TDT | Manama
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The Youth Club team has officially arrived in Doha, Qatar, ready to compete in the prestigious 27th Asian Club League Handball Championship. This esteemed tournament, hosted by Al Rayyan Club from November 12 to 23, also doubles as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming 2025 IHF Men’s Super Globe. Matches are poised to unfold at the well-equipped Duhail Handball Sports Hall, with oversight from the Qatar Handball Federation, ensuring top-notch conditions for this high-stakes competition.
Delegation and Team Management
- Delegation Leader: Steering the team is Sadiq Al Aswad, who holds the significant role of board member and General Secretary, bringing extensive experience to the group.
- Accompanying Officials: The delegation includes prominent figures such as Abdullah Al Mawlani (Vice President), who provides vital support, Jassim Ahmed (Game Manager), ensuring all logistics are perfectly managed, and Mohammad Tariq (Team Administrator), overseeing administrative tasks.
- Coaching Staff: At the helm of the coaching staff is Head Coach Ahmed Mansoor Al Madhoob, known for his strategic expertise, alongside Assistant Coach Mohammad Faisal, who plays a critical role in training. The team also benefits from the guidance of Fitness Coach Taher Mohammad, Physiotherapist Ali Ahmad, and Equipment Manager Shakoor, all contributing to optimal performance.
Selected Players
The Youth Club is represented by a skilled roster of 20 players, showcasing a blend of talent and experience:
- Backcourt Players: Adam Al Nasheet, Nader Sami, Ali Mohammad Khalil, Ahmad Redha, and Ali Redha are ready to make their mark.
- Wing Players: The dynamic wing players include Mohammad Jafar Al Qamar, Jassim Khamees, Hussain Khamees, Hussein Radi, and Ali Al Dhaiya, known for their agility and attacking prowess.
- Goalkeepers: The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Anas Bin Suleiman and Jihad Bin Araar, both considered some of the best in their positions.
- Other Key Players: Additional crucial contributors are Hassan Shehab, Isa Jawad, Abdullah Abdul Karim, Qassim Al Shuweikh, Qassim Aqeel, Abdullah Al Sultanah, and Hussein Majid, all of whom are key to the team’s strategies.
Group Stage Opponents and Match Schedule
In the group stage, Youth Club will face formidable opponents in Group A, including:
- Al Rayyan, Qatar
- Kuwait Club, Kuwait
- Sharjah Club, UAE
Their exhilarating match schedule is as follows:
- November 12 – The opening match will see them go head-to-head against Al Rayyan, the host team from Qatar.
- November 14 – Their second match is against Kuwait Club, a strong contender from Kuwait, promising an intense showdown.
- November 16 – The group stage will culminate with a critical match against Sharjah Club from the UAE.
The team is determined to make a strong impression right from the start of the group stages, aiming for a secure advancement to the next round of this competitive championship.
**Interview with Sadiq Al Aswad, Delegation Leader of the Youth Club Team**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Sadiq. Your team has just arrived in Doha for the 27th Asian Club League Handball Championship. How is the atmosphere among the players and coaching staff as you prepare for this prestigious tournament?
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: Thank you for having me. The atmosphere is electric! The players are excited and eager to show their skills. We’ve worked hard to get here, and everyone is focused on performing at our best. The coaching staff and I are doing everything we can to ensure that we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
**Editor**: The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 IHF Men’s Super Globe. How do you feel about that added pressure, and what are your expectations for the team?
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: Yes, the stakes are high with qualification on the line, but I believe the pressure will motivate our players rather than hinder them. Our goal is to go into each match with the mindset of winning. We’ve set our sights on making a strong impression in the tournament, and hopefully, securing a spot in the Super Globe.
**Editor**: Can you share some insight into your team’s strategy going into the championship? How do you plan to leverage the strengths of your roster?
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: Our strategy revolves around teamwork and adaptability. We have a strong mix of experienced players and young talent, and we plan to utilize that depth to rotate effectively throughout the matches. The coaching staff has developed specific game plans tailored to our opponents, and our players are ready to execute them.
**Editor**: You have a solid delegation backing the team, including coaching and management staff. How important is this support during the tournament?
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: It’s crucial. Each member of our delegation plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for the players. From logistical support to strategic coaching, every contribution is important. Our Vice President, Abdullah Al Mawlani, has been instrumental in ensuring we have all we need for a successful run, and I am grateful for their dedication.
**Editor**: Lastly, what message would you like to give to the fans back home in Bahrain?
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: I want to thank our fans for their unwavering support. We feel it even from afar, and it motivates us to give our all on the court. We promise to make you proud, and we’ll strive for our best performance at this championship. With your cheers behind us, we believe great things are possible!
**Editor**: Thank you, Sadiq, and best of luck to you and the Youth Club team in the tournament!
**Sadiq Al Aswad**: Thank you! We appreciate your support!