Qatar team reaffirmed its status as the continent’s superpower in the Olympic sport by clinching their fifth consecutive Men’s Handball Championship title in Saudi Arabia. Al Annabi’s feat will go down as one of the major achievements in history of the tournament.
By sealing their historic crown in Dammam last week, Qatar equaled nine-time winners South Korea’s record of five Asian titles in a row. South Korea won these titles from 1983 to 1993 while Qatar – coached by Spaniard Valero Rivera – previously won the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 editions before lifting the trophy in Dammam. The consistency shown by the national team in the continental event over the years deserves the applause.
Al Annabi displayed excellent performance throughout the 16-team event, winning matches in a commanding fashion. They won all their eight matches including a semi-final against tough Iran. Qatar defeated Bahrain in the final – their fourth victory in the title clash against their GCC opponents after wins in 2014, 2016 and 2018 finals. Qatar’s triumph in Saudi Arabia brought cheers to the nation with President of the Olympic Committee H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani leading the celebrations, hailing the “great performance” by the national team.
Qatar Handball Association President Ahmed Al Shaabi dedicated the title “to the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to His Excellency the Prime Minister, His Excellency the Minister of Sports and Youth, and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and to the Qatari people.” Al Shaabi also praised the support of the Qatari leadership, saying the feat was not possible without its support.
After cementing their position as the Asian giants with another continental crown, Qatar will now be eyeing a medal-winning performance at the 2023 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship to be staged jointly by Poland and Sweden.
Qatar made the cut for the IHF World Championship for fifth straight time after 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 editions. Their best result was when they finished runners-up in the 2015 Championship which was held in Qatar.
Rivera worked on a long-term plan to prepare team for the Asian Championship and the Spanish coach will certainly do the same for the World Championship to get desired result in the major event next year.
