KUWAIT CITY: The Arab Handball Federation has announced that the 39th Arab Championship for champion clubs, a qualifier for the "Saudi Super Globe 2024," will now be hosted by Kuwait Club from September 15-25. This decision follows Al-Arabi Club's withdrawal as hosts due to delays in completing its new hall, which was not approved by the Public Authority for Sports in time. The tournament will take place at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Complex.

Recently, the Arab Handball Federation revealed the eight participating clubs: defending champion and host Al-Kuwait, alongside Al-Arabi and Al-Qadisiya from Kuwait, Al-Karkh and Al-Hashd from Iraq, Al-Ahly from Qatar, Maliha from the Emirates, and the National Bank of Egypt. Mudar and Al-Huda, Saudi clubs, are awaiting official approval from the Saudi Ministry of Sports to participate.

In preparation for the Arab Club Championship, Kuwait Club's handball director, Sameh Al-Hajri, announced plans for an external training camp in Croatia from September 1-13. This camp aims to strengthen the team's readiness through rigorous training and competitive matches ahead of defending their title on home ground.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi Club is yet to finalize plans for its external camp, having renewed contracts with national team coach Dr. Ahmed Foulad and Tunisian professional Osama Jaziri. It is also in negotiations to add two European professionals to its roster.

In youth handball, Kuwait's national team is currently competing in the 18th Asian Youth Handball Championship in Amman. It is set to face Bahrain in the third round of the main round, with matches against Jordan and South Korea to follow. The tournament format will see the top finishers from each group qualify for the 2025 Youth World Cup finals in Poland.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff