Doha, May 28 (QNA) - HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, crowned Al Duhail as champions of the Amir Cup in handball for the 2024-2025 sports season after their 29-27 victory over Al Arabi in the final match held today at the Duhail Sports Hall.

His Excellency presented the championship trophy and gold medals to Al Duhail (the winners), and silver medals to Al Arabi (the runners-up).

This title marks Al Duhail’s fifth in the club’s history, having previously won in the 2016-2017, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, and 2023-2024 seasons. It is also their second title this season, as they had earlier secured the Qatar Championship. Meanwhile, Al Arabi lost in the final for the second consecutive year to Al Duhail and settled for second place for the third time in their history.

The final match was intense and competitive. Al Arabi started off stronger, taking a lead of up to three goals, but Al Duhail managed to level the game, and the first half ended in a 17-17 draw.

The excitement continued in the second half with a close scoreline until the final moments, when Al Duhail clinched the victory and secured the Amir Cup title.

Al Duhail reached the final by defeating Al Sadd 28-26 in the quarter-finals, then overpowering Qatar 36-20 in the semi-finals. Al Arabi qualified by beating Al Ahli 30-29 in the quarter-finals and overcoming Al Rayyan 28-24 in the semi-finals.

President of the Qatar Handball Association Ahmed Al Shaabi congratulated Al Duhail on winning the Amir Cup for the fifth time in their history. He said that Al Duhail delivered a remarkable performance that deserved the win, while Al Arabi also played well but was unfortunate not to achieve the desired result.

Al Shaabi said the high level of play from both teams a positive indicator for the state of Qatari handball, especially as both Al Duhail and Al Arabi include a number of players from the national team, which recently won the 10th Arab Men’s Championship held in Kuwait.

He also praised the atmosphere of the Amir Cup final, saying that it was excellent in both technical and organizational terms and was attended by a large crowd, making it a fitting conclusion to the 2024-2025 sports season.

It’s worth noting that Al Sadd holds the record for the most Amir Cup titles with eight, followed by Al Ahli and Al Duhail with five each, Al Rayyan and Al Jaish with four each, Al Arabi with three, and Al Wakrah with one title. (QNA)