Mohammad Mirza: Retirement is a difficult decision... and I am proud to have been part of the generation that made the 'Bahraini Hand' history

Bahraini international handball star Mohammed Mirza has turned the final page of his illustrious career, marked by numerous achievements and titles, by announcing his retirement from the sport, leaving behind a rich legacy of championships both with the Bahraini national team and the clubs he represented.

In an emotional farewell message to fans, Mirza wrote: “Today, I announce my retirement from handball after years of dedication. During this time, I had the honor of wearing the Bahrain national team jersey and representing my country on the international stage.” He continued, “Wearing Bahrain’s jersey has always been a source of pride, responsibility, and belonging. Every moment I experienced on the court will remain part of my history and memories.” Mirza concluded his farewell letter by saying, “Goodbye to the stadiums, but not goodbye to handball.”

During his prolific career, Mirza won the hearts of fans both within and outside the Kingdom of Bahrain due to his high moral character, approachability, dedication, generosity, and loyalty on the court. This endeared him to all supporters, teammates, former colleagues in administrative and technical roles, and club management alike.

Mohammed Mirza’s love for handball began while playing for Al-Tadamun Club in Bahrain, before he moved to Al-Ahli and later Al-Najma, ultimately concluding his career with Al-Ahli. His club journey saw him win the Asian Club Championship with Al-Najma in editions held in India and Iran, etching his name in the annals of the “Yellow Continent” in golden letters as one of its champions.

Mirza also represented Bahrain at various youth levels before making it to the senior national team. One of his key milestones was helping the “Bahraini Red Fist” reach the World Cup finals for the first time in the 2011 edition held in Sweden, marking the beginning of consecutive participations that confirmed Bahraini handball’s standing at the Arab, Asian, and international levels.

Mirza’s handball journey coincided with the era of the sport’s stars and giants. He played alongside figures such as Jafar Abdulqader, Mohammed and Ahmed Abdulnabi, Saeed Jawhar, Hussein Al-Sayyad, and his brother Ali Mirza, up to the current generation.

Mirza’s contributions extended beyond performance and results; he was known for his fighting spirit, high ethics, and sportsmanship. He maintained good relationships with teammates and players from newer generations. He was also close to younger players, keen on supporting them and passing on his experience, embodying the role of a leader both on and off the court, leaving a human impact no less significant than his sporting achievements.

Brotherly Bond

Mirza highlighted the strong and deeply rooted relationship between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly in the sports sector. Handball allowed him to get to know the Kuwaiti sports scene, especially handball, with its stars, legends, and administrative bodies at the federation and club levels. Kuwait has consistently been a country that supports sports locally and internationally, fostering brotherhood and friendships that Mirza deeply values. He noted that sports bring peoples closer together.

After many years spent on the courts, moving between clubs and participating with the Bahraini national team in numerous important tournaments and milestones, Mirza decided to hang up his boots after a career filled with dedication, achievements, and memories. He described the moment of retirement as “very difficult,” saying, “After all these years, you get used to the court, training, and matches, and suddenly you say: it’s over, the journey has ended. There is certainly sadness, but at the same time, there is satisfaction and pride in everything I have given.”

The Bahraini star revealed that he had been feeling the “approaching time” for retirement for a while, especially as the years passed and fatigue set in. He began considering stopping while he was still capable of contributing, rather than waiting until his body forced the decision.

He continued: “The decision was never easy. It took a lot of contemplation, because handball was a major part of my life. But ultimately, you must know when to stop, and I believe my decision came at the right time.” Mirza added that if he could turn back time, he would choose handball again without a second thought, as it gave him everything—not just titles, but also friends, memories, and experiences, and introduced him to many people he will never forget.

Matches Against Saudi Arabia Are Unforgettable

There are many unforgettable matches, especially decisive ones, such as our first qualification victory over Saudi Arabia, the Olympic qualifiers final against Korea, and the championship held on the blessed soil of our dear Kingdom of Bahrain.

Every tournament has its own flavor, but undoubtedly, titles won after hard work and fierce competition hold greater value, such as qualifying for the Olympics.

We in Bahrain are fortunate to have His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad and His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad, as they are sportsmen who love challenges. They are among the most important supporters of sports and appreciate every athlete.

Praise be to God, I have had many coaches, and each one helped me develop in a specific aspect. There was a coach who developed me technically, another who taught me discipline, and one who played a role in shaping my personality. Therefore, it is difficult to attribute the credit to just one person.

I played with many players, and I had a strong understanding with several of them. Sometimes, you don’t even need to speak with your teammate; you know their movement, and they know yours. This creates a beautiful partnership on the court.

The Beginning with “Karzkan”

My first official match was with my home club, “Karzkan,” which is now known as Al-Tadamun. The match took place at Al-Ahli Club on the outdoor fields, and I scored my first goal from the reverse wing position. My father was watching the game. The club taught me and made me love the sport, drawing me into this field, which is why it holds a special place in my heart. The club where I ended my career also holds a significant place, as it was the final chapter of my journey.

I played for several clubs, and it is difficult to choose one that is closer to my heart, as each club has its own memories and supporters. Every stage added something to me, and every place I played in, I consider part of my career.

The National Team Jersey... A Great Responsibility

It is a very big thing. When you wear the national team jersey, you feel that the responsibility is greater, because you are not representing yourself or your club, but the entire Kingdom of Bahrain. I am very proud to have had this opportunity.

I remember the enthusiasm and a bit of fear, as playing for the national team carries a different kind of awe. I tried to focus, prove myself, and give my best. Participating in the World Handball Championship was a dream, especially since you represent your country on the largest global stages. The feeling is hard to describe, particularly when you see Bahrain’s name alongside the major national teams.

All championships hold their place, but the Tokyo Olympics have a special character. I am proud to have been part of the golden generation.

Matches played on Bahraini soil, especially decisive ones, are always the toughest, particularly when the match determines your fate in the tournament. The pressure is immense, but at the same time, these are the matches you enjoy the most.

There are matches I wish I could play again, such as the end of the Paris Olympics qualifiers against Japan. An injury prevented me from participating, and I wished I could have been there to help my teammates. But that is part of the sport.

I have lived through more than one generation

The game has changed significantly. It has become faster, and players now pay more attention to fitness, nutrition, analysis, and every detail. But ultimately, the fundamentals of the game remain unchanged; you still need team spirit and the will to fight on the pitch. I have played with many great players, each of whom left a mark and a memory. I dislike mentioning one name while leaving out another, because every teammate I played with played a role in my career.

There is no single player I can point to as the best, but Gulf teams present a greater challenge and more excitement, because you know the match will be intense, and that pushes you to bring out your best.

I learned from the generation that preceded me the importance of commitment, respecting the game, and respecting the team, and above all, giving everything on the pitch. I have tried to pass this on to the younger players, always telling them that talent alone is not enough.

To young players, I say: do not rush. Take your time, learn from everyone around you, and stick to training. A player who wants to last must be patient and work on himself every day.

I believe the current generation is capable of continuing the achievements of Bahraini handball. They have talent and potential, and God willing, they will surpass us. Our generation’s role has ended, and now it is their turn. I sincerely hope to see them achieve greater feats and raise the name of Bahrain.

A final word

I thank everyone who stood by me throughout my career: my family, teammates, coaches, administrative staff, and fans. Handball has given me so much, and I will always cherish every moment I spent on the court. Perhaps my career as a player has ended, but my love for handball will not. I hope to remain close to the game and serve it in any way I can.

I also thank Al-Siyassa newspaper, its editorial board and sports department, for conducting this interview, which I am proud of, as the newspaper gave me ample space to speak about my history with handball, my memories, and my achievements. I wish them success, and I wish Bahraini and Gulf handball continued progress and development.