Kuwait city: Qatar's national handball team has advanced to the final of the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, securing a place in the 2027 World Championship in Germany, following a close 27-26 win against Kuwait in the semifinals.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Kuwaiti national team initially dominated the first half, leading 13-8, supported by enthusiastic fans at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. However, Qatar managed to equalize in the second half, bringing the score to a 22-22 draw by the end of regular time. The match proceeded to extra time, where Qatar clinched the victory, setting up a final against Bahrain on Thursday.
Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for the West Asia region, praised the exceptional organization of the championship, highlighting Kuwait's capability in hosting major sporting events. He acknowledged the efforts of the local Handball Federation and the support of the Kuwaiti fans. Despite the loss, the Kuwaiti team secured its qualification for the World Championship and showcased significant potential and promising talent throughout the tournament.
In other matches of the day, Bahrain defeated Japan 35-25 in the semifinals, Iraq overcame the UAE 38-36 in the seventh-eighth place playoff, and South Korea edged out Saudi Arabia 32-31 in the fifth-sixth place match.