Ahead of the Russia vs USA men’s match this evening at the Kazan Beach Sports Complex, the 2018 IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championship was officially opened.

After the packed crowed were welcomed to the competition following a cheerleading and gymnastic show, all 24 countries competing in Russia were welcomed onto the central court with two of their players carrying their nations’ flags – led by the ‘33rd team’: the IHF officials.

Then followed speeches from representatives of the national and regional governments of Russia and Tatarstan, the Olympic Committee of Russia and the Handball Federation of Russia before Joel Delplanque, 1st Vice-President of the International Handball Federation and IHF Representative at Kazan 2018 declared the championship open.

To wrap up the ceremony, young members of the Igor Krutoy Academy of Popular Music Choir in Kazan sung the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan.

Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan – Vladimir Leonov:

“I would like to cordially welcome you on behalf of the Government of Tatarstan and the President of the Russian Federation himself. We have recently witnessed the finish of the FIFA World Cup here and we also have forthcoming Russian track and field events plus many more events to go.

“Now we have the beach handball world championships and we hope this is a remarkable event - it is a great event to happen here. 

“I would like to thank all the fans who have, and will, come to this event and good luck for everyone here.”

Director of the Department of Government Policy in the Sport Area and International Cooperation – Boris Grishin:

“I would like to thank the Government, the IHF and the Handball Federation of Russia. Today is a true holiday and feast of not only handball but sport in general. 

“Russia has always organised sport events at the highest level possible and Kazan 2018 will feature a record-breaking number of participants as it’s the first time ever 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams compete. 

“I have no doubt that this championship will be a spectacular event and will give further, powerful evidence to the development of sport.”

President of the Olympic Committee of Russia – Stanislav Pozdnyakov:

“Kazan is acknowledged around the world as professional, organised sports city. We’ve had the 2013 University Games, 2014 World Fencing Championships and the recent 2018 FIFA World Cup. All of these were staged at the highest level and everyone who comes here feels the hospitality of Kazan.

“This year, for the first time ever beach handball will be at the Youth Olympic Games and I would like to wish this beautiful sport to become a fully-fledged member of the Olympic Movement.” 

Vice-President of the Handball Federation of Russia – Igor Stepanov:

“I would like to thank the IHF and the Ministry of Sport for giving us such a great opportunity to host this event. 

“Kazan has long been a flagship for sports development and there has been some truly remarkable development here and the possible future development of beach sports centre here.

“To the teams, athletes and officials – thank you for coming to Russia and thanks – and good luck – for participating.”

1st Vice-President of the International Handball Federation and IHF Representative at Kazan 2018 – Joel Delplanque:

“People all around the world are looking at this event so good luck to everyone involved with it. I would also like to thank everyone here in Russia who is working hard in preparing this event - especially the volunteers.”