AMMAN, July 16: The Kuwaiti youth handball team lost to Iran with a score of 23-25 ??(first half 11-12) after the second group matches in the preliminary round of the Asian Youth Championship, currently held in Amman, Jordan. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2025 World Cup finals in Poland. Kuwait started the tournament with a victory over China, advancing as the second team in the group alongside Iran to the main round.

The tournament system stipulates that the first and second-place finishers in each of the four groups will qualify for the main round, which will be divided into two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, securing a spot in the 2025 Youth World Cup finals.

Meshaal Al-Qabandi, a member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Handball Association, praised the performance and fighting spirit that the players have shown since the beginning of the Asian Youth Championship in Jordan. He stated, "We began preparations for the team four years ago, and the group has participated in three regional tournaments, in addition to local gatherings, friendly matches, and training camps."

Al-Qabandi added, "We have developed well-studied, long-term plans that consider the players’ academic commitments and the pressure of local and international matches. The youth team includes several emerging players, which helps in developing their skills and increasing their exposure to higher levels of competition." He continued, "We ensured that the players participated in local tournaments with their teams, which has contributed to improving their physical condition."

Al-Qabandi concluded, "We look forward to achieving our goal of qualifying for the 2025 World Cup finals. Everyone is committed to representing the Kuwaiti team in this continental competition in the best possible way."

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff