Latest news with #HassanMoustafa
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
‘Handball at school' initiative to promote handball at grassroots
1 2 3 Lucknow: International Handball Federation (IHF) and Asian Handball Federation (AHF) will launch 'Handball at school' project to create centres in cities and implement initiatives for grassroots development programme for players and coaches in India. This decision was made during a meeting recently held in Oman after the conclusion of the 10th Beach Asian Handball Championship 2025. The meeting was attended by IHF president Hassan Moustafa, vice-president Al Badar, and AHF secretary general Mohammad Shafiq. Talking to TOI, executive director of Handball Association of India (HAI) Anandeshwar Pandey said, "I proposed a few initiatives for grassroots development programs for players and coaches in India, and special programs for women training. IHF and AHF accepted the proposal. It was decided in the meeting that IHF and AHF would prioritize several initiatives in India." "A 'Handball at School' programme will be launched in which centres will be set up HAI will be provided with taraflex, goalposts, and other resources to promote handball in schools across the country. A coach development programme will be implemented in India, where Indian coaches will be informed about modern training methods to nurture new talent," he said. "We are hosting international events in India. Recently, we organized the Men's Youth and Junior (Continental Phase-Asia) Trophy in Lucknow. We will host Wheelchair Handball Championship-2026 in Lucknow," Pandey said. "The initiative will strengthen handball at the grassroots. It will not only reinforce the sports infrastructure but also give handball a new and powerful dimension in India, enabling players to perform better. Recently, our women Indian handball team bagged bronze in 10th Beach Asian Handball Championship-2025 at Oman," he added.
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.
Observer
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman battle Saudi Arabia at Asian Beach Handball Championship
MUSCAT, May 10 Oman's national beach handball team will take on Saudi Arabia on Sunday in a tight clash at the underway Asian Beach Handball Championship. Oman team, coached by coach Hamood al Hassani, will eye to conclude group stage to be in the topper of group A following their two successive victories over Maldives and Hong Kong in the previous rounds of the Asian prestigious event. Both Oman and Saudi Arabia confirmed their presence to the quarters of the tournament as the latter also registered two victories against Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Oman are currently leading group A with goals difference than Saudi Arabia who are position as runners-up in the group. Today's clash will determine the group leader. The group (A) leader will meet the fourth placed team in group B. Oman and Saudi Arabia clash will take place 8:00 PM at the sand court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Both teams met recently in the GCC Beach Games which concluded last month in Muscat as Oman beat Saudi Arabia in two games. Oman team players are eyeing to secure slot in the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships in Morocco as this Asian tournament acted as qualifiers to the global stage event. Oman Head Coach Hamood al Hassani said that he is fully satisfied with the team's performances till now in the Asian event. ' Our target is to claim group leader tonight and then focus on securing a spot in the final. Saudi Arabia is one of the tight teams in the group following their outstanding who in the last two games in the group. However, we managed to defeat them in last month and my team players are in good shape to deliver top match,' he added A total of six matches will take place across the men's and women's competitions on Sunday. In the Women's Matches, Hong Kong will meet India at 6:00 pm while Vietnam will face Philippines and the match will kick off at 7:00 pm. The women's event followed a double round-robin format, with the Philippines currently leading the standings after two 2–1 wins over Hong Kong and India. Vietnam also remains a strong contender after defeating India 2–0. In the Men's Matches, the Asian heavyweights Iran will Philippines and the game will start at 6:00 pm while Hong Kong will take on Maldives in the match that will start one hour later. India and Jordan will be in a tight clash at 8:00 pm while in the same timing Oman and Saudi Arabia will conclude the group stage matches. In the previous round, Pakistan defeated India 2–0 in a thrilling fixture while Saudi Arabia beat Maldives 2–0 to snatch their second straight win in the tournament. Iran edged Jordan 2–1 via penalty shootout after a 1–1 tie. In the women's bracket, Philippines beat India 2–1 and Vietnam triumphed over Hong Kong 2–0. Dr Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation (IHF), will arrive in Muscat on Monday for an official visit. During his visit, he will attend the Asian championship matches beside holding an official meetings with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and the Oman Olympic Committee. Furthermore, he will meet with Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA) and Head of the Organising Committee.
