The Qatar Handball Association is actively preparing for the 29th IHF Men’s World Championship, set to take place in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway from January 14 to February 2, 2025. The President of QHA, Ahmed Al Shaabi, outlined the team’s preparation stages, including training camps in Croatia and Doha, as well as friendlies against Argentina and Bahrain. The final stage of preparation will be held in Slovenia, with Al Shaabi expressing confidence in the team’s readiness for the Championship.
Qatar has been placed in Group C alongside France, Austria, and Kuwait. Al Shaabi acknowledged the strength of these teams but stated that Qatar has a strategy in place to progress, with the main goal of qualifying for the main round of the tournament. The appointment of Veselin Vujovic as head coach has brought a new approach to the team, with players still adjusting to the new style compared to that of the previous coach, Valero Rivera.
In recognition of its success in the sport, QHA recently received the Golden Federation Award for Team Sports at the 2024 Sports Excellence Awards. Qatar’s achievements, including six consecutive Asian Handball Championship titles and three consecutive gold medals in the Asian Games, serve as proof of the country’s handball success. QHA plans to continue developing national teams in line with Qatar’s Vision 2030, with a focus on improving and building upon their accomplishments after the World Championship.
In conclusion, the Qatar Handball Association is gearing up for the 29th IHF Men’s World Championship with a strong focus on preparation, teamwork, and strategy for success. With a new head coach in place and recent recognition for their achievements in the sport, Qatar is poised to make an impact at the upcoming Championship and beyond. Al Shaabi’s leadership and the team’s dedication to excellence underscore their commitment to growing handball in Qatar and achieving their long-term goals in line with the country’s vision for the future.
