KUWAIT CITY, Feb 8: The eagerly awaited 57th edition of the Handball League for the 2023-2024 sports season is set to kick off tomorrow, featuring 14 participating clubs after the withdrawal of Al-Jahra and Al-Shabab from this season. The inaugural matches, introduced under the league's new system known as "The Merger," will witness Al-Tadamon and Al-Fahaheel teams opening the proceedings at 4:30 pm. Following this, Al-Nasr will face Sulaibikhat at 6 pm, with Al-Salmiya concluding Saturday's matches against Yarmouk at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex.

The novel tournament system dictates that the 14 teams engage in a single-round league, culminating in the qualification of the top six teams, based on points earned from the first division, for the Premier League. The Premier League, played in a "home and away" format, will determine the champion. The remaining eight teams will compete in the first division, playing a single round according to their ranking from seventh to fourteenth.

Handball Federation Secretary Qayed Al-Adwani expressed his best wishes for success to the participating teams, emphasizing the distinctiveness and uniqueness of the upcoming league season. Al-Adwani highlighted the strengthened competition due to the clubs' strategic deals, including the recruitment of foreign and local coaches and professionals, anticipating a positive impact on the development of national teams through enhanced player interaction.

Recent team deals showcase a commitment to excellence, with clubs renewing contracts and signing new professionals. Notable renewals include Al-Kuwait with coach Haitham Al-Rashidi and Kazma with Serbian coach Bozo Rodic. Al-Arabi extended agreements with Dr. Ahmed Fouladh, Al-Qadisiya secured Macedonian coach Zoran Katsratovic, and Al Salmiya renewed with Tunisian coach Monji El Bennani.

The Handball League, steeped in history since its launch in the 1966-1967 season, has witnessed Kuwait emerge as the most successful team with 13 titles. Al-Salmiya follows with 11 titles, Al-Arabi with 10, and Kazma with 6. The league promises a competitive season, and notable professionals will contribute to the teams' quest for success.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff