The local organising committee for the 2021 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Egypt continues to work hard preparing for the competition, set to take place from 13 to 31 January.

Egypt 2021 will be the first time an IHF World Championship will be played under the new 32-team system with the goal of providing an opportunity for more nations to gain experience on the biggest international stage. Currently, 30 teams have already qualified.

In April, ihf.info reported on IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa’s visit to the North African country to inspect the ongoing work for the sporting arenas and competition infrastructure which will also incorporate a new African Handball Academy and the new headquarters of the Egyptian Handball Federation (EHF).

In June, Dr Moustafa met again with the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Ashraf Sobhy, as well as members of the EHF and Organising Committee of the 2021 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship, to inspect venues in Borg-el-Arab, Alexandria, and in Cairo.

The group also visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), located in Fustat, Cairo, where they were shown around by general supervisor Dr Ahmed Al-Sherbini. The venue could host the Egypt 2021 draw event in October.

“I want to thank the Egyptian government for all its efforts to prepare for 2021 despite the current difficult circumstances,” said Moustafa to local media. “I am confident this championship will be one of Egypt’s most successful events and there is no intention to postpone it due to coronavirus outbreak – the country is ready to host it.”

EHF President, Hesham Nasr, echoed the thoughts of the IHF President. 

“The various Egyptian state infrastructure and installations are ready to host the 2021 World Championship and we have great confidence from the IHF in our ability to establish a championship of 32 teams for the first time in the history,” he said to local media during the visit.

“The 2021 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship is a beloved event for many sponsors and the world will witness a legendary organisation. In total, we have three new halls, including the 4,500-capacity hall in the new administrative capital – the city of Borj Al-Arab – and the new Egyptian Handball Federation headquarters – the ‘Hall of Handball’ – in the 6th of October City in the Giza area of Cairo, which will be something Egyptian handball will be very proud of.

“This will feature modern technical equipment at the highest level comprising of match halls, training halls, the main and health club for national teams, the new EHF headquarters, an IHF office and the African Handball Academy.”

Minister Sobhy confirmed to those present on the inspection that all the venues are nearing completion and will be ready by October. The group also discussed a variety of other logistical items and procedures for teams and officials including flight tickets, accommodation and transfers, as well as match schedules and ticket prices. 

“We are exerting our utmost effort to be ready for such a big international event which we are looking forward to hosting after years of absence,” said Sobhy to local media. “We should use such events to send a message to the whole world about the capabilities of the Egyptian government to host such big events.

“Construction plans for a number of indoor halls at the new Administrative Capital, and in the 6th of October are going well, in addition to renovations taking place at the Cairo Indoor Halls in Cairo Stadium.”

In other Egypt 2021 news, the organising committee announced the volunteering programme will open soon with a focus on local volunteers. 

Fans can follow the tournament organisers as they prepare for the newly-expanded competition via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/handballegypt2021.

Photo: Egyptain Handball Federation