Handball team goes for world glory

Abeer Anwar , Tuesday 14 Jan 2025

Preparations for the 2025 Men’s World Handball Championship, which includes Egypt, are in full swing, reports Abeer Anwar

 

The Men’s World Handball Championship, set to kick off on 14 January in Herning in Denmark, Poreč in Croatia, and Bærum in Norway, will be the 29th event hosted by the International Handball Federation (IHF). To be held from 14 January to 2 February, this edition marks the first time the world championship is being held in three countries. Thirty-two participating teams, including Egypt, are making final adjustments before the competition begins.

Egypt recently participated in the Torneo Internacional de España 2025 in Castellón, Spain, as part of its preparations. The tournament featured six teams, including four that will compete in the World Championship.

Egypt had a rough start in the tournament, losing 33-29 to Norway. However, the team quickly rebounded, securing a 33-30 victory over Romania to finish second in their group. In other matches, Spain defeated Argentina 32-18 and Slovakia 34-30 while Norway triumphed over Romania 37-26 to set up a thrilling final.

Egypt’s participation in these friendly matches aimed at building momentum and acclimating the team to a championship atmosphere.

Khaled Fathi, president of the Egyptian Handball Federation, highlighted the collective support for the national team, emphasising the commitment by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the leadership of Ashraf Sobhi, to ensure a strong showing at the tournament. Fathi expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and praised the players’ current form. He also acknowledged the vital role played by Egypt’s Ambassador to Croatia Ayman Tharwat in coordinating logistical arrangements and providing continuous support as the team prepares to play its group-stage matches in Croatia.

Egypt has been drawn into Group H of the World Championship alongside Croatia, Bahrain and Argentina. The final squad features a mix of experienced and talented players, including goalkeepers Karim Hendawi and Mohamed Ali, left wingers Ahmed Hesham Sisa and Bilal Ibrahim Massoud, and circle players Ibrahim Al-Masri and Ahmed Adel. The team’s lineup also includes star players Ali Zein, Ahmed Hesham Dodo, Mohamed Sanad and Yehia Khaled who will be instrumental in Egypt’s campaign.

On the global stage, Yehia Omar, Egypt’s superstar right back, has been named by the IHF one of the top 10 players to watch in the tournament. Just 27 years old, Omar has established himself as one of the world’s premier right backs, with accolades including being named the All-Star right back at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the MVP of the last two CAHB African Men’s Handball Championships. Currently playing for PSG Handball, Omar’s leadership will be crucial for Egypt, especially with Yehia Al-Deraa sidelined due to a knee injury. Omar has a history of outstanding performances in previous World Championships, having scored 64 goals across three editions since his debut at the age of 19 in France 2017.

As Egypt, the reigning African champions, aims for another stellar performance following seventh-place finishes in the last two editions, the team’s preparations reflect a shared determination to excel on the international stage. With a strong squad and comprehensive support, the Pharaohs are ready to make their mark in the tournament.

Croatia, Denmark and Norway were chosen as the hosts on 28 February 2020 at an IHF Council meeting in Cairo.

This will be the second time Croatia will host the World Men’s Handball Championship, the third for Denmark, and the first for Norway.

Denmark are the triple defending world champions, having won the 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions.


* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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