Latest news with #InternationalHandballFederationWeek
Arab Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait seeks Arab Handball Cup final spot against Bahrain
KUWAIT CITY, May 8: Kuwait's national handball team faces a pivotal challenge at 7:00 pm today when it meets Bahrain in the semi-finals of the 10th Arab Handball Cup, hosted at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. The tournament runs through May 11. Earlier in the day, the other semi-final will see a highly anticipated clash between Qatar and Egypt at 5:00 pm. As part of the classification rounds (5th–9th place), two matches are scheduled earlier in the day. Tunisia will take on Morocco at 1:00 pm, followed by Saudi Arabia against Iraq at 3:00 pm. Kuwait enters the semi-final with momentum, aiming for a third consecutive victory to secure a place in Sunday's final. Backed by home support and the advantage of playing on familiar turf, the Kuwaiti team hopes to overcome a tough and determined Bahraini side, also eager to reach the final. Bahrain, on its part, will rely on a quick transition game and solid teamwork under coach Predrag. Veteran players Hussein Al-Sayyad and goalkeeper Mohammed Abdul-Hussein are expected to lead the effort against the host. In the second semi-final, Group B leader Qatar will count on a blend of youth and experience to push past Egypt and reach the final. Egypt, which advanced as the best second-placed team, is looking to bounce back from a group stage loss to Bahrain and challenge Qatar for a place in the championship match. Qaid Al-Adwani, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Handball Federation and Director of the 10th Arab Cup, confirmed that the final will take place as scheduled on Sunday at 7:00 pm. He explained that the tournament dates were selected to align with International Handball Federation Week and the calendar of the Arab Handball Federation. The final will coincide with the Premier League football title decider on the same day. 'There is coordination with the Kuwait Football Association,' Al-Adwani noted. 'However, due to schedule constraints on both sides, Sunday remained the only viable option for the handball final.' Players of Kuwait's national team expressed joy following their win over the UAE in the final group stage match, which secured their top spot in Group C and a semi-final berth. Star player Abdulaziz Al-Shammari remarked, 'Winning two matches, topping the group, and reaching the semi-finals is the least we can offer Kuwait and its loyal fans. We are proud to host the Arab Handball Cup in Kuwait for the first time in 23 years — in the land of friendship and peace.' Goalkeeper Hassan Safar added, 'Our true joy lies in bringing happiness to our loyal fans who have supported us from the start. We call on them to fill the stands tonight and back us against Bahrain.'
Arab Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait is ready to host the Arab Handball Championship
KUWAIT CITY, April 30: Mishaal Al-Qabandi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Handball Federation and Head of the Media Committee, has confirmed Kuwait's readiness to host the upcoming Arab Handball Championship, set to take place at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex from May 5 to 11. The tournament will coincide with the International Handball Federation Week. A total of nine teams will compete in the Arab Championship, divided into three groups: Kuwait (host), Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Al-Qabandi highlighted that the Handball Federation has conducted several meetings with the Public Authority for Sports, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Health to ensure smooth coordination and address any challenges. This collaborative effort aims to deliver a championship that reflects the high standards of Kuwaiti sports, particularly in handball. "We have received full support from key figures in Kuwaiti sports, including the Minister of Information and Culture, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the acting Director of the Sports Authority, Bashar Abdullah, and officials from the Ministries of Interior and Health. They have assured their commitment to organizing the Arab Cup in an exemplary manner," Al-Qabandi said. He further added that the tournament committees are working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly, with a rehearsal planned for the tournament's opening just days before it begins. Al-Qabandi also expressed his gratitude to the members of the Handball Federation's Board of Directors and its entire staff for their dedication since Kuwait was selected to host this prestigious event. His thanks extended to those involved in the preparation for Kuwait's next major event, the 22nd Asian Championship (2027 World Cup Qualifiers), which will take place in January 2026.
Arab Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait handball team eyes Arab Cup glory under new coach Kristjansson
KUWAIT CITY, April 24: The Kuwaiti national handball team began its training sessions in preparation for the 10th Arab Cup for Men's National Teams with 22 out of 23 players reporting to the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex the day before yesterday. The tournament, hosted by Kuwait, will be held from May 4 to 12 and coincides with the International Handball Federation Week. Notably absent from the session was national team star Saif Al-Adwani, who has joined Qatar's Al-Arabi Club for the remainder of their league season from May 23 to 28. He is joined in Qatar by Kazma's Tunisian professional, Mohammed Farad. The training session was overseen by newly appointed Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjansson. Before the workout, Kristjansson addressed the players in the presence of Handball Federation Treasurer Khaled Taleb, National Teams Director Faisal Saywan, and Team Administrator Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi. Coach Kristjansson's preliminary squad features: Goalkeepers: Hassan Safar, Abdulaziz Al-Dhafiri Wings and Backs: Mohammed Bou Yabes, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Haidar Dashti, Fawaz Al-Mishari, Fawaz Mubarak Playmakers and Pivots: Abdullah Al-Khamis, Abdulaziz Salmeen, Saleh Al-Raghib, Hamoud Al-Adwani, Mohammed Al-Hindal, Abdulaziz Dhaif, Abdulrahman Al-Enezi, Mishaal Al-Harbi, Hussein Al-Mutawa, Mohammed Al-Aryan, Ibrahim Dhaif, Youssef Dhaif, Mohammed Ghadanfar, Mohammed Al-Sanea, Abdulrahman Al-Shammari Absent: Saif Al-Adwani (temporarily with Al-Arabi, Qatar). Khaled Taleb, Treasurer of the Handball Federation, expressed optimism about the national team's campaign in the Arab Cup, highlighting strong ambition from both players and coaching staff. 'The coach was fully briefed on the local league and player performance even before his arrival,' Taleb said. 'This tournament is not just a chance to win the title, but also key preparation for upcoming major competitions.' Taleb emphasized that Kuwait aims to deliver a well-organized tournament worthy of its handball legacy, made possible through the backing of the Public Authority for Sports and the tireless efforts of the Handball Federation's board and committees. He added that the Arab Cup will serve as a vital test event ahead of Kuwait's hosting of the Asian Cup in January. Coach Aron Kristjansson voiced his enthusiasm for leading Kuwait's 'Blue Handball Team,' praising the country's history of excellence in Arab, Gulf, and Asian competitions. 'It's an honor to work with such a talented group of players from the local league,' he said. 'With support from the federation and our dedicated staff, we are determined to make a strong impression in the Arab Championship.'
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait announces 23-player squad for the Arab Cup
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjansson, along with his Danish assistant Ansen, has named a 23-player squad for Kuwait's national handball team ahead of the 10th Arab Cup for Men's National Teams, which will be hosted in Kuwait from May 4 to 12. The tournament coincides with the International Handball Federation Week and will feature the participation of nine Arab countries. The selected players are: Hassan Safar, Abdulaziz Al-Dhafiri, Mohammed Bouyabes, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Haidar Dashti, Fawaz Al-Mishari, Saif Al-Adwani, Fawaz Mubarak, Abdullah Al-Khamis, Abdulaziz Salmeen, Saleh Al-Raghib, Hamoud Al-Adwani, Mohammed Al-Hindal, Abdulaziz Dhaif, Abdulrahman Al-Enezi, Mishaal Al-Harbi, Hussein Al-Mutawa, Mohammed Al-Aryan, Ibrahim Dhaif, Youssef Dhaif, Mohammed Ghadanfar, Mohammed Al-Sanea, and Abdulrahman Al-Shammari. The national team, also known as the "Blue Handball Team," kicked off its training yesterday and will continue preparations through an internal training camp until the tournament begins. Meanwhile, in local handball action, Qadsia Club topped the First Division League standings after a dominant 32-21 win over Al-Sahel in the 14th round, held at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. In another match, Fahaheel defeated Yarmouk 35-28. First Division Handball League Standings: Qadsia: 26 points Al-Nasr: 22 points Al-Qurain: 20 points Fahaheel: 16 points Khaitan: 14 points Yarmouk: 6 points Al-Tadamon: 5 points Al-Sahel: 0 points Following the latest round of matches, the First Division Handball League will be temporarily suspended to allow the national team to fully focus on preparations for the Arab Cup. By Khaled Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
Arab Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait handball team begins preparations for 10th Arab Cup
KUWAIT CITY, April 22: The Kuwait national handball team will begin its training at 6:00 pm at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex in the Sabah Al-Salem suburb, as part of preparations for the 10th Arab Cup, which Kuwait will host from May 4 to 12, coinciding with International Handball Federation Week. The team is now under the leadership of newly appointed Icelandic head coach Aron Kristjansson, supported by Danish assistant coach Ansen. Kristjansson has finalized a 24-player squad for the upcoming tournament. Kuwait entered an internal training camp at the Radisson Blu Hotel, which will run through the duration of the tournament. The camp includes daily double training sessions—morning and evening—focusing on improving player fitness and refining both offensive and defensive tactics. Additionally, the program will include theoretical sessions to enhance players' tactical understanding. As part of his preparation, Coach Kristjansson has attended several Premier League and First Division matches to evaluate player performance and finalize his squad selection. The Arab Cup draw will take place on April 26, with nine teams set to participate: Kuwait (host), Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The teams will be split into three groups, with matches played in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
