HANDBALL – Bahrain suffered a disappointing 19-37 defeat against Iran last night in the semi-finals of the first Asian Men’s U-17 Handball Championship, currently being played in Amman, Jordan.
The kingdom’s cadet men’s handball national team were outclassed in the contest.
They were held to just seven goals in the opening half and despite an improved performance after the break were unable to narrow the gap en route to the heavy loss.
With the result, the Bahrainis must settle to play for the tournament’s bronze medals, where they will take on their counterparts from Qatar.
South Korea narrowly defeated the Qataris 36-35 in yesterday’s other fixture in the last four to set up their exciting title showdown with Iran.
Bahrain and Qatar face off for the final podium step tomorrow at 4pm, while Iran and South Korea lock horns for the gold medals at 6pm. Both times are Bahrain.
Tomorrow’s schedule marks the concluding day of the tournament in the Jordanian capital.
Bahrain were not only eliminated from further title contention yesterday, but they also lost out on a berth in the IHF Men’s U-17 Handball World Championship 2025.
The ongoing Asian tournament acts as a continental qualifier for the worlds, which are to be held in Morocco from October 24 to November 1.
Iran and South Korea will be the representatives of Asia in the international competition, as only the top two teams from Amman book their tickets to Rabat.
In last night’s one-sided game, the Iranians powered to a commanding 17-7 lead at the break and Bahrain never recovered.
Mohammad Ebrahimkhanlarisis spearheaded his side in their big win, and he was later named Man of the Match. Ebrahimkhanlarisis received a prize post-game for his performance.
Bahrain, coached by Egyptian Mohamed Abdelrahman, are competing in the Asian championship with a squad that includes skipper Sayed Majeed Almuhafda, Sayed Omran Almuhafda, Ahmed Abdulla, Sayed Ali Ebrahim, Mahmood Ali Ahmed, Ali Adel Hasan, Mahdi Jaafar Ali, Jaffar Al Zain, Hasan Ali Saif, Sayed Mahmood Shubbar, Hussain Qasim Abadi, Sayed Nooh Ali, Mohamed Fathi Marzooq, Wadee Ali Hasan, and goalkeepers Mohammed Ali Hasan and Ali Mahdi Almahroos.
The first Asian Men’s U-17 Handball Championship is being held under the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) banner. It features 13 cadets national teams from across the continent.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Chinese Taipei, and Jordan have already secured their places on the final ranking from fifth through eighth, respectively.
The teams finishing ninth through 13th will be determined today, with the ninth-placed squad lifting the Martyr Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah Cup.
Competing in this bracket of the championship are China, Syria, Hong Kong, India, and the Maldives.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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