Dear handball friends, After the great success of the first IHF Men’s Emerging Nations Championship in Kosovo two years ago, it is now Bulgaria’s time to shine in the spotlight of international handball. Over the past years the country hosted already more than one IHF Trophy tournament and is well prepared to welcome 16 teams from developing handball nations and give them a chance to gain experience at international level. In 2017, the teams will meet in the cities of Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo in north central Bulgaria to compete in the championship and challenge reigning champions Faroe Islands. Excited games are guaranteed as the teams do not only fight for the trophy but also for one of three EURO 2020 Qualification Phase 2 tickets. This championship will bring handball in the focus of fans, sponsors and media and is another great step for the development and promotion of handball in Bulgaria, Europe and all around the world.