The Asian Men’s Handball Qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games, which took place at the Duhail Sports Hall in Doha, Qatar, from October 18 to 28, 2023, concluded today, marking an exciting and intense competition. The event saw Japan emerge as the victors, securing their spot in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris 2024, after a thrilling victory over Bahrain in the final match with a score of 32–29.
This prestigious tournament featured a total of 11 participating teams, with Uzbekistan having to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. The teams were divided into two groups: Group A included Asian champion and host Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, India, and P. R. China. Group B includes Bahrain, I. R. Iran, Kuwait, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
In Group A, Asian Champion Qatar dominated their opponents, securing a perfect 10 points and a place in the semifinals. Following closely, the Republic of Korea secured 8 points, winning four out of five matches but losing one against Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and P. R. China managed to win 3, 2, and 1 match, respectively, while India struggled to secure a single victory, finishing in last place in the group rankings.
In Group B, Japan showcased their strength by defeating all their opponents, including Bahrain, which was a significant upset. Japan accumulated a maximum of 8 points and advanced to the semifinals, with Bahrain following closely in second place with 6 points. I. R. Iran and Kuwait secured third and fourth place in the group, winning 2 and 1 match, respectively, while Kazakhstan struggled, losing all its matches.
The placement matches saw P. R. China defeating Kazakhstan 44–22 in the 9th/10th place match, and Kuwait securing a 31–26 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the 7th/8th place match. In the 5th/6th place match, I. R. Iran triumphed over Saudi Arabia with a score of 30–28.
The semifinals were packed with action as Bahrain managed to pull off a great upset by defeating Asian Champion and host Qatar 30–29 in the first semifinal. Japan, in the second semifinal, displayed their dominance by easily defeating the Republic of Korea with a remarkable 34–23 victory, securing their spot in the final.
In the bronze medal match, the Republic of Korea caused an upset by defeating Qatar 38–32, marking Qatar’s first absence from the podium in continental competitions in over a decade.
In the final match, Japan showcased their strength yet again by repeating their group stage victory against Bahrain, defeating them 32–29 and securing their place in the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024. For Japan, this will be the sixth time participating in the Olympic Games and the second time in around three decades, following their automatic qualification as hosts for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
As for Bahrain, the silver medal earned them a spot in the IHF Men’s Handball Olympic Qualification Tournament, scheduled for March 14–17, 2024. This will be their last and final chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games, which will be their second consecutive appearance in the Olympics if they succeed in qualifying.
The medal ceremony was a moment of honour and celebration, with dignitaries from the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and the organising body, the Qatar Handball Association (QHA), presenting medals to the accomplished teams. Japan received their gold medals from AHF Treasurer Bader Mohammed Al-Theyab (Kuwait) and QHA President and AHF Vice-President Ahmed Mohammed Al-Shaabi. Bahrain was awarded silver medals by AHF Secretary General Muhammad Shafiq (Pakistan) and AHF Executive Director Dr. Ahmad Abu Al-Lail (Kuwait), while the Republic of Korea received their bronze medals from AHF Technical Director Jasem Mohammed Al-Theyab (Kuwait) and QHA Secretary General Mohamed Jaber Al-Mulla.
For more details, including all match results and reports, you can visit the competition mini-website by clicking here.
