With the Asian Games in Japan approaching, athletes from Kuwait and Lebanon have been sharpening their skills in Novi Sad, Serbia, as part of an intensive training camp running from 26 July to 3 September.

 

The preparation period has brought together Asian athletes with two of Serbia’s leading teqball figures, Bogdan Marojevic (SRB) and Nikola Mitro (SRB), providing the players with an opportunity to work on the technical, tactical and physical aspects of their game ahead of one of the most important competitions of the season.

 

For Kuwait, the training camp forms a key part of the national team’s preparations, with players set to compete across several categories at the Asian Games. Lebanon’s Kamar Dandal (LBN), meanwhile, has also joined the Novi Sad programme as she prepares to represent her country in both women’s singles and women’s doubles.

 

Eidan targets strong comeback in Japan

 

For Zaid Eidan (KUW), who will compete in men’s singles, the training camp has carried additional significance as he continues his return from injury.

 

“This training camp in Novi Sad has been especially important for me because it is part of my return after injury. The preparation with Bogdan and Nikola Mitro has helped me regain my level step by step, while also improving different technical and tactical aspects of my game,” Eidan said.

 

The Kuwaiti player estimates that he has reached around 90 per cent of his desired level and believes the daily high-level training environment has helped restore both his physical condition and confidence.

 

“My goal at the Asian Games is to compete for the top positions. After the injury period, being back at this level already means a lot, but I am not going only to participate. I want to perform at my best and show that I have returned stronger and more prepared.”

 

Kuwaiti men’s doubles pair sets sights on gold

 

Abdulwahab Alqattan (KUW) and Basel Almulla (KUW) will represent Kuwait in men’s doubles, with the pair using their time in Serbia to further develop their partnership.

 

Alqattan highlighted the competitive environment and attention to detail as two of the most valuable aspects of the camp.

 

“Every session challenges us technically, physically and tactically. Basel and I have developed our understanding as a team, and I believe our level is significantly better than before,” Alqattan said.

 

The Kuwaiti duo have set themselves the highest possible target for Japan.

 

“Our target for the Asian Games is clear. We are aiming for the gold medal. We know the competition will be strong, but we feel prepared, confident and ready to compete for the top position.”

 

Almulla echoed his teammate’s confidence, emphasising the value of working alongside Mitro and Marojevic during the preparation period.

 

“Training with Bogdan and Nikola Mitro, two of the top names in teqball, has given us the opportunity to work at a very high level and focus on the small details that can make a difference in competition,” Almulla said.

 

“Abdulwahab and I feel that we have reached a much higher level compared to our previous competitions, both individually and as a doubles team. We are going to the Asian Games with a clear ambition: to compete for the gold medal. We respect every opponent, but we believe in the work we have done and we are ready to represent Kuwait at our highest level.”

 

Mixed doubles preparations continue

 

Salman Alibrahim (KUW), who is preparing to compete in mixed doubles, has also been encouraged by the progress made during the Novi Sad camp.

 

“It is a great experience to train in Novi Sad with champions such as Nikola and Bogdan. We have high expectations and want to win medals at the Asian Games in Japan,” Alibrahimsaid.

 

“We are training hard for that goal, we believe in our coaches and we trust the process. I will compete in mixed doubles and I hope to show the improvement I have made through the training in Novi Sad.”

 

Dandal ready to represent Lebanon with pride

 

Alongside the Kuwaiti delegation, Dandal has been completing an intensive preparation programme in Serbia ahead of her appearances in women’s singles and women’s doubles.

 

Representing Lebanon on the Asian Games stage carries particular significance for Dandal, who believes the country’s recent progress in teqball has given its athletes additional confidence.

 

“Representing Lebanon at the Asian Games is something I am really proud of, and it means a lot to me personally. It is a big responsibility because we are not only playing for ourselves, but also representing our country and trying to show what Lebanon can achieve in teqball,” Dandal said.

 

She also pointed to Lebanon’s recent men’s doubles bronze medal in China as an important source of motivation.

 

“It was a really important result for Lebanon and showed us that we can compete against strong teams in Asia. I think this medal also gave us more motivation to work harder and aim for even better results.”

 

Dandal has spent around 40 days training in Serbia, combining daily teqball sessions with gym and physical preparation.

 

“It has been a very intense experience, but also a great opportunity for me to improve and prepare myself for the level of competition I will face in Japan. Of course, the competition will be very strong, but I am excited to take on the challenge and see what we can achieve.”

 

With two categories on her programme, Dandal is determined to turn the intensive preparation into a strong performance in Japan.

 

“My goal is to fight for a medal and give everything I have in every match. I know it will be challenging, but I am really excited for the opportunity. Most importantly, I want to represent Lebanon with pride, enjoy the experience and hopefully come back home with a medal for Lebanon.”

 

Final preparations before Japan

 

The Novi Sad camp provides an important final stage of preparation for the Kuwaiti and Lebanese athletes before they turn their attention to competition in Japan.

 

With intensive daily sessions, physical conditioning and a strong focus on technical and tactical development, the athletes will leave Serbia having completed several weeks of high-level preparation. With medal ambitions across singles, doubles and mixed doubles, both Kuwait and Lebanon will be looking to translate their work in Novi Sad into results on the Asian Games stage.