A Kuwaiti player makes a goal attempt during the team’s first friendly match in Croatia.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 7: Kuwait will play its second friendly match in Croatia tomorrow against the Cuban team. This comes after its first friendly game against the Green Mountain team. These matches are part of the team's final preparations for the 29th World Handball Championship, which will take place from January 14 to February 2 in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway.

Kuwait, drawn into Group C, will face Austria on January 14, Qatar on January 16, and France on January 18. All group-stage matches for Kuwait will be held in Croatia.

The national team delegation arrived in Croatia last Saturday, led by Federation Secretary-General Qaed Al-Adwani. The delegation includes the National Teams Director Faisal Saywan, First Team Director Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi, and technical staff headed by Algerian coach Saeed Hijazi, along with 18 players: Abdullah Al-Khamis, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Haider Dashti, Mohammed Amer, Fawaz Mubarak, Abdulaziz Salmeen, Fawaz Al-Shammari, Mohammed Al-Hindal, Ali Naseer, Saif Al-Adwani, Mishaal Al-Harbi, Saleh Al-Moussawi, Mohammed Al-Sanea, Abdulrahman Al-Shammari, Mohammed Ghadanfar, Hassan Safar, Abdulaziz Al-Dhafiri, Mohammed Bouyabes.

Kuwait has been preparing for the championship through training camps in Croatia and Tunisia last month, during which the team played several friendly matches. The technical staff has focused on improving physical fitness and implementing defensive and offensive strategies.

Team Director Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi praised the players' high spirits and commitment since arriving in Croatia, where they are training in the Novgorod region.

"I’ve witnessed the players’ enthusiasm and dedication during morning and evening training sessions. Their focus on representing Kuwaiti handball with pride is evident, especially as this marks Kuwait's ninth participation in the World Championship," Al-Zaabi stated.

Despite being in a challenging group, Al-Zaabi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve positive results. He emphasized the players’ determination to give their best and fight until the final whistle.

The delegation management has also worked diligently to address any challenges, ensuring an optimal training environment. Al-Zaabi commended the players’ professionalism and discipline, highlighting their commitment to representing Kuwait in the best possible manner.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff