Qatar hammer Malaysia in handball

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia started their Asian Games campaign on a wrong foot when their men's handball team were thrashed 64-11 by defending champions Qatar in a Group A match in Jakarta on Monday.

Malaysia, who are making their Asian Games debut in handball, will complete their group fixture against Iran on Wednesday.

Qatar, the 2015 World Championship silver medallists, took a 33-7 lead at half-time and continued their impressive form after the breather.

Malaysia captain Solihin Mustafa and Dzulfiqar Ismail scored three goals each while Faizan Damanhuri, Fazrin Jamaluddin, Ridzuan Razali, Salman Sayyidi and Amirul Ikram netted one each.

The national women’s team will play their opening Group B match against Indonesia on Tuesday.

Japan, a silver medallists at the 2014 Incheon edition, Hong Kong and Thailand make up the group.