Dear Handball Friends,

The last months were truly remarkable for the handball world. We completed two thrilling championships – the 24th IHF Men’s Junior World Championship in Germany and Greece and the 10th IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in Croatia. Both events returned after a four-year break and what we witnessed undoubtedly made the wait worth it.

We saw impressive individual performances, players displaying excellent skills and who will leave their mark on the sport in the future. Furthermore, we saw many teams making their debuts, with Costa Rica and Cuba playing for the first time at the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship and Burundi, Czechia, the Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Rwanda and the United States appearing for the first time at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship.

With the expanded line-up, the International Handball Federation ensured a well-balanced appearance from teams worldwide, as handball’s playing field is getting more and more even. At Germany/Greece 2023, four non-European sides finished in the top-16, making it to the main round, with Bahrain delivering an excellent draw against Slovenia to progress to the main round and seal their best-ever finish, the 13th place. At Croatia 2023, there were also four non-European teams finishing in the top-16 of the competition, with Egypt finishing in the fourth place, and Saudi Arabia securing their best-ever performance in the competition. 

The 32-team line-ups created the perfect conditions for teams from all around the world to make their first appearance on the international stage. Seeing the players’ smiles and effort to give it their all at a World Championship is a reward for us regarding the extended format. Last, but not least, it was with great joy that we saw the team spirit thriving as always in handball. Our younger generations were determined to represent their countries while trusting and respecting each other on the court.

With such a high level displayed throughout the two competitions, the IHF is now certain that the future of handball is looking brighter and brighter, as the future wave of players which shined here, in Croatia, Germany and Greece, will surely be staples of the sport in the next decade and, like in the previous editions of this younger age category events, their performances will be remembered and these competitions will be praised as the stepping stones of launching them into stardom.

I would like to offer my gratitude to our handball family for the outstanding progress of handball, which emerged as a better sport from the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, as these were the first IHF Men’s Youth and Junior World Championship editions organised since 2019. The hard work and sacrifices put in over the last years have now come to fruition. For all the Continental Federations, the National Federations, the players, coaches, referees and the handball community, in general, I would also like to convey my gratitude, this could not have been possible without your help.

I would, lastly, like to commend the event organisations that delivered exciting and safe competitions. We shall offer an environment that motivates the young players to stay in handball.

These IHF World Championships were another step forward for handball and it is my hope that we will continue working towards a better future for our beloved sport united.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Hassan Moustafa
President of the International Handball Federation