Dear handball friends in Georgia and all over the world, In 2017, it is Georgia’s time to shine and be in the spotlight of the handball world as organiser of the 7th IHF Men’s Youth World Championship. It is the first time for the country to host a major handball event and I am convinced that they will present our sport in the best possible way. I hope that this competition is another great step for the development of handball not only in Georgia, but all over the world. The world’s best 24 men’s youth teams will gather in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi to fight for the trophy and challenge reigning champions France. This championship gives a hint for the next handball generation to come. There are a lot of new players and some of the faces, we might recognise at future Men’s Junior and maybe even Senior World Championships. I wish all participating teams the best of luck and a good time ahead.