Saudi youth handball team faces Qatar in Asian championship opener

Saudi Arabia’s under-18 handball team will kick off its campaign in the 11th Asian Men's Youth (U-18) Handball Championship today, Thursday, facing Qatar in their opening group stage match. The tournament is being hosted by Jordan from August 20 to 31.

The Saudi team will continue its group stage matches against Iran on Friday, August 21, followed by Syria on Sunday, August 23, and will conclude the preliminary round against Kuwait on Wednesday, August 26.

The team is aiming for a positive start and a win over Qatar in Group B, which also includes Kuwait, Syria, and Iran. Saudi Arabia is seeking to advance from the group stage, secure a quarterfinal spot, and compete for the championship title, as well as qualify for the World Championship for a fourth time, following previous appearances in 2019, 2023, and 2025.

The squad completed its preparations with a training program that included a 21-day overseas camp in Slovenia, where they played several friendly matches, in addition to domestic camps and gatherings to boost technical and physical readiness ahead of the continental competition.