A huge number of media representatives attended an IHF press conference on the sidelines of the IHF Super Globe in Al-Gharafa arena in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday evening (28 August). Main topics were the status of preparations for the 2015 Men’s World Championship hosted by Qatar and the current Super Globe, the fourth edition to take place in Doha.
In his opening words IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa praised the efforts and achievements of the new Qatari Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani for sports in general and handball in particular: “His full support will guarantee that the 2015 World Championship will be a full success, making Qatar the best host ever of a World Championship.”
During the IHF Super Globe a huge number of meetings with IHF representatives and all departments of the 2015 Organizing Committee had taken place in Doha, including inspections of the newly built sites, currently in construction status. The focal point was a common meeting of IHF and the whole board of the OC, including Ahmed Mohamed al Shaabi, President of the Qatar Handball Federation, on Thursday.
Moustafa praised the role of Qatar in sports: “Qatar has been leading the world in many areas, including sports. Many World Championships are scheduled to take place in Qatar and I would like to wish all the success for the future.”
The 2015 Men’s World Championship will be played in four venues – three of them will be completely new and are supposed to be ready in August 2014. “We will use the next edition of the IHF Super Globe in August 2014 as a test event for the new Lusail Multi-Purpose Hall, the arena for the final matches in 2015,” Moustafa said. Aside the Al-Sadd Multi-Purpose Hall and the Lekhwiya Multi-Purpose Hall (Qatar handball Dome) are currently being built. A temporary converted part of the Aspire Dome football stadium will be the fourth venue for the World Championship.
Moustafa was highly impressed by the status of the ongoing preparations from the different departments, with regard to construction, logistic, accommodation, security, marketing or ticketing, which had presented their efforts during several meeting this week. “Qatar has impressive playing facilities and beautiful hotels. I have no doubts about the success of the World Championship. We are happy with the smooth functioning of the organizing committee and hope for a big success.”
Leon Kalin, Chairman of the IHF Commission for Organizing and Competitions, added after his inspections: “I am very satisfied and delighted with the way the preparations are being done for the World Championship.”
Qatar Handball Association Secretary General Mohammed Jaber al Mulla was pleased by the praises –and is highly optimistic that the 2015 World Championship will be a milestone for handball. ”18 months are left for the big event and everything is going well according to the schedule. The World Championship, under the direction of Sheikh Joaan, will be the most successful event in Qatar.”
Pointing on the Super Globe, Dr Moustafa is highly satisfied with the outcome of the tournament, which is played in Doha since 2010, especially regarding the development of handball in Qatar: “The IHF Super Globe is a big success and has made a big difference in the Qatar team’s performance. I am pleased to see the Super Globe has helped Qatar to develop in many ways as a handball nation.”