Handball cup draws unveiled for new season

Seven clubs will contest the senior competition, led by defending champions Sharjah, who move straight into the semi-finals. They will await the winner of the preliminary clash between Al Nasr and Mleiha.

Al Wasl face Al Dhaid, while Dibba Al Hisn meet Shabab Al Ahli, with the winners progressing to the semi-finals on 2 May. The competition is set to begin on 28 April.

The draw ceremony took place at the UAE Olympic Committee headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by technical expert Eng. Assem Al Saadani and club representatives, both in person and via video link.

Youth competitions start in April

In the Youth Emirates Cup, which begins on 6 April with nine teams, Al Dhaid will take on Al Nasr in the preliminary round. The quarter-finals will see Sharjah face Shabab Al Ahli, Al Bataeh meet Dibba Al Hisn, Kalba play Mleiha, and Al Wasl face the winner of the opening tie.

Junior teams

The Junior Emirates Cup gets under way on 19 April with ten teams involved. Holders Shabab Al Ahli and league champion Sharjah, along with Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Khor Fakkan and Al Bataeh, all advance directly to the quarter-finals.

Al Madam will face Al Ain, while Al Jazira will compete against Kalba to determine the remaining places.

Draws confirmed

At cadet level, 16 teams will compete in a straight knockout format starting on 5 April. Among the standout fixtures are Sharjah (B) against Shabab Al Ahli and Al Jazira versus Mleiha.

Youngest category

The youngest age group, which begins on 29 April with 17 teams, features a preliminary match between Al Dhafra and Kalba. One of the standout round-of-16 ties will see defending champions Sharjah (A) take on Sharjah (B) in a derby encounter.