After 92 games, the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship has concluded with France taking the crown in the final played earlier today.

Following France's victory over Croatia in the last match, the closing ceremony commenced, opening with thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible, before a set of giant inflatable hands emerged onto court, representing their prominence in the sport of handball.

They were joined by giant puppets, symbolising the main protagonists in the game: the players, who through playing the sport awaken the admiration and empathy of the watching public.

Along with pulsating music, singers and dancers, finally a giant dragon arrived on court, symbolising the battle that teams have against each other in matches where they have the objective of achieving a triumph and prevailing over the rival – but always with respect and admiration for their rivals.

Then, the band Broken Peach performed a rousing rendition of the official song of the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, ‘Fight Together’, with dancers dressed in suits made of specially-crafted mirrors, reflecting the light which handball gives off around the world.

IHF President, Dr Hassan Moustafa was then joined on court to present the medals and trophies by IHF Vice President Joel Delplanque, Chairperson of the IHF Commission of Organising and Competitions (COC), Per Bertelsen, President of the Royal Spanish Handball Federation (RFEBM) Francisco Blazquez, President of the Provincial Council, Carmela Silva, Mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero and the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Alejandro Blanco.

“I want to give my congratulations in the name of the IHF to all the teams and wish them very good luck at the next championship in Hungary,” said President Moustafa as he offered his closing words to conclude the 22nd edition of the event, which started back in 1977. “I want to give my gratitude to the Royal Spanish Handball Federation and organising committee who organised a great championship.

“We will never forget the lovely region of Galicia and I want to thank the region and the cities of Vigo and Pontevedra. This is not the first time the IHF have organised a world championship here – we organised one in 1989 and that was also perfect, correct and excellent. I also want to thank all the supporters who have come to the games and, finally, all the volunteers for their hard work.

“Good luck to the RFEBM with their next world championship – the 2021 IHF Women’s World Championship.”

After the medals and trophies were presented, it was time for Spain to hand back the IHF flag to President Moustafa who then proceeded to hand it over to Balazs Soos, Director of International Affairs for the Hungarian Handball Federation, who will organise the next edition of the IHF Men's Junior World Championship, which will be held in 2021 in Hungary.

The ceremony also saw the Spain 2019 All-star team awarded, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plus the top scorer, Diogo Silva (76 goals).

Following the ceremony, President Moustafa addressed the volunteers on court and thanked them personally for their hard work.