Tamara Al Sayed
Qatar's national handball team made history on Sunday by securing their first Arab Handball Cup title, defeating Bahrain 25–22 in a thrilling final at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex in Kuwait.
The 10th edition of the Arab Men's Handball Championship featured nine participating nations: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and the UAE. Qatar topped Group B in the preliminary round with victories over Saudi Arabia (31–22) and Tunisia (31–30). In the semifinals, they overcame Egypt with a 25–19 win to secure their spot in the final.
The final match against Bahrain was intensely competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. Qatar's defense proved decisive in the closing minutes, successfully repelling Bahrain's attacks to clinch the championship.
Qatar Handball Association President Ahmed Al Shaabi praised the team's performance, highlighting the successful integration of new players following the departure of 11 veterans who participated in the recent World Championship. He emphasized that the team's success demonstrates the strength and depth of Qatari handball.
In the third-place match, host nation Kuwait delighted local fans by defeating Egypt 29–25, securing a podium finish.
Qatar's triumph marks a significant milestone in the nation's handball history, showcasing their growing prominence in regional competitions.