The Saudi Arabian national handball team begins its campaign in the main round of the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, currently being held in Kuwait, with a tough match against Qatar tomorrow at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. This match represents the first real step towards achieving their global dream in a tournament that is witnessing fierce competition among the top teams in Asia.
World Cup ambitions and the battle for the top spot
The Saudi national team players are aiming to continue their positive run of results in the preliminary rounds and secure an opening victory that would significantly boost their chances of qualifying directly for the 2027 World Cup. Their ambitions extend beyond simply qualifying for the World Cup; they also aspire to seriously compete for the continental title, especially given the team's noticeable improvement both technically and physically.
A Gulf collection with a global flavor
The draw placed the Saudi national team in a tough group, dubbed the "Gulf derbies," alongside Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain in the main round. This group represents a true test of the Green Falcons' capabilities, given the closely matched skill levels and the familiarity of the Gulf teams. The Green Falcons are scheduled to play their second match against the UAE this Friday, January 23rd, and will conclude their challenging group stage fixtures against Bahrain on Sunday, January 25th, in a match that could prove decisive in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals.
A remarkable run in the preliminary round
The Saudi national team enters this match with high morale, having deservedly reached the main round after delivering outstanding performances in the preliminary stage. The Green Falcons topped Group D with a perfect record of six points, securing three consecutive and well-deserved victories against strong teams including Iran, Japan, and Australia, sending a clear message to their rivals that Saudi handball is a serious contender.
The importance of the tournament and the historical context
This edition of the Asian Championship holds special significance as it serves as the primary gateway to the World Championship. Historically, matches between Saudi Arabia and Qatar are highly competitive and exciting. The Qatari national team has been one of the dominant forces in Asian handball over the past decade, while the Saudi team seeks to reclaim its former glory and reaffirm its position as a continental powerhouse. A victory in tomorrow's match is more than just two points; it represents a tremendous morale boost and a giant step towards securing a place in the upcoming World Championship, a strategic objective set by the Saudi Handball Federation.
