ABU DHABI, UAE (WAM) – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the UAE youth handball team, along with its technical and administrative staff, following the team’s qualification for the 2027 World Championship.
His Highness congratulated the players, technical and administrative staff, and fans on the achievement, expressing his hope that it would provide further momentum for UAE sport. He also congratulated the team on finishing second in the 19th Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship.
His Highness stated that the team’s achievement at the Asian and international levels is a source of pride and reflects positively on UAE sport.
His Highness underscored the importance of UAE sport keeping pace with the country’s continued progress across various areas of development, noting that sport is an integral part of the UAE’s comprehensive development.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Zayed for Good Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; along with a number of Sheikhs, officials, guests and citizens.
NEWS AND IMAGES COURTESY: WAM NEWS (www.wam.ae)
Handball: A Fast, Dynamic Team Sport
Handball is one of the world’s most exciting indoor team sports, combining speed, strength, agility, tactical intelligence and teamwork. Played between two teams of seven players, including a goalkeeper, the game is known for its rapid movement, powerful shots and frequent changes in possession.
The basic objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team. Players move the ball primarily with their hands, passing it between teammates before attempting to shoot into the opponent’s goal. A standard match consists of two 30-minute halves for senior players, with a short interval between them. The fast pace means that teams can move from defence to attack within seconds, making handball highly competitive and entertaining to watch.
The playing court is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide, with a goal positioned at each end. One of the most important areas is the six-metre goal area, which generally only the goalkeeper is permitted to enter. Attackers must release their shots before entering this area, although they can jump into it while shooting and release the ball before landing.
Handball requires players to develop a wide range of skills. Passing and catching must be accurate, while players need excellent footwork and body control to create scoring opportunities. Shooting is another key element, with players using different techniques depending on their position and the situation. Defenders, meanwhile, need strength, anticipation and coordination to stop attacking players without committing fouls.
Team strategy plays a crucial role. Coaches constantly adjust formations and tactics depending on the opponent. Teams may rely on structured attacking patterns, quick counterattacks or strong defensive formations. The goalkeeper also has a particularly important role, often becoming the final barrier between the opposition and the goal.
Beyond its physical demands, handball encourages communication, discipline and collective decision-making. Every player has a role, but success depends heavily on how effectively the team works together.
Handball has developed into a major international sport, with strong followings across Europe, Asia, Africa and other regions. International competitions have helped raise its profile, while youth programmes and grassroots initiatives are introducing the sport to new generations.
For young athletes in particular, handball offers an excellent combination of physical fitness and mental development. It demands quick thinking, confidence and resilience, while teaching players the value of teamwork.
With its combination of speed, skill, physical intensity and tactical depth, handball continues to establish itself as a compelling sport for both players and spectators around the world.
