Dear handball friends in Poland and all over the world, after having organised the EHF EURO W17 in 2013, the EHF EURO M18 in 2014 and the Men’s EHF EURO in 2016, it is now time for Poland to enter the World Championship stage as hosts of the 2018 IHF Women’s Youth (U18) World Championship. Welcoming the world’s best women’s youth teams as part of the ‘100 years of handball in Poland’ celebrations proves how strong the tradition of handball is in the country and I am certain that the organisers will create a wonderful atmosphere to celebrate our beloved sport. 24 teams are coming to Poland but only one will be able to take the title of world champion in the end. While the hosts are making their IHF Women’s Youth World Championship debut and want to come as far as possible in front of a home crowd, others are aiming for the medals, such as defending champions Russia, Asian champions and Slovakia 2016 third-ranked Republic of Korea as well as European U17 champions Germany. I am looking forward to a thrilling championship full of exciting matches and to seeing the next generation of handball stars. I wish everyone a good time ahead and I look forward to an exciting competition in the spirit of fair play.