Latest news with #HandballFederationCup
Kuwait Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait SC clinch 15th Handball Federation Cup
Salmiya bag bronze after beating Kazma in high-tempo third-place match KUWAIT: In a thrilling end to the local handball season, Kuwait SC snatched a dramatic 30-29 victory over Qadsiya in the final of the 2024–2025 Kuwait Handball Federation Cup, claiming the title for the 15th time in its history — and for the 12th consecutive season. The final showdown, held at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Hall, drew a packed crowd and delivered action from the very first seconds. Both teams came out strong, exchanging goals rapidly and matching each other's energy, leaving the first half deadlocked at 18-18. The second half started off tight, with neither team able to break the silence for six full minutes — a testament to the intensity of the match. Qadsiya finally found the net, sparking a fresh wave of goals from both sides. But as the clock ticked down to the final second, Kuwait edged ahead by a single goal to seal the title. 'This win didn't come out of nowhere,' said Kuwait SC Chairman Khaled Al-Ghanim after the match. 'It's the result of strong teamwork that made our club a force on the local scene, consistently lifting trophies like today's Handball Federation Cup.' He credited the club's ongoing success to the combined efforts of its players, staff, and fans, describing the supporters as 'the strongest and most important part of our journey.' Al-Ghanim also thanked Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for his support of Kuwaiti sports and for highlighting local achievements through media coverage. He also praised Qadsiya for their strong performance and sportsmanship. In the third-place playoff, Salmiya defeated Kazma 34-28 in a fast-paced game. Salmiya led narrowly at halftime (15-13), and while Kazma mounted a comeback early in the second half, unforced errors saw them fall behind again, allowing Salmiya to secure the bronze. As the curtain falls on the 2024–2025 handball season, national team manager Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi reflected on what he called one of the longest seasons in Kuwaiti handball history. 'The repeated pauses for international duties and other interruptions drained the competition's momentum,' he told KUNA. 'Players struggled with fitness and mental fatigue.' Al-Zaabi pointed out that the league format also contributed to the issue. 'The competition essentially ended after the first phase of the Premier League, which made the rest of the season feel like a formality. The federation has taken note and plans changes next season.' Looking ahead, he emphasized a renewed focus on developing local talent. 'Clubs are increasingly prioritizing youth players and giving them real playing time,' he said. 'This will give the national team more depth — especially with the upcoming Asian Championship, which Kuwait will host.' — KUNA
Arab Times
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kazma and Qadsia complete Handball Cup semifinal lineup
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Kazma and Qadsia have secured the final two spots in the semifinals of the Handball Federation Cup, which will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. Kazma booked its place with a commanding 41-31 win over Sulaibikhat, while Qadsia advanced by edging out league runner-up Burgan 30-28 in a tightly contested quarterfinal. In the semifinal stage, Kazma (the Orange team) will face Qadsia (the Yellow team), while Kuwait Club takes on Al-Salmiya in the other matchup. The winners of these two clashes will move on to the final of the 57th edition of the prestigious Cup, scheduled for next Saturday. Kuwait Club leads the all-time title count with 14 championships, including an impressive streak of the last 11 consecutive titles. Al-Arabi follows with 10 titles, while Kazma and Al-Salmiya each have 8. Qadsia has claimed 7 titles, with Khaitan (4), Al-Fahaheel (3), and Al-Sulaibikhat (2) rounding out the historical winners list.
Arab Times
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait handball faces administrative hurdles despite recent success
KUWAIT CITY, June 17: Despite the impressive achievements of the Kuwait Handball Federation in recent years, a series of administrative challenges now threatens to stall its momentum. Under the leadership of its current board and committees, the Federation had successfully restored Kuwait's handball teams to the podium at Arab and Asian levels—reviving the 'Blues' and delighting fans across the country. However, the Federation is currently grappling with a governance issue, as recent attempts to convene a Board of Directors meeting have failed due to the absence of both the President and Vice President. This has created a ripple effect, delaying crucial decisions such as approving financial dues for the committees that organized the 10th Arab Handball Championship, which concluded in Kuwait on May 11. According to the Federation's bylaws, a meeting can only proceed with the presence of either the President or the Vice President. The delay is also affecting preparations for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. Without finalized competition regulations and schedules, clubs are unable to structure their training plans or plan for the season ahead. Stakeholders—including clubs and committee members—are urgently awaiting a resolution to ensure that dues are paid and that the framework for the new season is in place. Meanwhile, attention turns to the court as the 57th edition of the Handball Federation Cup kicks off tomorrow for the 2024–2025 season. Group A features three opening matches: Al-Sahel vs Al-Qurain, Al-Yarmouk vs Al-Tadamon, and Al-Nasr vs Al-Salmiya. All matches will be held at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex Hall, with the tournament scheduled to run until June 28. Historically, Kuwait Club leads the Cup's honor roll with 14 titles, including an impressive run of 11 consecutive wins. Al-Arabi follows with 10 titles, then Kazma and Al-Salmiya with 8 each, Al-Qadisiya with 7, Khaitan with 4, Al-Fahaheel with 3, and Al-Sulaibikhat with 2.
Arab Times
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club eyes 12th consecutive Federation Cup as draw unfolds
KUWAIT CITY, March 20: The draw for the 2024-2025 Handball Federation Cup took place at the Handball Federation headquarters in Al-Daiya. The draw for the public teams placed Kazma, Al-Arabi, Burgan, Qadsia, Khaitan, Fahaheel, and Sulaibikhat in Group Two, dubbed the "Fiery Group," while Group One included Kuwait Club, Al-Qurain, Al-Sahel, Yarmouk, Al-Tadamon, Al-Salmiya, and Al-Nasr. Group One: Al-Qurain vs. Al-Sahel, Yarmouk vs. Al-Tadamon, Al-Salmiya vs. Al-Nasr. Group Two: Al-Arabi vs. Al-Sulaibikhat, Burgan vs. Khaitan, Qadsia vs. Al-Fahaheel. The match dates will be announced later. Kuwait Club holds the record for the most Federation Cup titles (13), including the last 11 consecutive championships. Handball Federation Secretary General Qaid Al-Adwani confirmed that the appointment of Icelandic coach Aron Kristianten to lead the Kuwaiti national team is a significant step in the Federation's strategic plan to elevate the level of Kuwaiti handball. 'We aim to provide the best for Kuwaiti handball in upcoming events, with a coach who brings vast experience, including at the continental level,' Al-Adwani stated. Following a one-week break, the Handball League returns today with 12th-round fixtures: Al-Sulaibikhat vs. Al-Fahaheel at 9:00 pm. Al-Qurain vs. Al-Nasr at 10:30 am. Tomorrow's matches include: Al-Tadamon vs. Al-Yarmouk at 9:00 pm and Khaitan vs. Burgan at 10:30 pm. League Standings Kuwait Club – 22 points, Kazma – 19 points, Burgan – 17 points, Salmiya – 14 points Al-Arabi – 14 points, Al-Qurain – 12 points, Sulaibikhat – 12 points, Qadsia – 12 points Al-Nasr – 10 points, Khaitan – 8 points, Al-Fahaheel – 8 points, Al-Yarmouk – 2 points Al-Tadamon – 1 point, Al-Sahel – 0 points.
