Commonwealth Beach Handball: Pakistan, India among major title contenders

Pakistan beach handball team left for Maldives on Friday to feature in the Commonwealth Beach Handball Championship slated to be held at Kulhudhufushi from September 18-22.

As many as six nations are set to compete in the event including hosts Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh.

The event will be held on a single league basis with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals.

Pakistan has a good chance of qualifying for the final along with India, which is a tough team, but the Green-shirts have the capability to beat them as well.

Pakistan Handball Federation’s (PHF) president Mohammad Shafiq is confident about his team’s performance.

“We have prepared well and inshaAllah will try to win the event,” Shafiq told Nukta from Bangkok.

“India is a bit tough but we are hopeful of a better showing. The preparation is good and the team is in top shape. Hope it will deliver,” said Shafiq, also Secretary General of Asian Handball Federation (AHF).

Pakistan will begin their journey with the match against India on September 18. It will be followed by their matches against Sri Lanka and Maldives on September 19 while they will play against South Africa and Bangladesh on September 20.

The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals which will be conducted on September 21 with the final to be held on September 22. The final show will be preceded by the third-place game.

This is the first time that Maldives will be hosting a major event at the scenic Kulhudhuffushi which is known for its picturesque coastline and vibrant local heritage.

The city promises an enchanting backdrop for the tournament with its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.

According to a report the local authorities have invested in the state-of-the-art temporary facilities to ensure the tournament matches world-class standards while maintaining the natural charm of the island.

Pakistan has been doing well for years in the beach arena in the sport having won one gold, one silver and three bronze in the Asian Beach Games.

Pakistan team has trained under head coach Sohaib Shafiq for the last few weeks at the Faisalabad’s Agriculture University, a facility which is always used by the team for its preparation for international meet.

The team also left for Maldives from Faisalabad.

Pakistan squad:

Tahir Ali (captain), Muhammad Uzair Atif, Hazrat Hussain, Imran Khan, Muzammal Hussain, Muhammad Shahid Bashir, Mudassar Shahzad, Asif Ali Junior, Kashif Ali, Ahmad Hassan Baig, Athar Ismail Amjad (head delegate cum manager), Sohaib Shafiq (head coach), Muhammad Usman Anjum (coach)