THE BAHRAIN WARRIORS will be seeking to take their maiden title when they face arch-rivals Qatar in today’s final of the Asian Men’s Handball Championship.
The big face-off follows their respective impressive victories over hosts Saudi Arabia and Iran at the Ministry of Sports Hall in Dammam.
It will be the fourth time that the two sides have met in the tournament’s gold-medal match following the 2014, 2016 and 2018 editions.
It will be a seventh appearance in the final for Qatar, who are seeking a fifth title in a row but the boys from Bahrain are determined to go one step further having reached the final on four previous occasions.
If Qatar win the final then only South Korea, on nine, will have won more titles unless Bahrain can burst their bubble.
Bahrain’s stars of the tournament so far have included captain Hussain Al Sayyad, goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain, Mohammed Mirza, Ahmad Jalal and Ahmad Al Samaheeji. Mohammed Habeeb and Ali Mirza, who play professionally in the Kuwaiti league, have also shone brightly.
The Bahrain team is quietly confident and fully aware of the challenge ahead. “We have prepared extensively for these games and gained valuable experience along the way,” Bahrain handball national team manager Ahmed Al Najem told the GDN.
“The Qatari team has vast experience and many skilful players but, hopefully, we will be successful and go on to win. My task is to ensure the players are mentally strong for the final.”
The fans will play a major part too, roaring on their heroes from the stadium and their cheers at home will surely echo across the causeway too.
“The men’s handball team – ‘the warriors’ – have performed consistently throughout the tournament showing extraordinary levels of determination, focus and spirit,” said Bahrain Handball Federation president Ali Eshaqi.
“They have earned their spot in the final against Qatar – a showdown between two of the strongest teams in Asia.
“We are hoping for success and a strong, steady performance to bring the cup home as a gift for His Majesty King Hamad.”
Win or lose, Bahrain’s national handball team has been saluted for reaching the final of the Asian Championship for the fifth time in its history.
Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated the players for their impressive semi-final 29-22 victory over Saudi Arabia, praising their technical prowess which has already enabled them to seal a spot in the 2023 World Men’s Handball Championship for a sixth time.
Shaikh Khalid said that the team’s tournament victories reflect the players’ strong preparations, combat spirit and determination to reach the Asian final.
He also praised the efforts of the Bahrain Handball Association ensuring the ideal conditions for the team to conduct valuable preparations which have already borne fruit.
He praised the role of the fans too for cheering the national squad to their string of victories, wishing Bahrain further success in the final encounter against Qatar who won 34-19 in the other last-four clash.
The final is set to take place at 6pm after the bronze-medal match between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The action will be screened live on Al Kass Three HD and Al Kass Four HD.
Yalla Bahrain!
reem@gdn.com.bh