The Saudi Arabian Handball Federation announced on Sunday the official roster for the national team, which will enter a training camp in preparation for the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, scheduled to be held in Kuwait. This announcement marks the first step in the team's preparations for the continental competition under the leadership of Greek head coach Dimitrios Dimitrios.
This edition of the Asian Championship holds immense strategic importance, as the competition is not limited to the continental title but also serves as the primary gateway to qualifying for the World Men's Handball Championship. Saudi handball fans are focused on Kuwait, hoping that the national team will secure its place on the world stage and represent the Kingdom internationally. This places a significant responsibility on the coaching staff and players to deliver their best performances.
Historically, the Saudi national handball team boasts a distinguished record in Asian championships, establishing itself as a formidable force in Asia and the Gulf region. The Green Falcons have qualified for the World Championship finals on several previous occasions, raising expectations for this year's participation. Through this early preparation, the Saudi Handball Federation aims to restore the team's former glory and seriously compete for top positions, especially given the improved performance of other Asian teams in recent years.
On a technical level, the selected squad includes some of the Kingdom's most prominent players, comprising more than 25 players who represent an ideal blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Greek coach Dimitrios Dimitrios aims, through this diversity, to build a strong team capable of withstanding crucial matches, while ensuring a promising future for the national team by honing young talents and providing them with the necessary international experience.
The technical and administrative staff overseeing the national team consists of prominent names, with the Greek technical director being assisted by national coach Musa Khalifa Al-Hazzam, while Serbian Ivan Djordjevic is in charge of training the goalkeepers, in addition to technical analyst Yoyo Kobayashi, and national teams director Hani Al-Hilal.
The preparatory program is scheduled to begin in the next few days, during which the technical staff will focus on raising the players’ fitness and physical levels, implementing tactical plans, in addition to playing a number of friendly matches to ensure full readiness before traveling to Kuwait.
Selected player list:
- Ali Ahmed Al Ibrahim
- Ali Ali Al-Saffar
- Hassan Moussa Al-Turki
- Hussein Mohammed Al-Mohsen
- Abdullah Qasim Al-Talili
- Mujtaba Radhi Al-Salem
- Mahdi Radhi Al-Salem
- Hassan Ali Al Ibrahim
- Abbas Ali Al-Saffar
- Hussein Shaker Al-Tarouti
- Hassan Saeed Al Turki
- Abdullah Ali Al Hammad
- Hamdi Muhammad Abu Ubaid
- Hassan Al-Ma'a
- Ali Shaker Al-Tarouti
- Munir Ali Al Madan
- Hossam Nabil Gad
- Hussein Ali Farij
- Sadiq Ali Al-Muhsin
- Mehdi Hossam is afraid
- Jihad Abdul Dalil Al-Subaie
- Haider Mohammed Al-Hassan
- Mohammed Abdul Karim Al Abbas
- Sajjad Mohammed Al-Fardan
- Salman Adel Al-Muaini
Technical and administrative staff:
- Coach: Dimitrios Dimitroulias
- Director General of National Teams: Hani Al-Hilal
- Assistant Coach: Musa Khalifa Al-Hazzam
- Goalkeeper coach: Ivan Dordevic
- Technical analyst: Yuya Kobayashi
- Administrator: Naseem Al-Shuwaikhat
- Administrator: Sadiq Al-Saeed
