Latest news with #HandballFederation
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Long and disrupted season affected the players: Al-Zaabi
KUWAIT CITY, June 29: Kuwaiti national team manager Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi described the past handball season as one of the longest in the sport's history in Kuwait, citing frequent league suspensions due to international commitments and other factors. These interruptions, he explained, negatively impacted the players' physical fitness, competitive edge, and mental focus. Al-Zaabi noted that the technical level of the league stagnated, as many top players were regularly engaged in international tournaments, disrupting team consistency and competitive intensity. He further pointed out that the league's overall structure contributed to this issue, with the season effectively concluding at the midpoint of the Premier League schedule, leaving two full rounds unplayed. This led to predictable match outcomes and reduced excitement. However, he confirmed that the Handball Federation is aware of these challenges and is working on restructuring the league for the upcoming season to enhance competitiveness and player development. Al-Zaabi also emphasized a positive trend among clubs: a growing focus on developing local talent by giving young Kuwaiti players more playing time in league matches. This approach not only strengthens team depth but also broadens the selection pool for the national team, particularly with the Asian Championship set to be hosted in Kuwait. Integrating young players with seasoned veterans remains a key goal as preparations intensify.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Handball Federation increases professional player quota for the season
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Qaid Al-Adwani, Secretary-General of the Handball Federation, announced a major change for the upcoming 2025–2026 season: clubs will now be allowed to register three foreign professionals instead of the current two. Speaking on the new regulation, Al-Adwani said, 'In response to club concerns, particularly regarding injuries to foreign players and the inability to replace them mid-season, the Federation has approved the participation of three professionals per team. However, only two will be allowed on the court at any time, with the third available as a substitute for one of the other professionals, not for a local player.' He further clarified that the registration of foreign professionals will take place during both the initial registration period before the start of the season and again in the winter transfer window. Al-Adwani also revealed that several proposals will be reviewed by the Competitions Committee and discussed with the National Teams and Technical Committees, as part of ongoing development efforts. Meanwhile, the Handball Federation's Ordinary General Assembly will convene this Wednesday to approve the administrative and financial reports for the fiscal year. Kuwait Club is on the verge of claiming its 15th overall and 13th consecutive title in the Premier Handball League, needing just one more win from the final five matches in the third and final division. The Dean solidified its lead after defeating Burgan 34–25 in the final round of the second division. Other results included Sulaibikhat's 32–24 victory over Al-Arabi and a thrilling 36–36 draw between Kazma and Al-Salmiya. Kuwait Club tops the league standings with 46 points, followed by Burgan (37), Kazma (29), Salmiya (23), Sulaibikhat (22), and Al-Arabi (18). Led by veteran Algerian coach Said Hejazi, Kuwait Club is aiming for a treble this season after already securing the Super Cup and edging closer to clinching the league title, with the Federation Cup still to come. In the First Division Handball League, two matches are scheduled for today as part of Round 11: Al-Qadsia vs. Al-Fahaheel at 5:00 PM Khaitan vs. Al-Nasr at 6:30 PM Al-Nasr currently leads the standings with 32 points, followed by Al-Qurain (29), Khaitan and Al-Fahaheel (20 each), Al-Yarmouk (8), Al-Tadamon (5), and Al-Sahel (0).
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Morocco and Egypt Ambassadors attend 10th Arab Handball Cup in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: The 10th Arab Handball Cup, held in Kuwait at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex until May 11, saw notable diplomatic attendance. His Excellency Ali Ben Issa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mohamed Barada, the Moroccan Consul, were present for the second day of the tournament, watching the Morocco-UAE match. During this match, the Moroccan Ambassador presented the Best Player award to Moroccan national team member Al-Zarki Abdullah. Also attending was His Excellency Osama Shaltout, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Kuwait, who observed the Egypt-Iraq match. He presented the Best Player award to Egyptian star Mohamed Khalaf. Ambassador Ali Ben Issa expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's organization, praising both the Arab and Kuwaiti Handball Federations for raising the level of competition. He extended his best wishes to all the participating Arab teams. Ambassador Osama Shaltout thanked Kuwait, represented by the Handball Federation, for hosting the Arab Handball Championship, which had been missing for several years. He emphasized that the tournament not only served as a competitive event but also as a celebration of Arab unity, fostering a friendly and fraternal atmosphere. Shaltout noted that the championship provided excellent preparation for future competitions, including continental championships and World Cup qualifiers. The Egyptian youth handball team delivered an impressive 39-31 victory over Iraq in the second round of Group A, advancing further in the tournament. The second round of the group stage also saw Qatar defeat Tunisia 31-30 and Morocco triumph over the UAE 33-25. These results secured Qatar's qualification to the semi-finals, topping Group B with 4 points. Tunisia followed in second place on goal difference over Saudi Arabia. In Group A, Egypt topped the table on goal difference over Bahrain, with both teams on two points, while Iraq withdrew from the competition without earning any points.
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.'
