Qatar’s handball team advanced to the second round of the 29th IHF World Men's Handball Championship, defeating Kuwait 25-22 on Saturday in the final match of Group C. The victory came in the last round of the first-stage matches, which were held in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway from January 14 to February 2, 2025. This win ensured Qatar’s place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

This win marked Qatar’s first success in Group C after two earlier losses: a heavy defeat to France (19-37) and a narrow loss to Austria (26-28). Despite these setbacks, the team’s victory over Kuwait, coupled with the two points earned, propelled them to third place in their group, securing a spot in the next phase of the competition.

The Qatari handball team is participating in the World Championship for the tenth time in its history, with a long-standing presence on the international handball stage. Qatar first competed in the tournament in 2003 in Portugal and has since participated in multiple editions, including those in Tunisia (2005), Germany (2007), Spain (2013), and Qatar (2015), where they achieved their best-ever result by finishing as runners-up. Other notable appearances include the 2017 tournament in France, 2019 in Germany and Denmark, 2021 in Egypt, and 2023 in Poland and Sweden.

Throughout its history in the World Championship, Qatar has been a consistent contender, establishing itself as a powerhouse in Asian handball and earning international recognition. The team’s strong performance in 2015, when they secured second place on home soil, remains a highlight of their achievements.

As the tournament progresses, Qatar will look to build on this momentum and aim for a strong performance in the knockout stages. The team’s path forward will require continued teamwork, determination, and skill as they face tougher competition in the next round of the championship.