Latest news with #25thIHFMen'sJuniorWorldChampionship
Daily Tribune
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Face Spaniards in Junior Handball World Championship Open
Harsh Draw, Clear Mission The 25th IHF Men's Junior World Championship begins today in Poland, and for Bahrain, the stakes couldn't be higher. Placed in Group H alongside tournament heavyweights Spain and Egypt, as well as Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia, the national U21 side are aiming to reach the main round of the tournament for the first time in their history. It's a tall order. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and Bahrain's path starts with a daunting opener against Spain in Kielce, followed by Egypt on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 21. Every point matters, and there's little margin for error. The Competition Bahrain begin their campaign against one of the most consistent junior teams in handball. Spain are past champions (2017) and five-time silver medallists. The Spaniards hold a highly structured system with quick ball circulation, and they enter the group as clear favourites. For Bahrain, slowing the tempo and staying composed will be critical if they're to stay competitive. The second test vs Egypt on Thursday is also a tough task. The reigning African champions bring a direct, physical style of play that has caused problems for European sides in recent years. Winners in 1993 and bronze medallists in 1999 and 2019, Egypt often overwhelms teams who fail to match their intensity. Their 13th continental title in 2022, showed they're still a force at junior level, and they'll be eyeing a top-two finish in the group just as much as Spain. If Bahrain are to break new ground, their final group game against Saudi Arabia may well be the key. While not as decorated as their other opponents, Saudi Arabia qualified through the 2024 Asian Championship and have a long history of close matches with Bahrain. One such encounter came in the 2018 Asian Junior Championship, where Bahrain won 29–28. Another close match is expected in Kielce — and this time, a main round berth may hang in the balance. Backing the Next Generation Coach Ali Al Falahi has brought a focus on organisation and patience in attack, building a squad that doesn't shy away from physical contests. Players like Ali Redha, Abbas Hussain and Mohammed Ayyad will be key in Group H. The federation, under president Ali Issa, has backed this development with visible support, including domestic training camps and more preparation leading into Poland. A Chance at History Realistically, Bahrain are underdogs in this group. Both Spain and Egypt have proven quality at this level, and Saudi Arabia's familiarity adds more pressure. But there is a belief that if they can remain composed and clinical, especially in the final third, this could be the year Bahrain makes it to the main round. No team can afford to slip up in Group H. For Bahrain, it's a chance to rewrite their place on the world stage, but it will take three disciplined performances to make that happen.
Daily Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Face Spaniards in Junior Handball World Championship Opener
Bahrain handball squad making their final preparations Harsh Draw, Clear Mission The 25th IHF Men's Junior World Championship begins today in Poland, and for Bahrain, the stakes couldn't be higher. Placed in Group H alongside tournament heavyweights Spain and Egypt, as well as Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia, the national U21 side are aiming to reach the main round of the tournament for the first time in their history. It's a tall order. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and Bahrain's path starts with a daunting opener against Spain in Kielce, followed by Egypt on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 21. Every point matters, and there's little margin for error. The Competition Bahrain begin their campaign against one of the most consistent junior teams in handball. Spain are past champions (2017) and five-time silver medallists. The Spaniards hold a highly structured system with quick ball circulation, and they enter the group as clear favourites. For Bahrain, slowing the tempo and staying composed will be critical if they're to stay competitive. The second test vs Egypt on Thursday is also a tough task. The reigning African champions bring a direct, physical style of play that has caused problems for European sides in recent years. Winners in 1993 and bronze medallists in 1999 and 2019, Egypt often overwhelms teams who fail to match their intensity. Their 13th continental title in 2022, showed they're still a force at junior level, and they'll be eyeing a top-two finish in the group just as much as Spain. If Bahrain are to break new ground, their final group game against Saudi Arabia may well be the key. While not as decorated as their other opponents, Saudi Arabia qualified through the 2024 Asian Championship and have a long history of close matches with Bahrain. One such encounter came in the 2018 Asian Junior Championship, where Bahrain won 29–28. Another close match is expected in Kielce — and this time, a main round berth may hang in the balance. Backing the Next Generation Coach Ali Al Falahi has brought a focus on organisation and patience in attack, building a squad that doesn't shy away from physical contests. Players like Ali Redha, Abbas Hussain and Mohammed Ayyad will be key in Group H. The federation, under president Ali Issa, has backed this development with visible support, including domestic training camps and more preparation leading into Poland. A Chance at History Realistically, Bahrain are underdogs in this group. Both Spain and Egypt have proven quality at this level, and Saudi Arabia's familiarity adds more pressure. But there is a belief that if they can remain composed and clinical, especially in the final third, this could be the year Bahrain makes it to the main round. No team can afford to slip up in Group H. For Bahrain, it's a chance to rewrite their place on the world stage, but it will take three disciplined performances to make that happen.
Observer
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman U-17 beach handball team camp in Tunis
MUSCAT: The Oman U-17 beach handball team are gearing up in the underway external camp in Tunisia ahead of the 25th IHF Men's Junior World Championship which will begin in Tunisia from Tuesday to next Sunday. Oman, making their debut on the world stage, will compete in Group A, alongside former champions and powerhouses including Iran (2017 champions and 2022 bronze medalists), Spain (2018 Youth Olympic gold medalists), and Puerto Rico. Players in action during the training camp Under the guidance of head coach Jaber al Balushi, the national squad is undergoing an intensive external training camp in Tunisia, featuring a series of friendly matches against elite international teams to boost their readiness for the prestigious global event. As part of their build-up, the Omani team had played against Senegal on Saturday night, followed by a match against Brazil on Sunday. On Monday, the team will play Mexico in the morning session and the host nation Tunisia in the evening session. These preparatory matches are intended to simulate real match conditions and provide valuable competitive exposure to the young squad ahead of the championship. Coach Jaber al Balushi guides the training camp in Tunis Oman earned their spot in this year's World Championship after receiving a nomination from the Asian Handball Federation (AHF), following Qatar's withdrawal from the tournament. Oman had previously secured fourth place in the Asian Junior Beach Handball Championship in Thailand while Qatar ended in third place. The national team had completed a rigorous two-month domestic training programme in Muscat before heading abroad to fine-tune their skills. The Omani delegation is determined to deliver a strong performance despite the challenges of debuting on such a grand stage. Oman's group stage campaign will open against Iran on June 17, followed by back-to-back fixtures against Spain and Puerto Rico on June 18.
