Bahrain, Japan to play for Asian handball title
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain and Japan last night set up an exciting clash for the title in the 17th Asian Men’s Junior Handball Championship, currently being hosted by Bahrain at the Khalifa Sports City arena in Isa Town.
The Bahrainis booked their berth in the final following a hard-earned 31-26 triumph over Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia. The Japanese, meanwhile, won yesterday’s other semi-final against Kuwait 28-26. The gold medal game is scheduled to be held tomorrow at 6.30pm at the same venue.
Saudi and Kuwait will face off for the bronze medals, also tomorrow, at 4pm. The Bahrainis will be hoping to secure their second title in the tournament’s history, to add to their first and only other triumph in the 1998 edition, which was also held in Bahrain. Japan, on the other hand, are looking to win the tournament for the first time.
The final will be a rematch of the preliminary round contest between the two sides, which finished in a 31-all stalemate. In Bahrain’s victory over Saudi, the home team had a strong start and raced out to a 9-4 lead before staying ahead 13-9 at the interval. The nationals then took full control of the game starting the second half, when they went on an 8-4 rally for a 22-14 advantage
The Saudis battled back to within five, 20-25, but then a goal from Abdulla Ali and two straight from Mohammed Rabia made it 28-20 with under five minutes remaining. Komail Ali’s throw with just over two minutes to play made it 31-21 to virtually seal the victory for Bahrain. Rabia top scored for the victors with eight goals in the contest while Khamis and Ali both finished with seven goals.
Goalkeeper Hashem Isa also played an instrumental role in the win. He made 12 saves and was later selected as the Best Player of the Match. He was presented a prize post-game by Bahrain Olympic Committee secretary general Fares Al Kooheji, who was in attendance along with General Sports Authority CEO Dr Abdulrahman Askar and Bahrain Handball Association president Ali Isa.
In Japan’s win over Kuwait, the East Asians enjoyed a 16-12 advantage at the half and did well to hold on to their lead over the final 30 minutes. Ren Arase top scored for the Japanese with eight goals, and he was named the Best Player of the Match. Ryoya Nakajima chipped in with five goals, while Naoki Fujisaka and Shin Izumoto had four apiece.
Also yesterday, South Korea beat India 56-13 while Iran outclassed Pakistan 37-19. The South Koreans and Iranians now face off for fifth place overall in the competition, while India and Pakistan play for seventh position. Both games are set to be held today. All are welcome to attend at the match venue. Entry is free of charge. India and Pakistan first battle at 4pm, followed by South Korea and Iran playing at 6pm.
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