KUWAIT CITY, Nov 16: The 26th edition of the Asian Club Handball Championship kicked off at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex in the Sabah Al-Salem suburb. Under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Commerce and Industry and the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mohammed Al-Aiban, 12 clubs are set to participate in this prestigious tournament, where the winning team will secure a spot in the upcoming Club World Cup as Asia’s representatives.

Sheikh Khaled Al-Fahd, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadsia Club and head of the tournament organizing committee, announced the completion of all preparations. The committees, formed in the preceding period, have readied the match hall, training halls, as well as accommodations for delegations and referees.
In extending a warm welcome to the participating delegations, Sheikh Khaled Al-Fahad expressed wishes for a pleasant stay in their “second home,” Kuwait.

He conveyed gratitude to the Asian Handball Federation for entrusting Al-Qadsia Club with organizing the event, highlighting the club’s readiness and capabilities backed by national resources and experience.
Al-Fahd also acknowledged the General Sports Authority for unwavering support, along with the collaborative efforts of ministries and government institutions in making this continental tournament possible.

Stressing the developmental impact of such tournaments on handball performance, he emphasized the contribution to enriching the technical level of the game.

The draw divided the 11 teams into two groups after the withdrawal of the Palestinian Salah team. Notable matches today include Al-Arabi Qatar vs. the Iraqi Army, Indian Sai vs. Shabab Sidon of Lebanon, Al-Gharafa of Qatar vs. the Saudi Gulf, Al-Qadsia vs. Al-Sharjah of the Emirates, and the opening ceremony followed by the final match between the Bahraini Star and the Indian Golden Eagle.
Due to current circumstances, the opening and closing ceremonies were canceled in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Shabab Sidon played a trial match upon arrival, featuring loaned players Mahdi Al-Qallaf and Austrian Janko Bozovic from Sulaibkhat.