Bach: IHF has set an example in Egypt

31 Jan. 2021

Bach: IHF has set an example in Egypt

The 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship concluded earlier today (Sunday 31 January), after 102 games were played on 16 matchdays across four venues in Egypt.

And after Denmark were confirmed as winners in a tense final, IOC President Thomas Bach praised the organisation of the global event featuring 32 teams from across the world.

“Now that the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship has reached its climax I would like to congratulate very warmly, in particular, the International Handball Federation, under the great leadership of its President, Dr Hassan Moustafa, for the excellent organisation of these championships. 

“It has been amazing to see how the sport of handball was shining during these days, and [how] the athletes have performed, despite the very difficult circumstances because of the coronavirus crisis.

“The IHF performed to its best, with creating a bubble of 3,000 people. With using modern testing methods and rapid testing for athletes and other participants, they have really set an example for the organisation of a great sporting event during this pandemic. 

“This can give us all confidence in the entire Olympic Movement. From this we can see that even during this difficult period you can organise a great sporting event and organise it in a very safe and healthy way. 

“Therefore, my thanks to the International Handball Federation. This is a great encouragement, and we will benefit from this experience, also, with the Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020, which will open on the 23rd of July this year.”

In addition to the message from Dr Thomas Bach, captain of Denmark Niklas Landin also praised the organisation in a short video message.