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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
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.
Arab Times
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches Arab Cup campaign with commanding win over Morocco
KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The 10th Arab Handball Cup, currently underway in Kuwait and running through the 11th of this month, opened to widespread praise from Arab federation heads and officials from the Asian Handball Federation. All commended the Supreme Organizing Committee and tournament working groups for their professionalism, reaffirming Kuwait's reputation and experience in hosting major sporting events. The host nation got off to a winning start in the group stage, defeating Morocco 39-29 in their opening match. Kuwaiti goalkeeper Hassan Safar was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. In other first-round results, Bahrain edged Iraq 28-26, while Qatar defeated Saudi Arabia 31-22. Bader Al-Dhiyab, Vice President of the International Handball Federation, applauded Kuwait's long-standing excellence in organizing international tournaments. He expressed hope for a high level of play from all participating teams, who represent both Asia and Africa. 'The Asian Handball Federation fully supports Kuwait in hosting this Arab Championship,' Al-Dhiyab said, voicing confidence in Kuwait's youth to ensure the tournament's success. Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi, President of the Iraqi Handball Federation, said he was delighted to participate, especially since the event is being held in Kuwait, widely recognized for its top-tier event organization. He expressed hope for competitive matches that reflect the strength and unity of the Arab world. Bahrain Handball Federation President Ali Issa thanked the Kuwait Handball Federation for its excellent hosting efforts. 'This level of organization is no surprise from the people of Kuwait,' Issa remarked. He added that Bahrain confirmed participation as soon as Kuwait was announced as host. Qatar Handball Federation President Ahmed Al-Shaabi described the tournament as a 'valuable Arab gathering,' crediting Kuwait's hosting for the event's significance. 'Qatar's participation aims to contribute to the championship's success,' Al-Shaabi said, thanking both the Arab and Kuwaiti Handball Federations for reviving the tournament after years of absence. The championship officially opened two days ago at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, with nine Arab teams participating. Held under the patronage of the Minister of Information, Culture, and State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the opening ceremony featured laser displays by local youth groups and a welcome performance by artist Hamoud Al-Khadher. Bashar Abdullah, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports and representative of the tournament sponsor, emphasized the importance of bringing the Arab Championship back to Kuwait after a long hiatus. 'This event marks a milestone for Arab handball,' he said, wishing the teams success in presenting competitive, high-level matches. He also praised the organizing committee for the event's excellent coordination, which aligns with the Authority's strategy to host major sports events in Kuwait. President of the Saudi Handball Federation, Fadel Al-Nemer, extended his gratitude to Kuwait's political leadership, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for hosting the tournament, a return to Kuwait 46 years after it first hosted the event. He Nemer commended Minister Al-Mutairi's support and the Kuwait Handball Federation's professional execution. He expressed joy at the tournament coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Arab Handball Federation's founding in 1975. He also reaffirmed the Federation's continued mission to organize tournaments for all categories to promote and develop the sport across the Arab world. Three decisive group stage matches are scheduled for today: 3:00 pm: Saudi Arabia vs. Tunisia
Morocco World
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco to Host First-Ever Men's U17 World Handball Championship
Doha – The International Handball Federation (IHF) has announced Morocco as the host country for the inaugural IHF Men's Under-17 World Championship, scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1. The groundbreaking tournament will feature 12 teams from around the world competing for the championship title. This new addition to the IHF calendar aims to provide young handball players with an international platform to showcase their talents. 'The IHF aims to offer young players the chance to compete against the best from other nations, allowing them to test their skills in a professional and demanding atmosphere,' the federation stated in its official announcement. 'For many athletes, this event is the first time they face international competition at such a high level, offering them invaluable exposure,' the IHF said, underlining the tournament's significance for youth development. The federation also noted that the championship will 'play a critical role in strengthening the global handball community, offering young players the chance to hone their skills from a young age and accelerate the path for development.' It is worth noting that Morocco hosted the 45th African Handball Champions League tournament in October 2024 in Laayoune, which saw Egypt's Al Ahly secure their seventh African club championship title after defeating Benin's Flowers CNSS 43-22 in the final. The IHF has announced that further information regarding qualified teams, schedule, and draw details for the U17 World Championship will be released in due course. Read also: Moroccan Handball Dominance Continues with Second CAN-2024 Victory
