Kuwait’s national under-19 handball team has departed for a two-week training camp in Slovenia and Croatia in preparation for the Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship, which will take place in China next month. The tournament is a qualifying event for the 2027 International Handball Federation (IHF) Men’s Youth World Championship scheduled for North Macedonia.

The delegation, leaving Kuwait City on June 15, includes officials and support staff from the Kuwait Handball Association. The group is led by Acting President Shabib Al-Hajri, Secretary General Qaed Al-Adwani, and team manager Yousef Shaheen. The coaching and support team comprises head coach Heine Jensen, assistant coach Musaed Mefreh, performance analyst Ayman Al-Sheikh, goalkeeping coach Yassine Idrissi, and physiotherapist Mehdi El Bakouch. The squad consists of 23 players who will undergo rigorous training ahead of the championship.

Al-Hajri emphasized the team’s commitment to achieving peak technical and physical condition despite disruptions caused by recent regional security issues that impacted preparations. He acknowledged the challenges the team may face at the Asian championship but expressed confidence in the squad’s potential and the expertise of the coaching staff.

The players are engaged in a demanding training regimen with sessions scheduled both in the morning and evening to compensate for lost preparation time. The goal is to enhance the team’s performance, aiming for a strong showing that reflects well on Kuwait at the continental level.

The Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship not only represents a significant competitive opportunity for Kuwait’s emerging talent but also serves as a stepping stone towards the global stage at the upcoming IHF Men’s Youth World Championship. The Kuwait Handball Association is focused on ensuring the team’s readiness to compete effectively and uphold the nation’s sporting reputation.