Ahead of the North Macedonia vs Argentina opening match, a short opening ceremony welcomed all 24 teams, officials and guests to Skopje at the Boris Trajkovski Arena. All 24 flags were presented on court with the loudest cheer coming from the home fans inside for the Macedonian flag.

Three speeches were then heard from the President of the Macedonian Handball Federation, Zivko Mukaetov, Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports of the Government of North Macedonia, Darko Kaevski, and Chairperson of the IHF Commission of Organising and Competitions, Per Bertelsen.

“It’s a big honour to organise the 2019 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in Macedonia,” said Mukaetov. “We are happy everyone has come to Skopje and we will show we can be great hosts – we warmly welcome all the teams and officials here.”

The Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports of the Government of North Macedonia, Darko Kaevski then spoke. “It is my great honour on behalf of the Government and the Agency for Youth and Sports to be part of organising the 2019 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship.

“I would like to thank the International Handball Federation for giving us the chance and opportunity to organise it and I am sure they will enjoy our country and our capital city. 

“I would also like to say a big thanks to the Macedonian Handball Federation because they have invested a lot in our handball and have made it the number one sport.”

To conclude the opening ceremony the Chairperson of the IHF Commission of Organising and Competitions, Per Bertelsen, declared the championship open.

“On behalf of the International Handball Federation and our President Dr Hassan Moustafa, I would like to congratulate all the teams who have qualified for this championship which is the highest level there is for this age group.

“We have been working with the Macedonian handball federation for more than one year. I want to thank them for a great co-operation, and I am sure it will be a fantastic event for everybody.

“I declare the eighth edition of the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship open.”

Photo: WCH 2019 / Filip Viranovski