Latest news with #Al-Qabandi
Arab Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Handball Association Cup heats up as the preliminary round concludes
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: The preliminary round of the 57th Kuwait Handball Association Cup wraps up today with Group Two matches at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. The day's fixtures include Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Arabi at 4:30 pm, Khaitan vs. Burgan at 6:00 pm, and Al-Fahaheel vs. Al-Qadsiya at 7:30 pm. The tournament, which began yesterday, is set to conclude with the final match on June 28. The draw divided participating clubs into two groups. Group One features defending champion Kuwait Club, which was exempted from the preliminary round and will face the winner of yesterday's Al-Qurain vs. Al-Sahel match in the quarter-finals. The group also includes Yarmouk, Al-Tadamon, Al-Nasr, and Al-Salmiya. Group Two includes last season's runner-up Kazma, along with Sulaibikhat, Al-Arabi, Khaitan, Burgan, Al-Fahaheel, and Al-Qadsiya. Kazma will meet the winner of the Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Arabi match in the next stage. Assistant Treasurer of the Kuwait Handball Federation, Mishaal Al-Qabandi, emphasized the historic value of the tournament, calling it one of Kuwait's oldest and most prestigious handball competitions. He noted that the federation is committed to its continued development. Al-Qabandi also highlighted the readiness of participating clubs, pointing out that the tournament's timing—right after the league season concluded—has left players in peak physical condition. He encouraged fans to attend and support their teams. Meanwhile, national coach and technical analyst Khaled Melhem praised the competitive spirit of the 57th edition, citing high-level performances and the presence of standout professionals. Melhem said Kuwait Club remains the favorite but expects strong competition from Al-Qadsiya or Burgan, while noting that the unpredictable nature of the tournament could pave the way for a new champion.
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.
