Bahrain dominant against India, qualify for junior handball worlds

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s junior national handball team had three reasons to celebrate last night. The under-20 Bahrainis enjoyed a dominant 54-12 victory over India—a win that secured their place in the semi-finals of the 17th Asian Men’s Junior Handball Championship as well as earning them a berth in the International Handball Federation (IHF) Men’s Junior World Championship, which will be held next year co-hosted by Germany and Greece.

The Bahrainis’ victory was their second of the continental competition, which is currently being held in the Kingdom. It followed their earlier triumph against Pakistan. The hosts now play in their final Group B game of the preliminary round tomorrow against Japan, who defeated their Pakistani opponents 47-21 in yesterday’s other fixture. Following both results, Bahrain moved to the top of the divisional table ahead of Japan, Pakistan and India.

In Bahrain’s win last night, the nationals powered ahead early and never wavered. They led 25-7 at the break and didn’t take their foot off the gas the rest of the way. Jassim Khamis was selected as the Best Player of the Match and was awarded for his efforts post-game. In Japan’s triumph, they were up 21-9 at the interval and turned things up over the final 30 minutes.

Kazuma Oura was named the Best Player of the Match and also received an award. Like Bahrain, the Japanese booked their berth in the junior world championship with their victory. Today, a pair of Group A games are on the cards. Gulf sides Saudi Arabia and Kuwait face off at 4pm, followed at 6.30pm by South Korea taking on Iran.