Kuwait Handball Federation Confirms Readiness to Host 22nd Asian Championship
The Kuwait Handball Federation announced on Jan. 13, 2026, that it had completed preparations to host the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship from Jan. 15 to 29 at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, an event that doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF World Championship in Germany. Secretary-General Qaed Al-Adwani thanked Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who chairs the Supreme Organizing Committee, for sustained support that helped clear obstacles and supply all required resources.
Al-Adwani told Arab Times that the minister’s role proved instrumental in delivering the necessary backing for Kuwaiti sports in general and handball in particular while Undersecretary Turki Al-Aradi earned praise for organizing professional broadcast coverage that will let fans follow every match live. The federation leader welcomed all participating teams to the land of friendship and peace, underscoring Kuwait’s established position as a regional sports hub equipped with modern facilities and experienced national expertise. According to Al-Adwani, every working committee within the Kuwait Handball Federation stands fully mobilized to deliver Asia’s flagship handball tournament and pursue elevated continental standing for the host nation.
The International Handball Federation lists 15 teams from Asia and Oceania in the draw, with the top four finishers earning qualification spots for the 2027 world championship. Asian Handball Federation records show this marks the fourth time Kuwait has hosted the men’s continental championship. The Kuwait men’s national team has captured the Asian title four times previously, in 1995, 2002, 2004 and 2006, according to IHF historical data.
Icelandic coach Aron Kristjansson, speaking to Arab Times, described the championship as highly competitive because it assembles Asia’s strongest national sides. He noted that the Kuwait team, known as the Blue team, launched its long-term preparation plan in mid-October and followed it with overseas training camps in Tunisia, Egypt, Croatia and Slovenia plus several demanding friendly matches. The squad also competed in the Islamic Solidarity Games, which further sharpened its physical condition and technical execution ahead of the continental showcase.
“We are very excited for the championship. The team has trained hard over the past months, and we have great confidence in the players, their ambition, and determination to achieve our main goal: securing one of the four qualifying spots for the 2027 World Championship in Germany,” Kristjansson said. The coach added that the team would advance step by step through the tournament while managing a handful of injuries and preparing affected players for subsequent rounds. Kristjansson expressed full confidence in the roster’s readiness to compete for a world championship berth despite the demanding schedule.
