As we approach the final of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championships and the Qatar men’s national team does battle for the title, Veronika Varju (AIPS Young Reporter - Qatar 2015 in partnership with the IHF) wondered to herself;  what about women's handball in Qatar.

Are there women in this country who play this fast, enchanting and very tactical sport?

Well, as she found out the answer is, yes, there are.

Anissa Yaflah and Sonia Ghribi were both born in Tunisia but have been living in Qatar for many years and working as PE teachers they promote their favourite pastime: handball.

So it is no surprise they are working at Qatar 2015, performing a very important role by helping the world’s media as ‘Media Assistants’.

Working in the tribunes, mixed zones and media working rooms they ensure that journalists have everything they need to report from Qatar and all of those media representatives at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena will remember the two funny and engaging characters who were always there, happy to help and lend assistance.

Veronika caught up with them on the last day of the competition in Al Sadd.

Veronika: When was the first time you saw this enjoyable and beautiful sport?

Anissa: It was many years ago when I attended school. I loved it, so I decided to play for a club. When I moved to Qatar I did not give up playing and now I play for Al Rayyan SC.

Sonia: In Tunisia there are many professional clubs and I played for five of them when I was younger. They liked the way I competed and I eventually played for my national team for 20 years.

I participated in two world championships and the African Championship but I finished playing in 2009 when I wore the shirt of the national team for the last time.

When I moved to Qatar I trained with women but was not so much involved in playing because I have two children now and they are my first priority.

Last year I won two trophies with my club - Al Sadd SC - the cup and the championship, as a played and also a coach.

Anissa: And do not forget that Al Rayyan SC was the second best team! We have many players from different countries - even some from Europe.

Sonia: This is true. The reason there are not a lot women players in Qatar is that it is a small country, but we are sending invitations to many people to come and try this sport here - we have five women’s clubs at the moment.

Veronika: Is it easy to compete in sport as a woman in Qatar - do you experience any difficulties?

Anissa: No, nothing at all. We play sports just like women do in any other countries.

We wear our head scarves so that is why people can attend the games and we can have male referees. In some cases there are strict rules regarding training; men and women must train separately, in different arenas and rooms.

Sonia: Yes, when women are training it is not allowed for men to enter but it makes females feel free, they do not need to think about who is watching them and they can concentrate on their job.

In my opinion people’s attitudes are changing, but there are still a lot of families who do not like their daughter to play with men - it is a cultural issue.

In Tunisia our children go to mixed schools which means they can do sports together. My daughter can choose any sport she likes - I am not going to influence her decision. She is not obliged to change her mind because of me.

Veronika: What is your perspective on Qatari sports?

Anissa: You can see that Qatar is constantly improving. You only need to look at the men’s handball team. I am aware that their team features players born in other countries, but they do their best to be able to work as a team and this is what counts.

Qatar is going to be a very nice country for sports in the future because they are investing a lot of effort and money into it to spread sport and make people realise how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle which is not possible without sport.

We also have a national day of sport in February. Every family is there and they have the chance to try anything they are interested in. It is one of the best days of the year.

The leaders of the country are trying to get in touch with more and more people to attract more spectators and supporters but they are also careful not to go over their limits and traditions.

Sport is important for your health and you can also make a living out of it.

The equipment is amazing that you can find at gyms in Qatar and the possibilities are infinite. Involving more children and opening their minds for sport is essential - teachers are also well-qualified and approach kids in a very nice way.

Sonia: Here in Qatar it is all about sport. You will have to see this country again in some years - changes will be beyond expression.