Sharjah delivered a clinical performance to defeat Dibba Al Hisn 56-32 in the UAE Handball Youth League on Monday. Playing away, the visitors established dominance early, utilizing organized defensive structures and efficient attacking transitions to secure a commanding 26-12 lead by the halftime break. Sharjah made a fast start and established a commanding advantage in the opening half. Leaving Dibba Al Hisn with a sizeable deficit to overcome, their defensive organisation and efficient play in attack allowed them to build a 26-12 lead by halftime.
Despite efforts from Dibba Al Hisn to stage a recovery after the interval, Sharjah maintained their composure at both ends of the court. The 14-point cushion provided a stable foundation, allowing the visitors to dictate the game’s tempo and comfortably close out the match without facing any genuine threat of a comeback.
The match featured high-level officiating led by Dr. Major Omar Zubair Al Marzouqi. An iconic figure in the sport, Al Marzouqi transitioned into refereeing after an extensive playing career with Al Nasr Club between 1984 and 1998. He eventually became one of the region’s most decorated officials, achieving international recognition at the Olympic and world levels.
Al Marzouqi holds a significant legacy in Asian handball, having served as the first official from the continent to preside over World Championship semi-finals and finals. His distinguished career includes appearances in approximately 60 international championships, spanning World Youth and senior tournaments in countries such as Egypt, Sweden, Spain, and South Korea, as well as multiple Asian Games.
Beyond his on-court officiating, Al Marzouqi reached a landmark in August 2016 when he was the sole Asian representative chosen as a technical observer for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. In that capacity, he supervised 12 high-stakes men’s matches, including both a quarter-final and a semi-final encounter, solidifying his reputation as an expert in the development of refereeing standards. While he has also taken part in the Confederations Cup in Qatar, his Olympic experience includes officiating at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. His continued involvement in domestic competitions reflects not only his enduring contribution to handball but also the experience and expertise he brings to the development of refereeing in the UAE and across the region.
Elsewhere in the league, action was marked by several high-scoring performances. Al Jazira set an aggressive tone early in the day by routing Bani Yas 58-6 at the Al Zalaqa School Sports Hall. Meanwhile, a dominant display saw another side secure a 52-12 victory over Al Wahda at Al Nasr Club Hall.
Shabab Al Ahli added to the day’s tally with a 54-33 win against Al Dhafra at Al Nahda Sports Hall, while Al Bataeh edged out Mleiha in a closer 54-44 contest held at Mleiha Club Hall. The final fixture of the day featured an impressive performance from Al Wasl, who produced one of the most significant margins of the round by defeating Al Ain 60-29 at the Main Hall.
