Qatar players during a training session.
Doha: Qatar are brimming with confidence as they take on Bahrain in the final of 2022 Asian Men’s Handball Championship today, eyeing a record-equalling fifth straight title in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar – champions of the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 editions – can match South Korea’s record of five consecutive title triumphs they achieved from 1983 to 1993 if they win the title clash at the Ministry of Sports Hall, Dammam. The match will kick off at 6pm Doha time.
The Valero Rivera-coached side has shown remarkable performance in the event so far winning all their seven matches including the semi-final against Iran besides games in the preliminary stage and the main round.
The defending champions, ranked 14th in the world rankings will start as favourites against Bahrain (31st) in the final. Qatar also defeated Bahrain in the 2014, 2016, 2018 edition finals.
However, Bahrain, who defeated hosts Saudi Arabia in the semi-final on Saturday, have also been impressive winning all their matches in the tournament, and Qatar are aware of the ‘tough’ challenge.
“We are still one victory away from winning fifth title in a row. We have to remain focused in the final,” Qatar star Youssef Tayeb bin Ali said ahead of the match.
“It is going to be a big challenge as final will be difficult and completely different from the matches we have played so far in the tournament. However, we are confident of achieving our goal of winning this title again,” he added.
Qatar’s Ahmed Nader hoped that the team will continue their brilliant form against Bahrain, who are looking for their maiden Asian title.
“We have showed top level with our performance so far in the event and we are ready for the final. We are looking for a victory to seal our fifth consecutive title which will be a great achievement,” said Nader.
Another team member Ahmed Maddi said Bahrain will be difficult opponents but Qatar will go into the match with full confidence.
“All players have made great effort in the tournament. Now, we have a big match which will not be easy but we are confident. We will give our best and make every effort to win the title for a record fifth time,” said Maddi.
Besides the final, Saudi Arabia and Iran will play for bronze medal in another eagerly-awaited match today.
Meanwhile, South Korea sealed their berth in the IHF World Championship 2023 after beating Iraq 26-24 in a pulsating fifth position play-off at Ministry of Sports Hall yesterday.
South Korea completed the top five group - also including the semi-finalists - who qualified for the event to be staged jointly by Poland and Sweden.
Also yesterday, Kuwait secured 7th position with a 32-30 win over Uzbekistan in play-off.
