Saudi Arabia Qualifies for 2025 Junior World Handball Championship

The Saudi team's path to the world championship was sealed with a victory over Oman. (SPA)
The Saudi team's path to the world championship was sealed with a victory over Oman. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Qualifies for 2025 Junior World Handball Championship

The Saudi team's path to the world championship was sealed with a victory over Oman. (SPA)
The Saudi team's path to the world championship was sealed with a victory over Oman. (SPA)

The Saudi junior handball team secured qualification for the 2025 edition of the Men's Junior World Championship in Poland after their victory in the 18th Asian Men's Junior (U21) Handball Championship in Amman, Jordan.

The Saudi team's path to the world championship was sealed with a victory over Oman, defeating them with a score of 37-23 in the final round of Group 2. The championship was exclusively for players born in 2004 and later and runs until July 25.

The Saudi team solidified their place in the global tournament by advancing to the semifinals and securing a second-place finish in Group 2.

They overcame Oman in the third and final round, won over Iran in the previous match, but faced a setback in the first round against Japan.

This feat marks the Saudi junior team's fifth qualification for the World Championship after previous showings in 1979, 1997, 2017, and 2023.



South Sudan Give US Huge Scare in Olympic Basketball Warm-up

Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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South Sudan Give US Huge Scare in Olympic Basketball Warm-up

Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

South Sudan's basketball team came close to stunning the United States' collection of NBA superstars on Saturday before losing 101-100 in an Olympic Games warm-up in London.

The US trailed by 14 points at half-time before LeBron James came to the rescue with 23 points, including the key score with just 20 seconds left.

Anthony Davis added 15 points with 11 rebounds for the US, according to AFP.

For South Sudan, who are ranked 33 in the world, Marial Shayok scored 25 points while Carlik Jones had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Both sides will meet again in the pool stages of the Paris Olympics which get underway on Friday.