Former IHF Vice President and IHF Honorary Member Dr. Nabil Salem passes away

The international handball community mourns the passing of Dr. Nabil Salem, a visionary leader and one of the founding pillars of African handball, who died on Sunday, 21 April.

Dr. Salem devoted his life to the development and elevation of handball, not only within his home country but across the entire African continent, as well as the entire Globe. As the first President of the African Handball Confederation (CAHB), a role he held from its inception in 1973, he was instrumental in establishing the organizational framework that would nurture generations of athletes, coaches, and officials throughout Africa.​

Beyond the African continent, his expertise earned him international recognition. He served as Vice-President of the International Handball Federation (IHF), between 1992 and 2000, while also serving as the President of the African Handball Confederation for a second tenure, between 1993 and 1996. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, he was named an Honorary Member of the IHF in 2000, a title that stands as a testament to the indelible mark he left on the global stage.​

Dr. Nabil Salem, a pioneer in physical medicine and rehabilitation, was also a key figure in the field of Paralympic sport and has served as President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee for almost 20 years, between June 1993 and March 2011. He also previously served as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee, President of the Confederation of Sports for People with Disabilities, and as the President of the African Paralympic Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Paralympic Committee and several other international federations.

Dr. Salem also was an advocate for wheelchair handball, a sport where Egypt are now world champions, crowned in 2024.

He leaves behind a legacy of inspiration — a true trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of African athletes and leaders in sport.​

IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa joins those mourning the loss of Dr. Nabil Salem on behalf of the IHF and the global handball family and expresses his condolences and sympathy to his family and loved ones in this difficult time.