Qatar Handball Federation President Ahmed al-Shaabi dedicated Qatar’s Asian Handball Championship title to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and to all the people of Qatar.
“Thanks to their support and to the great performance of our players we were able to win our third straight Asian title,” said al-Shaabi.
“What is important is that we were unbeaten in eight matches of the tournament, which itself shows that we are the undisputed kings of Asian handball,” he added.
Al-Shaabi said winning the continental title was not a walk in the park by any measure.
“There were many good teams in the tournament and Qatar had to be at their best. It was by no means an easy job to do.”
Qatar’s ambassador to South Korea, HE Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Dehaimi, who witnessed the final, was all praise for the team and thanked His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the support the government gives to sport.
“I am very happy with this achievement. I was in the stadium to watch the final and see the team shine on such a big stage,” said al-Dehaimi.
“I congratulate the Qatar Handball Federation, especially its President Ahmed al-Shaabi, the board and all the technical and administrative officials.”
When asked for his opinion on the final match, he said: “The game was very tough. It underlines the level of all the teams. But Qatar managed to win the title, which makes every Qatari happy.”
Badr Diab, Vice President of the International Handball Federation, said Qatar fully deserved the title.
“The tournament witnessed some great competition but Qatar deserved to win the title. They were simply the best,” the Kuwaiti said. “I am very happy with the quality of the matches that was on display in the tournament.”
