The II Men’s Youth World Championship were solemnly opened in the afternoon by IHF representative Miguel Roca, the President of the Bahrain Handball Association, Abdulrahman Bu Ali, and the Bahraini Minister of Sports Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The youth national team of host Bahrain came along with the first surprise. In the presence of the Minister of Sports, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the young hopefuls of the Gulf state managed to first catch up well and then to snatch away a 29:28 victory from Pan-American representatives Brazil. Brazil was the predominant side in the first half and after changing ends could extend the lead up to 7 goals at times.

In Group A Poland soared to a clear 35:21 (17:11) win over Morocco. Spain was quite unsettled a long time during their match against Qatar but finally saved a 30:23 (13:10) win. In Group B the Croatian side under the guidance of Olympic gold medalist and World Champion Slavko Goluza obtained a 45:19 (18:12) walkover against Algeria, whereas the second match of Group A saw Iran’s 25:29 (19:15) defeat to Argentina.

Denmark, playing in the group of the host, secured a trouble-free 35:14 (18:7) win against Tunisia. Thus, a victory over Tunisia on Matchday 2 would be sufficient to save Bahrain a place in the main round. Group D saw favourites Korea win 59:23 (26:7) against overstrained Australia as well as a Swedish side who overcame Egypt (29:22 / 15:12) ceaselessly fighting until the very end.