?Bahrain’s national handball team made it to the final in the 18th Asian Games, being held in Jakarta and Palembang, after a well-earned 31-20 victory over Japan at Gor Popki Cibubur Sports Hall.
Taking a huge 15-9 half-time lead, Bahrain were in superb form as they controlled much of this semi-final clash for a deserving win.
They will now play in the final against Qatar, who defeated South Korea 27-20 in the other semi-final match. This will be the third final between the two sides in the history of the games.
Bahrain’s goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussian played a key part in his team’s enormous victory, making 11 crucial saves at the game.
Coached by Aron Kristjansson from Iceland, Bahrain players showed focus and determination at different stages of the game with solid defence and quick counter attacks converted by top scorer Hussain Al Sayyad, who emerged the game top scorer with 10 goals.
Elsewhere, the first day of the three-day equestrian championships commenced yesterday as Bahrain riders claimed 16th position in the team event after Khalid Al Khatry was forced out of the competition due to penalty in the ninth hurden.
Scoring 64.82 points in total, the team also includes Adnan Sayed Al Alawi, Shaikh Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Ahmed Maki, who return into action today for two more rounds of evening sessions.
