Players preparing for the World Cup.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 30: The Kuwaiti national handball team has returned home after completing its training camps in Croatia and Tunisia, marking the final phase of preparations for the 29th World Handball Championship. The tournament will take place from January 14 to February 2, 2025, across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. Kuwait, placed in Group C, will compete against Qatar, Austria, and France.

The team will kick off its ninth World Cup appearance with a match against Austria on January 14, followed by clashes with Qatar and France.

During the preparatory phases, the technical staff focused on improving physical fitness and implementing tactical strategies for both defense and offense through a series of friendly matches. The first camp in Croatia emphasized technical drills, while the second camp in Tunisia refined team dynamics with two friendly games.

Faisal Saywan, Director of National Teams at the Handball Federation, described the Croatia camp as highly successful, highlighting the players’ commitment and the technical staff’s diligent efforts. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi, Director of the First Handball Team, praised the healthy competition among players during the camp, which he believes will serve the team's interests.

Both officials expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, with Saywan voicing faith in the players’ ability to represent Kuwait honorably, and Al-Zaabi noting that the rigorous preparations should translate into strong performances at the World Cup.

Kuwait’s qualification for the tournament came after securing fourth place in the 21st Asian Championship held in Bahrain last January. This marks Kuwait’s ninth World Cup appearance, with prior qualifications in 1982, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff