Bahrain outclass Hong Kong

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain posted their second successive victory last night and secured their place in the main round of the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship.

The hosts outclassed their counterparts from Hong Kong 47-20 to maintain their winning ways in Group D of the tournament’s preliminary stage.

In attendance at yesterday’s contest was Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) vice-president His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, along with Bahrain Handball Association chief and BOC member Ali Issa.

The Bahrainis are aiming to win their first-ever title in the history of the competition, which also acts as a qualifier for the 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship.

The top five teams on the final ranking secure their berths in next year’s worlds, to be held in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway.

Bahrain, coached by Aron Kristjansson from Iceland, were in control from the opening throw yesterday and led by as many as their final winning margin of 27 goals.

Ahmed Kadhem was named the Best Player of the Game.

The Bahrainis handed Hong Kong their second straight loss, after they previously bowed to the UAE in their first fixture.

The Emiratis also came away with win number two in Group E after ousting Kazakhstan 39-15 in yesterday’s other divisional fixture. Assured With their victories, Bahrain and the UAE are now assured of their places in the main round.

The two Gulf sides are scheduled to square off tomorrow to determine the winners of their pool as they continue their title bids.

The championship’s preliminary round will be held until Tuesday.

The field has been divided into four groups for this opening stage, at the end of which the top two from each move on to the main phase.

The bottom two squads will compete for the Martyr Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah Cup.

In Bahrain’s win last night, the nationals built a big lead in the first half, going into the break up 25-8.

They gradually added to their advantage over the final 30 minutes and never let up en route to securing the 27-goal win.

Also yesterday, in Group C, Iraq and Japan played to a thrilling 28-all stalemate to come away with a crucial share of the points, while Saudi Arabia scored a massive 48-17 win over India.

Tournament action continues today from 1pm onwards at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

All are welcome to attend. The games are free of charge throughout. Bahrain is hosting the continental competition for the fourth time in its history.

It previously also staged the event in 2016, 2014 and 1993.