Four-time winners Qatar yesterday got off to a flying start at the Asian Men’s Handball Championship beating Oman 31-14 in their opening Group C match at Prince Nayef Sports City Hall in Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
Al Annabi, who are eyeing their fifth consecutive continental title, were dominant against their Gulf opponents taking a lead of 14-7 in the first half before wrapping up a comfortable victory.
The Valero Rivera-coached side will meet Iraq today in their second match, with their last group game scheduled against the UAE tomorrow.
Qatar have won the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 editions and can match South Korea’s record of five straight titles with a crown in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the other Group C match yesterday saw Iraq edging UAE 32-31 after a thrilling battle. Iraq were trailing 14-15 in the first half. After losing their opening match,  UAE will meet Oman in today’s second Group C match.
In Group A, nine-time winners South Korea trounced Singapore 40-9 while Kuwait defeated Jordan 42-31.
Iran also started their campaign on a high note as they registered a thumping 32-10 win over Australia in Group B while hosts Saudi Arabia defeated India 54-30 in their opening match of the group.
Uzbekistan and Bahrain also claimed maximum points after winning their respective Group D games on the inaugural day.
Uzbekistan battled past Hong Kong 28-24 while Bahrain produced a dominant performance to pummel Vietnam 46-14.  

RESULTS
Group A
South Korea beat Singapore 40-9
Kuwait beat Jordan 42-31
Group B
Iran beat Australia 32-10
Saudi Arabia beat India 54-30
Group C
Qatar beat Oman 31-14
Iraq beat UAE 32-31
Group D
Uzbekistan beat Hong Kong 28-24
Bahrain beat Vietnam 46-14