The Bahrain U-17 handball team got the better of Kuwait in the first of two friendly matches on Sunday. This result comes as both teams intensify their preparations for the upcoming Asian U-17 Championship. According to updates from the training camp, the match allowed coaches to evaluate their players under match conditions and identify areas for improvement before the regional competition. The friendly is part of a broader series of encounters designed to simulate the pressures of tournament play.
Kuwait’s team is led by Croatian coach Ivan Dragic, supported by national assistant coach Khaled Al-Mulla. Prior to this camp, the squad completed training stints in Slovenia and Croatia that included several international friendlies. Team officials stated that these experiences have been instrumental in enhancing the players’ technical skills and physical endurance. The coaching duo is now focused on integrating the lessons from those camps into the current preparations.
The Asian Handball Federation has scheduled the championship in Amman, Jordan, running from Aug. 21 to 30, with the event serving as a direct qualifier for the IHF Men’s U-17 Handball World Championship. A federation assessment found that the tournament provides a crucial platform for Asian youth teams to gain international exposure. Thirteen teams are anticipated to participate based on previous editions of similar events organized by the body. This structure ensures that top performers secure spots on the global stage.
In the official draw conducted by the Asian Handball Federation, Bahrain was assigned to Group A with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan and Taiwan. Kuwait was placed in the tougher Group B featuring South Korea, Jordan as hosts, Syria, India and Iran. The groupings aim to create competitive matchups from the outset of the championship. Advancement from these groups will determine which teams progress to the medal rounds.
Bahrain opted to hold its final preparatory camp in Kuwait specifically to facilitate these high-level friendlies against the local side. The two teams are slated to face off again on Monday in what will be their last warm-up before heading to Jordan. Camp reports indicate that both sides will use the second match to finalize tactical setups and confirm their starting lineups. This arrangement has benefited the visiting team by providing familiar conditions close to the tournament venue.
Handball maintains a special status in Kuwaiti sports culture, often regarded as a national icon according to regional sports bodies. The U-17 program plays a vital role in nurturing talent that could transition to the senior national team in future competitions. Past performances in Asian youth events have highlighted the potential of both Bahraini and Kuwaiti squads to challenge for honors. Success in the Jordan tournament would mark a significant achievement for either side on the continental level.
