Today, 16 January 2021, the Heads of Delegations and team doctors of all teams participating in the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship had been invited to a virtual meeting attended by Dr Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation (IHF), Egyptian Minister of of Youth and Sports Dr Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt 2021 OC Director Mr Hussein Labib and the Chairman of the Egypt 2021 Medical Commission of the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to discuss the problems and difficulties related to COVID-19 which have occurred during the World Championship. 

With this meeting, the IHF did not only want to give the teams the opportunity to speak up and listen to their opinion but also answer any open questions that they still had. 

IHF President Dr Moustafa opened the meeting, highlighting again that the decision to organise this Men’s World Championship in these difficult times was not an easy decision to be taken. It is being held for the sake of the stakeholders and our sport. He thanked the teams for their willingness to take part in the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, despite the challenges we face.

Following Dr Moustafa, Dr Sobhy took the floor and welcomed all delegations to Egypt, confirming that the government, as per the request of the President of the State, spared no efforts to guarantee a convenient and safe environment for all stakeholders of the event, by providing all facilities that were possibly needed for this event.  

Afterwards, Hala Zayed, the Egyptian Minister of Health and Population, addressed the teams, explaining the Egypt 2021 COVID-19 Medical Precaution Plan and describing what the Ministry of Health provided for the event to ensure safe conditions for everyone. 

All questions raised were answered by the Minister of Health and Population. 

Meetings for the Heads of Delegations, such as the one today, will be repeated every Saturday during the event.