the title.
'This win didn't come out of nowhere,' said Kuwait SC Chairman Khaled Al-Ghanim after the match. 'It's the result of strong teamwork that made our club a force on the local scene, consistently lifting trophies like today's Handball Federation Cup.'
He credited the club's ongoing success to the combined efforts of its players, staff, and fans, describing the supporters as 'the strongest and most important part of our journey.'
Al-Ghanim also thanked Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for his support of Kuwaiti sports and for highlighting local achievements through media coverage. He also praised Qadsiya for their strong performance and sportsmanship.
In the third-place playoff, Salmiya defeated Kazma 34-28 in a fast-paced game. Salmiya led narrowly at halftime (15-13), and while Kazma mounted a comeback early in the second half, unforced errors saw them fall behind again, allowing Salmiya to secure the bronze.
As the curtain falls on the 2024–2025 handball season, national team manager Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi reflected on what he called one of the longest seasons in Kuwaiti handball history. 'The repeated pauses for international duties and other interruptions drained the competition's momentum,' he told KUNA. 'Players struggled with fitness and mental fatigue.'
Al-Zaabi pointed out that the league format also contributed to the issue. 'The competition essentially ended after the first phase of the Premier League, which made the rest of the season feel like a formality. The federation has taken note and plans changes next season.'
Looking ahead, he emphasized a renewed focus on developing local talent. 'Clubs are increasingly prioritizing youth players and giving them real playing time,' he said. 'This will give the national team more depth — especially with the upcoming Asian Championship, which Kuwait will host.' — KUNA
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