Qatar's Asian title, 'beginning of a new era'

Qatar beach handball team's gold medal at the Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China will set the pace for a brighter future and trigger the start of a new era for the sport, the president of Qatar Handball Federation (QHF) has said. Hailing the Qatari team's fine performance in Haiyang, QHF President Mohamed Al Shaabi said, "We hope it is the beginning of a new era for Qatar in handball. Our team trained hard for the event and our efforts were rewarded." Qatar's gold medal winning effort in beach handball is a historic occasion as we won the event for the first time, he added. Qatar defeated Bahrain 24-18 in the final of handball competition to win the gold at the prestigious event, the single medal helping them to finish ninth in the overall medal standings. Qatar had beaten Pakistan in the semi-finals while Bahrain edged Oman to make the final. The Qatar beach handball team members arrived to a tumultuous welcome yesterday. QHF officials received the victorious players at the Doha International Airport. Al Shaabi and other officials presented garlands to the Qatari players and training staff , who proudly displayed their gold medals. "We take this occasion to thank HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their vision and efforts in promoting sports," said Al Shaaibi. "This victory was possible because of all the help we receive from the Qatar Olympic Committee." A total of 49 gold medals were at stake in 13 disciplines, namely sport climbing, beach kabaddi, basketball, volleyball, football, dragon boat racing, sepak takraw, woodball, wind surfing, roller skating, paragliding, roller skating and skiing. (QNA)