The stage was set for a momentous occasion in the world of Asian handball as the draw ceremony for the 19th Asian Games Men’s and Women’s Handball competitions took place on July 27, 2023. The eagerly anticipated event commenced at 14:00 hrs. sharp, unfolding at the prestigious Hotel Grand Parkray in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China. The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Haider Farman, Director of Sports at the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and Mr. Marwan Mazen, Events Officer of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF).
The Asian Games, celebrated every four years, represent one of the most significant multi-sport events on the continent. The tournament not only showcases the athletic prowess of Asian nations but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating countries.
A total of 13 men’s teams will participate in the handball competition, all eager to etch their names in Asian Games history. The draw divided the teams into four groups, setting the stage for enthralling matches during the preliminary round. Let’s take a closer look at the groupings:
Men’s Draw Results:
Group A: P. R. China, Kuwait, Thailand
Group B: Qatar, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong (China)
Group C: Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan
Group D: Saudi Arabia, I. R. Iran, Mongolia, Japan
Each group boasts a unique blend of talented teams, promising fierce competition and captivating clashes on the handball court. The draw results have set the tone for the men’s tournament, fueling the ambitions of teams to claim the coveted gold medal.
On the women’s side, nine teams are set to battle it out for supremacy at the 19th Asian Games. The draw divided the teams into two groups, creating an exciting atmosphere as athletes prepare to showcase their skills and teamwork in this prestigious event.
Women’s Draw Results:
Group A: Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uzbekistan
Group B: P. R. China, Japan, India, Hong Kong (China), Nepal
With teams like Republic of Korea, P. R. China, and Japan in the mix, the women’s handball competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Each team in both groups will look to make a strong impression in the preliminary round to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
The 19th Asian Games will take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023. As the date draws near, teams will intensify their preparations, honing their strategies and fine-tuning their skills for the ultimate sporting challenge.
Mr. Marwan Mazen, the Events Officer of AHF, commended the efforts of the host city, Hangzhou, and expressed his confidence in the organizing committee’s ability to deliver a memorable tournament. He also encouraged fans from across Asia to come together and support their teams, making the event a celebration of sports and unity.
As the draw ceremony concluded, a sense of excitement and eagerness filled the air. The road to glory is now mapped out for the men’s and women’s handball teams of Asia, and the world eagerly awaits the moment when the first whistle blows, signalling the start of the 19th Asian Games Handball competition. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable sporting extravaganza!
