KUWAIT: Qatar’s national handball team underlined their status as one of Asia’s powerhouses by winning the silver medal at the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, despite a narrow 29-26 defeat to Bahrain in the final in Kuwait.
Qatar trailed 14-11 at halftime but produced a spirited second-half fightback to draw level at 24-24 and force overtime. They continued to press in extra time, but Bahrain edged ahead 27-25 in the first overtime period and held on to deny Qatar a record seventh consecutive continental title.
The runners-up finish brought an end to Qatar’s remarkable run of six straight Asian championships, achieved in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024, further cementing their era of dominance in the competition.
Qatar had already secured qualification for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany, which will mark their 11th appearance on the global stage.
Kuwait claimed the bronze medal with a 33-32 victory over Japan, while Bahrain celebrated their first-ever Asian title. South Korea remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history with nine titles, followed by Qatar with six.
