KUWAIT, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- Qatar's national handball team reached the final of the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, qualifying for the 2027 World Championship in Germany, after defeating the Kuwaiti national team 27-26 in the semifinals on Tuesday.
Players of the Kuwaiti national team imposed their dominance on the first half, taking a 13-8 lead, amid a strong fans presence that filled the venue at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. In the second half, Qatari team equalized, and regular time ended in a 22-22 draw. The match went into extra time, which ended 27-26 for Qatar, setting up a final against Bahrain on Thursday. President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for the West Asia region Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah told KUNA that the exceptional and outstanding organization of the championship reflects Kuwait's extensive experience and capabilities in hosting and organizing major sporting events. He also commended the local Handball Federation for its handling of the continental event, as well as the significant and impressive role played by the Kuwaiti fans in supporting their national team. Kuwaiti national handball team, which secured qualification for the World Championship, demonstrated great potential and promising young talent during the tournament, creating hopes that its level will continue to improve in order to raise Kuwait's profile at international competitions, he added.
Today's matches also saw Bahrain defeat Japan 35-25 in the semifinals, Iraq beat the UAE 38-36 in the seventh-eighth place playoff, and South Korea defeat Saudi Arabia 32-31 in the fifth-sixth place match. (end) hmsh.ahs