Latest news with #ArabHandballCup
Arab Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Egypt coach praises Kuwait's world-class organization of 10th Arab Handball Cup
KUWAIT CITY, May 5: The tenth edition of the Arab Handball Cup, hosted by Kuwait until May 11, continues today with three exciting group stage matches in the second round. Tunisia will face Qatar in Group B at 3:00 pm. At 5:00 pm, Morocco takes on the UAE in a Group C clash. The day concludes at 7:00 pm with a Group A showdown between Egypt and Iraq. Talal Al-Otaibi, member of the Kuwait Handball Association and the Executive Office of the Arab Handball Federation, praised the level of competition and the enthusiasm shown by all participating Arab nations. Al-Otaibi noted that the technical performance is expected to rise in the second round, as teams intensify preparations for upcoming regional and international tournaments. He expressed gratitude to Kuwait's sports leadership, particularly Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Acting Director of the Public Authority for Sports Bashar Abdullah, for their commitment to supporting the tournament. He also thanked the Arab Handball Federation for entrusting Kuwait with hosting duties. Yousef Al-Muallem, Director of National Teams at the Qatar Handball Federation, confirmed that Al-Annabi came with a balanced team of youth and experience, aiming to compete seriously for the championship title. He acknowledged the strength of the opposition and pledged that his players would give their best. Ahmed Al-Najem, administrator of the Bahraini national team, said the team is using the Arab Championship as key preparation for the Asian Cup. He noted the technical staff is closely monitoring player performance and readiness. Magdy Abu Al-Majd, coach of the Egyptian youth team, praised Kuwait's exceptional organization and hospitality, citing it as one of the reasons behind Egypt's participation. 'Kuwait has the entire necessary infrastructure, and the tournament's preparation is top-tier,' Abu Al-Majd said. 'It feels like we're participating in a World Cup-level event.'
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Dhiyab optimistic about Kuwait's Arab Handball Championship chances
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Following the draw ceremony for the Arab Handball Cup, held two days ago in Khobar, Abdullah Al-Dhiyab, Assistant Secretary-General of the Kuwait Handball Federation, stated that all participating teams have equal chances of success, especially given their strong performances in the recent World Cup finals. Al-Dhiyab expressed optimism for the Kuwaiti national team, with hopes high for it to top its group and advance to the knockout stages. He highlighted the addition of a new, high-level technical staff, which he believes will elevate the team's performance and bolster Kuwait's handball reputation. He voiced full confidence in the players' abilities to achieve this goal. He also noted that the large crowds expected at the tournament would provide significant support for the national team, particularly since the event is being held in Kuwait and attended by passionate Kuwait fans. Al-Dhiyab reassured that the Federation is committed to ensuring the success of the tournament and presenting it in the best possible light. He emphasized that this event will serve as vital preparation for Kuwait's hosting of the Asian Handball Championship Finals early next year. The Arab Handball Championship will take place in Kuwait from May 5 to 11, with nine Arab teams participating. Kuwait has been placed in Group C alongside the UAE and Morocco, while Group B consists of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. Group A features Bahrain, Egypt, and Iraq. The tournament will be divided into three groups, with each group containing three teams. The top team from each group will advance directly to the semi-finals, along with the best second-place finisher from all groups.
Arab Times
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait welcomes new coach Kristiansson as Arab Handball Cup 2024 logo unveiled
KUWAIT CITY, April 19: The newly appointed head coach of the national handball team, Icelandic Aron Kristiansson, arrived in Kuwait. Faisal Saywan, the Director of National Teams, and Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi, the team's administrator, welcomed him. Kristiansson was hired by the Handball Federation after the contract of the former Algerian coach, Said Hejazi, expired. Hejazi had returned to coach the Kuwait Club handball team. Kristiansson's first challenge will be the 10th Arab Cup for men's national teams, which Kuwait will host from May 4 to 12, coinciding with the International Handball Federation Week. In preparation for the tournament, the team is set to enter an internal training camp in the coming days. In related news, the Arab Handball Federation unveiled the logo for the Arab Cup, which showcases a half-handball surrounded by the colors of the Kuwaiti flag. The tournament's draw will be conducted via videoconference on April 26. Nine teams will compete in the Arab Handball Cup at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, including host Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This year's Arab Handball Cup marks a return after a long hiatus, with the last edition held in 2002. Egypt won the first two editions (1975 and 1977), followed by Kuwait (1979 and 1988), Tunisia (1986 and 1993), Saudi Arabia (1998), Algeria (2000), and Bahrain (2002). The Arab Handball Federation, established in 1975 and based in Riyadh, now includes 16 Arab federations. Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Kuwait Club strengthened its position at the top of the standings with a 39-30 win over Burgan in the fifth round. Sulaibikhat also marked their first Premier League victory, overcoming Al-Arabi 33-27. Salmiya handed Kazma their second defeat, winning 24-20. The standings now show Kuwait Club leading with a perfect score of 36 points, followed by Burgan with 29 points, Kazma with 25, Salmiya with 21, and Sulaibikhat in fifth with 18 points, ahead of Al-Arabi on goal difference. The Second Division will kick off today, with the following matches: Burgan vs. Salmiya at 4:30 pm, Kuwait Club vs. Sulaibikhat at 6:00 pm, and Kazma vs. Al-Arabi at 7:30 pm. In the First Division, Al-Qadsiya took the league lead with a 31-29 victory over Al-Qurain, while Khaitan triumphed 40-32 over Al-Yarmouk. Al-Qadsiya now sits at the top with 24 points, while Al-Qurain follows in second with 20 points, edging out Al-Nasr on goal difference. Al-Fahaheel and Khaitan each have 12 points, Al-Yarmouk has 6 points, Al-Tadamon has 3, and Al-Sahel remains without points.
Arab Times
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait strengthens sports reputation with hosting of 10th Arab Handball Cup
KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Qaid Al-Adwani, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Handball Association, confirmed that Kuwait will host the 10th Arab Handball Cup next May, aligning with the political leadership's vision to make Kuwait a hub for Arab, continental, and international sports events. This move is part of ongoing efforts to develop Kuwaiti sports, particularly handball. The announcement followed the Arab Handball Federation's approval to hold the 10th edition of the Arab Handball Cup for men's national teams in Kuwait from May 4 to 12, coinciding with the International Handball Federation Week. Al-Adwani expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support of Kuwaiti sports from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. This support has driven Kuwait's decision to host international tournaments that will showcase the country's bright image. He also thanked the Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports, Bashar Abdullah, for their ongoing commitment to bringing these events to fruition. Al-Adwani also highlighted Kuwait's recent success in securing the bid to host the 2026 Asian Cup, set to begin on January 20. The announcement of hosting the Arab Handball Cup comes after a 23-year gap, with the last edition held in 2002. Khaled Talib, Treasurer of the Kuwait Handball Association, explained that the Association's decision to bid for the Arab Championship was fueled by the national team's strong performance at the recent World Cup finals. He added that hosting the tournament in Kuwait would boost the country's profile as a capable organizer of major sporting events. Talib emphasized the high level of competition in the tournament, which will feature top teams such as Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Bahrain, and other Arab teams with star players and experienced technical staff. He assured that the Kuwaiti national team was fully prepared for the tournament. Additionally, Talib confirmed that the Kuwait Handball Association is in the process of hiring a new coach for the national team to better understand the players' strengths and strategies ahead of the upcoming Asian Championship. This step is part of the Federation's goal to elevate the national team to the highest level. The Arab Handball Cup has been held nine times previously. Egypt won the first and second editions, Kuwait claimed victories in the third and fifth editions, Tunisia won the fourth and sixth editions, Saudi Arabia triumphed in the seventh, and Algeria took the eighth. Bahrain is the most recent titleholder, having won the tournament in 2002 in Jordan.
