KUWAIT: The 28th Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship, hosted in Kuwait and serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Club World Cup in Egypt, has taken on a distinctly Gulf character, with seven Gulf clubs competing in a tournament that underscores the region’s rising stature in Asian handball.
Matches have unfolded in an atmosphere that blends international competition with Gulf camaraderie, drawing dense crowds and heavy media coverage that reflect the deep fraternal bonds and shared heritage of the region.
On the court Wednesday at Sheikh Saad Abdullah Sports Complex, Saudi club Al Khaleej edged Kuwait’s Burgan 26-25 in a closely contested opener. The first half ended level at 14-14, and the second half remained tight throughout before Al Khaleej’s experience proved the decisive factor. Al Khaleej’s Mujtaba Salem was named the match’s best player.
In the day’s second fixture, Kuwait Club and Qatar’s Al Duhail played out a 28-28 draw. Al Duhail led 13-12 at the break, and Kuwait pressed for a winner in the second half but could not find one. Kuwait Club’s Vladan took the best player award. The day’s program concludes with Bahrain’s Al Najma facing UAE side Al Sharjah. The tournament runs through June 17. — KUNA
