Grand finish at Asian Clubs' League Championship

By Sports Reporter/DohaThe Qatar 2015 Organising Committee yesterday celebrated the end of another successful handball event in Doha. After a grand finale, the winning teams were awarded for the high level of handball skills demonstrated during the tournament.El Jaish Sports Club (QAT) claimed the 17th Asian Club League Championship trophy after an exciting final against Lekhwiya Sports Club with a winning score of 33-30.  At a glittering awards ceremony, Jalal Zari, Board Member, Asian Handball Federation and HE Rabea Mohammed al-Kaabi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the State of Qatar presented El Jaish Sports Club (QAT) with gold medals. Ahmed al-Shaabi, Vice-President, Qatar 2015 Organising Committee awarded the team with the 17th Asian Club League Championship trophy. Dr Ahmed Abu al-Lail, Executive Director, Asian Handball Federation and Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Director General, Qatar 2015 Organising Committee were then invited to congratulate Lekhwiya Sports Club, which was awarded silver medals and a trophy.Al Qurain Sporting Club (KUW) secured the third position at the tournament with their match against Al Kuwait Club (KUW) was awarded with bronze medals and a trophy. Jassim Diab, Technical Manager, Asian Handball Federation and Nasser Al Ali, Vice-President, El Jaish Sports club acknowledged the team for its success.Ahmed al-Shaabi, Vice-President, Qatar 2015 Organising Committee said: “Congratulations to the winning teams at the 17th Asian Club League Championship. Qatar is proud to have been able to host you all. We hope to welcome some of the best teams from across the world for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship in January. The Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena is a remarkable venue for this event, and will be a fitting stage for the Championship event next year. ” Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Director General, Qatar 2015 Organising Committee said: “The 17th Asian Club League Championship has been a huge success and the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee has every reason to be proud of all its accomplishments. Not too long ago, hosting the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship was a dream but we have made it a reality. We invite the global community to come join us in the spirit of sport and unity.”Mohamad Jabor al-Mulla, Assistant Director General of Qatar 2015 Organising Committee and Director General of the 17th Asian Club League Championship said: “The hard work and co-operation shown by each of the committees has contributed significantly to the milestones that have been achieved so far. We look forward to further these efforts and we countdown to the event that will make an important chapter in Qatar’s sports history.”On the final day of matches, winning school teams that participated in the Mini Tournament on December 5-6 were also presented with awards. Al Doha Prep won the Mini Tournament with a final score of 12:10 and was presented with a trophy and gold medals by HE Rabea Mohammed al-Kaabi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the State of Qatar. Khamis Mubarak al-Kuwari, Head of the Finance Committee at Qatar 2015 presented Tunisian School that came in second position with silver medals.Third place holders Abdullah Bin al-Misnad School was presented with bronze medals by Fahad Fadol al-Yafei, Head of the Venues Committee at Qatar 2015.Qatar’s newest Handball VenueThe Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena received praise from handball fans and players alike as visitors and spectators had an opportunity to experience Qatar’s newest handball facility. The arena comfortably accommodates up to 7,700 visitors and has a built-up area of 54,000 square metres. It was ready for use in a record 18 months from project commencement and features one main hall and two training facilities that comply with the guidelines set by the International Handball Federation (IHF). The Qatar 2015 Organising Committee has ensured that this facility in addition to the previously tested Duhail Handball Sports Hall and the soon to be ready Lusail Multipurpose Hall meet all the requirements of the sport in the most sustainable manner possible.Fans and visitors were equally impressed with the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena. Abdulsalam al-Amoudi said: “The venue is definitely world-class and the organisation of the tournament has been perfect. Even the volunteers and people working behind-the-scenes have done a great job.”The Qatar 2015 Volunteer Programme has made yet another successful contribution to the 17th Asian Club League Championship with a team that assisted across several Functional Areas. Qatar is little more than one month away from hosting international teams, delegates and visitors for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship. Ticket sales have already begun for the tournament that runs from 15 January – 1 February. People can reserve their opportunity to witness the celebrations of the opening and closing ceremonies by booking online.