Red storm rising

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: hussainm@newsobahrain.com

In a commanding start to their ISF Handball World Men’s Championship campaign, Bahrain’s U17 team defeated Bulgaria 31-15 yesterday.

The Bahrainis displayed disciplined tactics and sharp execution under the guidance of head coach Aron Kristjansson, leaving Bulgaria struggling to match the pace and precision of Bahrain’s play.

The Bahraini squad, featuring a roster of 30 players, is deep in preparations for the 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, set to be co-hosted by Croatia, Denmark, and Norway from January 14 to February 2.

Their dominant performance against Bulgaria reflects a team finding form at just the right time, leveraging both experienced core players and promising young talent. Key Plays and Cohesive Defense From the opening whistle, Bahrain took control with efficient offensive sequences, building an early lead that only widened as the game progressed.

Spearheaded by players like Hussain Al Sayyad and Mohammed Habib, Bahrain’s attack was fluid and relentless, leaving the Bulgarian defense scrambling to contain them.

Meanwhile, the Bahraini defense held firm, stifling Bulgaria’s attempts and limiting their scoring chances. This decisive win comes as Bahrain prepares for a crucial upcoming friendly tournament in Kuwait, scheduled for November 6-9, where they’ll compete alongside Kuwait, Tunisia, and Cape Verde.

The event promises valuable exposure to top international teams, providing a competitive edge before the World Championship.

Building Momentum for the Worlds This win is the latest in Bahrain’s journey toward the global stage, where they’ll compete in Group H against handball powerhouses Egypt, Argentina, and Croatia.

Having secured their place in the World Championship with a bronze-medal finish at the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship earlier this year, Bahrain is eager to make a mark on the world scene.

As the squad continues training under Kristjansson, their performance against Bulgaria suggests they’re on track to bring their best to international competition. With Bahrain’s passionate fan base behind them, the nationals are poised for a exciting journey on the world stage come JanPlayers celebrate after their win uary.