Amman, August 31 (QNA) - Qatar's U-19 handball team won the Asian Championship title in Jordan after defeating Bahrain 28-24 in Monday's final.

Qatar led 16-10 at halftime and maintained its strong performance to secure the continental crown.

The Qatari team reached the final after beating South Korea 32-28 in the semifinals, while Bahrain defeated Iran 26-23.

Qatar remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, collecting a perfect eight points in Group B with wins over Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Syria. It then defeated hosts Jordan 33-13 in the quarterfinals before overcoming South Korea in the semifinals.

The title also secured Qatar a place at the 2027 IHF Men's Youth World Championship for the seventh time in its history.

President of the Qatar Handball Association Ahmed Al Shaabi expressed his delight at the national U-19 team's crowning as champions of the 11th Asian Championship, stressing that this new continental achievement reflects the continued development of Qatari handball and the fruits of sustained efforts by clubs and national teams.

Al Shaabi praised the outstanding performance delivered by the national team players throughout the tournament, which they completed with a perfect record and without a single defeat.

He also commended the great efforts of the technical and administrative staff and the National Teams Committee, noting that the title will provide a major morale boost for the team's preparations for the upcoming World Championship, to be held in North Macedonia in 2027.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Association Mohammed Jaber Mohammed Jaber said that winning the Asian title with a perfect record and remaining unbeaten represents another achievement added to Qatar handball's rich record of continental, regional and international titles.

He said the Qatari team delivered exceptional technical and physical performances, demonstrating their superiority over all the continent's teams from the group stage through to the final.

He wished the team success in representing Qatari handball at the upcoming World Championship. (QNA)