Shabab Al Ahli claimed a commanding 42-33 victory against Al Jazira on Monday in the UAE Handball Youth Category League. The match, held at Al Jazira’s home ground, saw the visitors establish control early by building a 21-15 lead before the half-time interval. They maintained this momentum through the second half to secure a comfortable nine-goal win.
The encounter was officiated by Dr. Major Omar Zubair Al Marzouqi. A figure of international prestige, Al Marzouqi transitioned to refereeing after a playing career with Al Nasr Club that lasted from 1984 to 1998. He is credited with breaking the European dominance in handball officiating by becoming the first Asian referee to oversee World Cup semi-finals and finals, significantly elevating the standing of Asian and Arab officials globally.
Throughout a distinguished career, Al Marzouqi has officiated at 60 major international championships, including the World Championships in Sweden and Spain, the Women’s World Cup in South Korea, and the Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro. In August 2016, he achieved a historic milestone as the only Asian technical observer at the Rio Olympics, where he oversaw 12 elite men’s matches. Including the World Championships in Sweden and Spain, the World Youth Championships in Egypt and Greece, the Women’s World Cup in South Korea, the Asian Games in Qatar and China, and the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016, his distinguished career spans 60 international championships and major sporting events. In that role, he monitored 12 high-stakes men’s matches, including a quarter-final and a semi-final, further cementing his reputation as a leading figure in international handball.
In other league action, Kalba delivered a historic performance at their home hall, dismantling Baniyas with an emphatic 57-9 scoreline. The result marks one of the most lopsided outcomes of the season, highlighting the hosts’ complete dominance throughout the match.
The rivalry match between Sharjah and Al Nasr at Samnan Hall proved to be a high-intensity affair. Sharjah utilized superior tactical discipline during the final minutes to break a deadlock, ultimately securing a 48-38 win that ensures they remain at the top of the league standings.
Elsewhere, Dibba Al Hisn demonstrated great resilience in an away clash at the Al Bataeh Club Hall. Despite late surges from the hosts, the visitors held their composure to claim a 37-31 victory. The day’s action also featured a high-scoring shootout between Al Dhafra and Mleiha. In a contest defined by frequent lead changes, Al Dhafra showcased late-game maturity to secure a narrow 46-43 triumph. Fans were treated to a fierce, end-to-end battle, at the Al Bataeh Club Hall. In another match, Al Dhafra and Mleiha went toe-to-toe in a spectacular offensive shootout.
