The UAE youth handball team has continued its strong performances at the 19th Asian Championship, securing its second consecutive victory in the preliminary round by defeating Qatar 29-24, to claim a perfect record after the first two rounds and confirm its determination to compete strongly for qualification to the next stages.
The UAE team had opened its campaign with a valuable and deserved victory over Japan 32-29, a match in which the players demonstrated a strong character and high tactical discipline, before continuing their fine form in the second round with a new win over Qatar, consolidating their position among the most prominent competing teams in the championship. The UAE team is competing in Group 2, which also includes Japan, Qatar, Iran, South Korea, Kuwait, and India.
The "Young Whites" achieved the best possible start by collecting 4 points from their first two matches, moving closer to securing a berth in the main round and affirming their readiness to continue their continental journey with confidence and ambition.
The consecutive victories reflected the level of development the youth team has undergone, both technically and mentally, as the players handled two matches against opponents with a strong presence on the Asian scene with confidence, confirming that UAE handball possesses a promising generation capable of representing the country with distinction at continental competitions.
The team's performance was distinguished by defensive cohesion, speed in transitioning to attack, and variety in offensive solutions — qualities that gave the technical staff a clear advantage in managing both matches and translating the technical work and thorough preparation into positive results on the court.
The UAE team resumes its campaign on Friday, when it faces Iran in the third round of the preliminary stage, in a highly anticipated clash in which it seeks to extend its winning run, strengthen its position at the top of the group, and move closer to qualification to the main round before the preliminary stage concludes.
The perfect start sends strong signals of optimism regarding the team's ability to maintain the same level, particularly as winning the first two rounds has given the players a significant morale boost and growing confidence. It also reflects the success of age-group national team preparation programmes and the focus on developing young talent, contributing to building a generation capable of competing and raising the UAE's flag at continental and international competitions.