Latest news with #IHFBeachHandballWorldChampionship
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
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman blank Saudi to lead Group A, Iran top Group B
MUSCAT: Oman's national beach handball team led Group A at the conclusion of the group stage in the 10th Men's and Women's Asian Beach Handball Championship 'Muscat 2025' which also acts as a qualifier for the 2026 Beach Handball World Championship. Oman team, coached by Hamood al Hasani, earned full six points from three games including the last victory over Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final group match besides the two victories over Maldives and Hong Kong. Saudi Arabia ended in second place with four points followed by Hong Kong in third with two points and Maldives in fourth place with no points. Oman's Assad al Hasani, Said al Hasani and their teammates delivered a top match against Saudi Arabia as they entered to the second stage of the tournament with high morale to go further. Oman player attempts a shot at Saudi goal. In Group B, Asian heavyweights Iran claimed the top spot with eight points after a convincing 2-0 win over the Philippines in the concluding round. Jordan came in second with six points, Pakistan third with four points, while the Philippines and India followed with two and nil points respectively. In the women's competition, two key matches will take place on Tuesday at the sand court of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The Philippines will face India at 6 pm and it will be followed by Vietnam clash against Hong Kong at 7 pm. The women's competition is being held in a double round-robin format with the top two teams qualifying for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Vietnam currently are leading the group standings by six points and followed by the Philippines with four points and then India with two points while Hong Kong with no points are at the bottom. Oman during an attack at Saudi post. FULL EFFORT Oman's Asaad al Hasani said the team will deliver their full efforts in the forthcoming round after beating Saudi. "The match started strongly from both teams and we lost the focus in the beginning of the first half but we managed to return to the match before end of the opening set. In the second half, we dominated and reached to the opponent's danger area and earned the required points to end the match on a victory note," he said. Saudi team manager Othman Ahmed praised his players' impressive show at the group stage. 'Thanks to the players for their outstanding performance in the group stage. Now, our target is to focus in the next match against Pakistan in quarterfinals (which took place on Monday night). The coaching staff reviewed the opponent's strength and weak points. Our main objective is secure one of the slots for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championship,' he said. Responding to an inquiry on the tight match schedules, he said: 'All players were trained accordingly to play many games within one week time. Also, our last presence in the GCC Beach Games in Muscat was an advantage for the team as it was a good preparation and we adopted with the environment ahead of the Asian event,' he added.
Observer
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman meet Maldives in Asian beach handball opener
MUSCAT, May 5 Oman beach handball team will begin their campaign at the 10th AHF Asian Men's and Women's Beach Handball Championships with an opening match against debutants Maldives in Group A. The match will kick off at 8 pm at the sands court in Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. India will take on Iran in Group B at 19:00 at the same venue while Pakistan face the Philippines in the other match of the group at 18:00. Oman team, coached by experienced domestic coach Hamood al Hasani, will enter this event with high morale after they claimed the gold in the GCC Beach Games in Muscat last month. This event acted as an opportunity for the team to gear up for the Asian event, which will act as qualifier for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championship. With the fans support, Oman will be one of top teams which will vie to clinch the title and secure a place in the global event. Oman head coach Hamood al Hasani said the opening match is considered as an essential game to go ahead in the tournament. 'Registering a comfortable victory in the beginning of any tournament will motivate and encourage the players to deliver their outmost in the rest of the games. The team is fully prepared and my advise to the players always is to stay focused and leave no room for surprises,' he said. 'We played two successful friendly matches against Jordan. The matches were important to evaluate the physical and technical readiness of the players. Ten players were selected from the initial 13-man squad for the championship. Despite the physical differences at the Asian level compared to the last GCC Games, I am confident in the team's ability to compete fiercely for the title,' he added. Oman line-up will be selected from Said al Hasani, Yasser al Harthi, Abdulhakim al Siyabi, Bashar al Hinai, Hudhaifa al Siyabi, Asaad al Hasani, Ali al Jaami, Muhannad al Zarafi, Mahdi al Suleimani and Said Issa al Hasani. OPENING CEREMONY The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 8 pm at the sand court of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher under the auspices of Khalid Mohammed al Zubair, Chairman of International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest) in the presence of Moosa Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA) and Chairman of the Organising Committee, besidea attendance of members of the associations board, Asian Handball Federation (AHF) officials, chairmen of participating sports associations and heads of the national delegations. The ceremony will feature a speech by the chief of the organising committee, a speech from the AHF, a welcoming visual presentation titled 'On the Beach Sand, We Write the Story of Champions', followed by a traditional Omani artistic performance titled 'Our Heritage, Our Pride' and 'On the Sand Lies Our Glory'. The tournament will then be officially inaugurated. Oman finished second in the previous edition of the Asian Championship in Bali. Since 2004, the team has earned several accomplishments including: first place in the inaugural Asian Championship in Muscat in 2004, fourth in the World Championship in Chinese Taipei in 2009, fourth in the second Asian Beach Games (Muscat) in 2010, second in the Asian Championship and qualified for the 2012 and 2014 World Championships in 2011 and 2013. Oman were silver medallists in the Asian Beach Games (Phuket) in 2014, second in Asian Championship and qualified for 2016 World Championship in Hungary and finished seventh in 2015, silver in Vietnam and qualified for Thailand World Championship in 2016 and 2017, attended the ninth World Championship in Russia in 2018, second in Asian Games in Bali and qualified for the 2024 World Championship in Pingtan, China in 2023.
