KUWAIT CITY, Nov 28: Hassan Safar, the goalkeeper of the Kuwait Club handball team, was selected as the outstanding goalkeeper by the Asian Handball Federation in the recently concluded 26th Asian Club Championship. The tournament, which took place at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex, saw the Saudi Gulf team claim the championship title, with Qatari Al-Arabi securing the runner-up position and Al-Qadsia earning third place.

The Asian Handball Confederation also recognized Vladan from Al-Qadsia as the best right-hander and Kōsiko Yasuhira from Japan as the best playmaker. Other notable awards included Hussein Al-Sayyad from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej, who was named the tournament's best player, Youssef Bin Ali as the best player in the district, and Mujtaba Al-Salem as the best left back. The best-left winger title went to Anis Zawawi from Al-Arabi-Qatari, while Nidal Issa was honoured as the best right winger.

The closing ceremony, where the winning teams were crowned, was attended by key figures such as Badr Al-Dhiyab, Vice President of the International Handball Federation, Youssef Al-Baidan, Director of the General Sports Authority, and Sheikh Fahad Talal Al-Fahad, Vice-President of Al-Qadsia Club.

Expressing gratitude, Badr Al-Dhiyab thanked the Al-Qadsia Club for their exceptional organization and the effort invested throughout the tournament. He extended appreciation to the passionate fans and all participating clubs. Sheikh Khaled Al-Fahad, President of the Al-Qadsia Club and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, thanked ministries, state institutions, working committees, and volunteers for their contributions to the success of the tournament. He praised the collaboration and effort that showcased Kuwaiti sports in a deserving light.

Sheikh Khaled Al-Fahad congratulated the Al-Khaleej on clinching the Asian Championship title and extended congratulations to Al-Arabi, the Qatari club securing the runner-up position, and Al-Qadsia for achieving third place. Fadel Al-Nimr, President of the Arab and Saudi Handball Federations, commended Al-Qadsia’s successful organization of the tournament, highlighting their consistent excellence in hosting major events.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff