A Qatari beach handball player leaps to score in this file photo. Qatar will be looking to defend their Asian Beach Handball Championship title at the Thai city of Pattaya.
Defending champions Qatar are eyeing to retain their Asian Beach Handball Championship title or at least secure a top three finish in the continental competition, which got under way on Monday at the Thai city of Pattaya.
As many as 9 teams are taking part in the event with their main target is to confirm their berth at the Beach Handball World Championship as the top three teams will get direct qualification for the global contest. The Beach Handball World Championship will be held in Sochi, Russia next year.
Qatar, who have won the 2011, 2013 and 2015 editions, have been drawn in Group A along with Chinese Taipei, Oman, and Uzbekistan. Iran, Afghanistan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam have been placed in Group B.
Qatar will play their opening match against Uzbekistan and will meet Chinese Taipei in their second match today. The Al Anabi will meet neighbours Oman in their last group match on Friday. The semi-finals will be played on May 14 while the final of the event is slated to be held on May 15.
Meanwhile, Iran overcame Afghanistan 2-0 in their opening match on Monday.
