DOHA: International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa expressed his satisfaction of the hosts’ plans to stage a successful 2015 World Championship, after key meetings with the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee took place along the sidelines of the IHF Super Globe tournament that was recently won by Spanish club FC Barcelona.
Dr Moustafa said: “I have no doubts that the next World Championship will become a huge success. From what I have experienced during my visit in Doha where I had the chance to evaluate the progress that has been reached in the preparations, I feel confident that everything is going on the right direction.”
During the meetings, the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee presented a detailed concept of their operations to the IHF senior officials in which further required actions were discussed, analysed and scheduled.
The recently concluded IHF Super Globe 2013 held in Al Gharafa Sports Hall provided excellent entertainment between the five continents’ top teams.
FC Barcelona won their maiden title after a thrilling 27-25 victory over HSV Hamuburg.
Barcelona player, French back court superstar Nikola Karabatic, who was one of the most valuable players for the team, is already looking forward to the 2015 World Championship.
He said: “I am 100 percent sure the new built sport facilities for the World Championship are going to be amazing in style as well as large, modern and optimised for Handball. I have faith in the organising team and I am aware that it is very important to them to present a tournament of the highest quality. I am really impressed by all the efforts put in.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Handball Association Secretary General and Director of Sport Operations of Qatar 2015 Mohamed Jaber Al Mulla was delighted with Qatar’s three clubs that took part in the tournament.
He said: “With three Qatari teams – hosts Al Sadd, the winners of the Asian qualification, Al Rayyan and wild card winner and third-placed Eljaish, competing with the world’s best clubs, the Super Globe was a very big opportunity for our national team players coming from these clubs.”
He added: “Over the last three years, that the tournament has been held in Doha, many players have developed further from the experience of these matches.”
THE PENINSULA
