DOHA: Qatar’s handball team will compete in an international friendly tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Aug. 12-15 as part of its preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Qatar will begin its campaign on Wednesday against Slovenia’s Grosist Slovan in Group B, which also includes Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
Group A features Egypt’s Al Ahly, Germany’s Melsungen and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sloga.
The tournament forms part of Qatar’s overseas training camp and is intended to provide the team with competitive match practice while improving cohesion ahead of the Asian Games.
Qatar have been drawn in Group A at the Asian Games alongside hosts Japan, China and Hong Kong.
The team will enter the continental competition as defending Asian champions after winning the men’s handball gold medal at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
Qatar will be seeking a fourth consecutive Asian Games title in Japan as they continue preparations for the continental tournament.
The Bosnia tournament will give coach Valero Rivera’s squad an opportunity to test themselves against European opposition and fine-tune their tactical and physical preparations before the Asian Games.
The Qatar team will aim to use the matches in Bosnia to address weaknesses, build understanding among the players and establish momentum ahead of the major continental challenge.
