Kuwait's head coach gives instructions to the players.

ZAGREB, Jan 26:  The Secretary-General of the Kuwait Handball Federation and head of the national team delegation at the 2025 World Cup, Qaed Al-Adwani, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in the tournament being held across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. Despite intense competition in a challenging preliminary group featuring France, Austria, and Qatar, Al-Adwani described the participation as positive, praising the players for their impressive efforts.

“We were keen to ensure that the players gain valuable experience by competing against world-class teams,” Al-Adwani stated. “Interacting with European schools of handball in highly competitive matches will help us shape the team into the caliber we aspire to in the future.”

He further explained that the Federation's Board of Directors has a clear vision and plan to enhance the team’s capabilities. This includes integrating young, talented players and experienced veterans to build a stronger squad for future competitions.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Adwani noted that Kuwait's national team boasts one of the youngest rosters in the 2025 World Cup. This marks their first appearance on such a prominent international stage, and despite their inexperience, the players displayed a commendable fighting spirit.

The team recently secured a decisive 38-31 victory over Algeria in the group stage of the "President's Cup," a secondary competition within the 2025 World Cup. With four points, Kuwait currently holds second place in Group One behind Poland. It is set to face the second-placed team from Group Two—which includes the United States, Bahrain, Japan, and Cuba—to determine the 27th and 28th rankings among the tournament’s participants.

In other handball news, Al-Arabi Club has signed Japanese professional Shinosuke Tokuda to strengthen its squad for the remainder of the season. Tokuda replaces Croatian Luka, whose contract was recently terminated.

Tokuda is no stranger to Kuwaiti handball, having played for Al-Qadsiya during the 2022-2023 season. His extensive career also includes stints with Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej.

Currently, Al-Arabi is fourth in the general league standings, trailing second-placed Al-Kuwait and third-placed Al-Salmiya on goal difference. The league will resume on March 2.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff