
Sharjah's Handball Team Prepares for New Season with Training Camp in Qatar
Sharjah Handball Champions Launch Egypt World Cup Campaign with Qatar Training Camp
Asian club champions Sharjah have departed for an intensive training camp in Doha as they prepare for what could be their most ambitious season yet. The UAE handball powerhouse is gearing up for the FIFA Club World Cup in Egypt this October, while also adapting to new leadership under world-class coach Marco Tata.
Strategic Preparation for Global Competition
The Sharjah delegation, led by team sports board member and handball supervisor Jasem Mohammed, will remain in Qatar's capital until August 28. This extended camp represents more than routine preparation—it's a calculated move to build chemistry under their new international coach while fine-tuning tactics ahead of multiple high-stakes competitions.
The training schedule includes twice-daily sessions and two friendly matches, designed to help players adapt to Tata's coaching philosophy and assess squad readiness before official competitions resume.
Packed Competition Calendar
Sharjah faces an intense competitive schedule that begins September 6 with the Nation Cup—a tournament postponed from last season. Just six days later, they'll compete in the UAE Super Cup on September 12, setting the stage for their ultimate goal.
The crown jewel of their season comes with the Super Globe 2025 world club championship, scheduled for September 26 to October 2 in Egypt. As Asian champions, Sharjah earned the right to face the world's elite club teams in handball's most prestigious tournament.
Regional Handball Power Dynamics
This training camp reflects the growing investment in handball across the Gulf region. Qatar's emergence as a sporting hub—evidenced by hosting major international events—makes it an attractive destination for elite preparation. The UAE's handball ambitions mirror broader regional trends where oil-rich nations are diversifying their sporting portfolios beyond football.
Sharjah's approach parallels successful models from European handball powerhouses like Germany's THW Kiel or Spain's FC Barcelona, who regularly conduct intensive pre-season camps to maintain their competitive edge in international competition.
The Marco Tata Factor
Appointing an experienced international coach like Marco Tata signals Sharjah's serious intent to compete globally. This follows a pattern seen across Gulf sports, where clubs invest in proven European coaching talent to elevate performance standards and tactical sophistication.
The extended camp provides crucial time for players to absorb Tata's methods before facing domestic pressure. Success in early tournaments could build momentum for the world championship, where Sharjah will represent not just the UAE but Asian handball on the global stage.
Stakes Beyond Trophies
For Sharjah, the Super Globe represents more than silverware—it's an opportunity to establish Middle Eastern handball credibility against European and South American giants. Strong performance could attract additional investment in UAE handball and inspire regional development programs.
The Qatar camp serves as the foundation for these ambitions, combining tactical preparation with team building in a professional environment away from home distractions. Whether this investment translates to global success will depend on how effectively Tata can blend individual talent into a cohesive unit capable of competing with the world's best.