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Observer
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
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.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman set up Iran final in Asian beach handball
MUSCAT: Oman will take on Iran in a tight final clash of the 10th edition of AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship which will conclude on Thursday after intense competitions in the last few days at the sands court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The national team players are targeting for their second Asian title after the first one in 2004. The summit clash will kick off at 8 pm while the third and fourth playoff between Jordan and Pakistan will start at 7 pm at the same venue. Oman team, coached by Hamood al Hasani, are all set with confidence to regain the title since the first title which was won in 2004 during the inaugural edition hosted in Muscat. Oman team had arrived to the final in six times but could not win the title except in the opening edition. Oman team secured a slot in the final after a thrilling 2-0 win over Jordan in the semifinal while Iran beat Pakistan with the same result to seal their berth in the concluding match of the Asian event. Both Oman and Iran confirmed their presence in the forthcoming edition of the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships. Coach Hamood al Hassani and his assistant Jaber al Balushi worked out on a strong tactics to deliver top match against Iran and clinch a new Asian title. The coaching staff prepared the team players for today's assignment against heavyweights Iran team which managed to lift the title in 2022. Oman player makes a goal attempt against Jordan. ONE STEP AWAY Speaking ahead of the final encounter, coach Hamood said:' We are just one step away from the title in our home country. The final against Iran will depend on small areas and the team with less mistakes will get the title. I am fully confident that my players will deliver their outmost efforts towards earning a victory and clinching the title,' he said. 'Our tactics was to focus in each game as final in this tournament and we managed to win all the games until reaching the final. In the semifinal against Jordan, I did some tactical shifts and positional changes which kept the opposition off balance, proving decisive in securing the win,' he added. Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA), appreciated team's fighting spirit in their semifinal triumph. 'Their performance was a true reflection of Omani grit and sportsmanship,' he said. 'We are proud of their qualification to the IHF World Championship next year and I hope they will now take the Asian title.' Al Balushi urged fans to show up in full force for the final: 'I am looking forward to see more fans who are acting as the heartbeat of this team and their energy will be vital as we chase our second continental title,' he concluded. FINAL CEREMONY The final match of the Asian event and concluding ceremony will be held under patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee in presence of Dr Hassan Moustafa, International Handball Federation (IHF) President, and other top officials. In the women's division, two matches are scheduled on Thursday. India will face Hong Kong and the match will kick at 5 pm while the title-deciding showdown between Vietnam and Philippines will start at 7 pm. Vietnam currently lead the standings with 10 points, followed by the Philippines with eight and both have punched their tickets to the 2026 IHF World Championship.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman edge Philippines to move into semis
MUSCAT: International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa was all praise for the hosts Sultanate of Oman for its excellent organisation of the underway AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship – Muscat 2025 which acts as qualifiers to the IHF World Championship. 'The Sultanate of Oman had improved and shaped up very well in their organising capabilities specially when it comes to the big events including the continental and global championships. Oman has once again demonstrated its exceptional capability in hosting continental and international tournaments with high efficiency and professionalism. Oman is no stranger to hosting global events. The Sultanate of Oman previously organised the IHF Beach Handball World Championship in 2012 successfully and it reaffirms these days its readiness and capability to host the world's largest handball events. The country offers an integrated infrastructure, qualified human resources, strong logistical and organisational capacities, and institutional support from the government and relevant stakeholders,' the IHF chief said. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. 'What truly distinguishes Oman is the presence of strong sports leadership, a passionate and loyal fanbase, and highly skilled players who bring both talent and spirit to the game. These factors strongly support the growth and future of handball in the country,' the Egyptian official said. Speaking on the ongoing Asian Championship in Muscat, Dr Moustafa responded: 'The Asian tournament has showcased a high technical level with exciting competition and the emergence of new talents across participating teams. The presence of an elite group of referees and coaches has positively contributed to the quality and credibility of the tournament,' he said. Dr Moustafa affirmed that the IHF's eagerness to further enhance cooperation with the Oman Handball Association in the near future, praising Oman's strategic vision and global commitment to the development and promotion of handball. 'I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Handball Association, and all public and private entities that contributed to the success of this important Asian championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Oman has truly set a benchmark in excellence.' International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Moustafa attends a match in Muscat. OMAN INTO SEMIS Oman advanced to the semifinals of the AHF Asian Handball Beach Championship following their thrilling 2-1 over Philippines in penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. This is the second time in the tournament that Muhannad was named as best player as he had previously earned the honour in the match against Hong Kong. Earlier in the group stage, Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi received the Best Player award in the match against the Maldives. Furthermore, Oman's Asaad al Hasani took the Best Player award in Oman's match against Saudi Arabia in the concluding group fixture. In earlier quarterfinal matches, Pakistan overcame Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 win while Jordan beat Hong Kong 2-0. In the last quarterfinal clash, Iran secured a 2-0 victory over the Maldives. In the women's competition, Philippines defeated Hong Kong 2-0, and Vietnam continued their dominant form with a 2-0 win over India. Vietnam maintained the top position in the standings, followed by the Philippines in second, India in third and Hong Kong in fourth. Meanwhile, the IHF has announced an expansion of the 2026 Beach Handball World Championship as the number of participating teams were increased to 32 including 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams. From the Asian continent, the top two teams in each category from the Muscat 2025 championship will secure the qualification.
