Sanya: Qatar’s beach handball team made an emphatic start to their title defence at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, securing back-to-back victories over Pakistan and Oman in the opening day of the men’s competition.
Competing under the watch of President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari side delivered dominant performances to defeat Pakistan 2-0 (17-14, 19-16) before overcoming Oman by the same margin (20-14, 18-14).
The matches, attended by senior officials including Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari; Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, and President of the Qatar Handball Federation, Ahmed Al Shaabi; highlighted Qatar’s technical superiority and tactical discipline, as the team controlled proceedings with organised defence and efficient attacking play.
With the two wins, Qatar tops Group B on four points, level with Thailand, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the semi-finals. The defending champions are grouped alongside Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Mongolia.
Team manager Salem Al Dosari described the victories as an important early step, noting that the competition remains highly competitive. He stressed the need to maintain focus ahead of tougher fixtures against teams such as Thailand and Jordan.
Captain Mutasem Abdul Wahid also hailed the strong start, emphasising the team’s determination to build momentum and improve with each match as they pursue retaining their continental title.
Qatar will continue their group stage campaign with matches against Bangladesh and Mongolia, followed by Jordan and Thailand, before concluding the preliminary round against the Maldives.
Meanwhile, in 3×3 basketball, Qatar’s men’s team has been drawn in Group C alongside Bahrain, India, and Kazakhstan, while the women’s team will compete in Group A with China and Kazakhstan. The men’s side begins its campaign on April 25, with knockout rounds scheduled for April 28 and the finals on April 29.
Elsewhere, Qatar’s sailing team is finalising preparations for the Games, with Tamim Shams and Thani Shams set to compete in their respective categories.
Organisers in Sanya have also confirmed full readiness for the opening ceremony, with final rehearsals completed ahead of the official launch of the Games.
