Moustafa: Egypt 2021 will be a ‘historical Championship the world waits’

International Handball Federation President Hassan Moustafa has welcomed all the attendees of the 27th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship, Egypt 2021, praising the efforts of the host country in organising the event.

Hosts Egypt make their debut at the World Championship by taking on the Czech Republic on Wednesday 13 January at the Cairo Stadium Indoor Complex Main Hall.

“You are all welcome in Egypt, let's celebrate with the start of the World Championship, Egypt 2021,” the IHF President said in his speech during the tournament opening ceremony.

“We are sorry for the Egyptian people as the Championship will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus pandemic,”

“The worst scenario for the handball was to cancel the tournament so we decided to play it without fans in attendance,” Moustafa added.

“I hope this event will be the light at the end of a dark tunnel,” 

The IHF President thanked Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for providing a great support to ensure the success of the 27th IHF Men's World Championships, Egypt 2021.

“If we went to any place in Europe or the USA, we wouldn’t receive support like what we had in Egypt. I am a President for the IHF for 20 years and I attended many World Championships,” said.

Egypt will host the World Championship from 13 to 31 January 2021 with 32 teams participating for the first time in the tournament's history.

“Egypt 2021 will be a historical championship the world are waiting to follow,” the IHF President concluded.