IHF Boss: 2021 World Handball Championship in Egypt "Can't Be Postponed"

Hassan Mostafa, President of the International Handball Federation, affirmed that the 27th edition of the World Handball Championship for Men - Egypt 2021 is not just a sporting event, but rather a globally significant major sporting celebration, as it is the largest arena for handball sport, so it is in the interest of all participants to be organized in Egypt in January 2021.

In his statement published by the official website of the World Handball Championship Egypt 2021, the President of the IHF continued in his statement as follows:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has been well beyond the expectations of anyone and for a long time, handball, next to many other sports, came to a halt. However, despite the events of this past year, the world has started to learn how to live alongside the virus, and the sports industry is active again. The International Handball Federation (IHF), as well, adapted daily life around the virus,"

" In general, it should be emphasised again that the financial situation of the IHF is healthy. The IHF is not acting this way in its role as a superior decision-making body but for everyone who loves the sport and for the players in particular, who aim to fulfill their dreams on the podium."

"The core of handball, the athletes, have been deprived of playing the sport they love for several months. It has been a physically and mentally challenging time as their aim must be to keep on training, to stay healthy,"

"Professional players live on practicing handball. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep the sport going – not only in the national leagues but also on a global level. Not holding the World Championship would mean an enormous loss of visibility for them,"

"The main income of coaches is handball as well – they should be on court with their team. Referees should be active but have not been officiating for almost a year. National Federation activities came to a stop; Egypt 2021 provides an opportunity to relaunch the activities and refuel the energy,"

"For the entire handball industry, it is of major importance to stage the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship. From TV to sponsors to different audiences, each stakeholder benefits from the organisation of the event in a different way,"

"The ‘bubble concept’ outlined in the Egypt 2021 COVID-19 Medical Precaution Plan is one which is being used to great effect in global sports as the industry learns to live alongside COVID-19. This will be monitored relentlessly on-site at Egypt 2021 and in-person by the Egyptian Government Health Ministry in collaboration with two World Health Organization (WHO) representatives – all under full supervision from the IHF and the Egyptian government,"

"An update of the Egypt 2021 COVID-19 Medical Precaution Plan as well as a second, competition-related, plan will follow soon as we are constantly refining the conditions based on the development of the situation."

"The plans have been carefully elaborated and will be a safeguard, for which the organiser is willing to bear huge costs."

"Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy both underlined their commitment to a safe championship, while a Task Force of Ministers was created recently as well to support the event. This Task Force consists of, among others, the Ministers of Antiquities and Tourism, Civil Aviation, Health and Population, Transportation, and Youth and Sports and is chaired by Prime Minister Madbouly. Furthermore, State President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is monitoring the situation and events. All of this is further evidence of the strength of commitment from the state,"