After Qatar’s junior team winning the continental title two years ago, the men’s youth team of the Emirate became Asian champions for the first time. At the Asian Men’s Youth Championship in Bahrain they won the final against Japan 28:24 (14:13) but despite their defeat Japan were celebrating too, as they qualified for a Men’s Youth World Championship for the first time. Both finalists, which proved the dominant sides throughout the tournament, booked their ticket to the 2013 Men’s Youth World Championship, to be taking place in Hungary next year. 

Thanks to a great start Korea won the bronze medal in Bahrain. They were ahead 9:0 against the host when Bahrain woke up to start their catch-up chase but were closely defeated 17:18 in the end after being behind 6:11 at the break.

Qatar had beaten Korea 24:22 in their semi-finals while Japan were the lucky winners overcoming Bahrain 34:33.

Saudi Arabia took fifth place after beating Iraq 25:24 (14:12); Syria claimed a narrow 28:27 (13:15) victory over Iran in their placement match to come in seventh. Kuwait (27:25 against Chinese Taipei) and Uzbekistan (31:1 against Oman) were the winners of the remaining placement matches for ranks 9-12. 

Final ranking of the Asian Men’s Youth Championship in Bahrain:

gold: Qatar, silver: Japan, bronze: Korea

4. Bahrain, 5. Saudi Arabia, 6. Iraq, 7. Syria, 8. Iran, 9. Kuwait, 10. Chinese Taipei, 11. Uzbekistan, 12. Oman