Sheikh Joaan: Qatar Ready to Host any Sporting Event

Doha, February 01 (QNA) - HE the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for World Handball Cup 2015 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has confirmed that the State Qatar is always ready to host any sporting event, stressing that Qatar is prepared to enter the competition for hosting any championship in the coming period. Addressing a press conference at the close of the 24th World Handball Cup Championship which will conclude today, HE Sheikh Joaan said Qatar Handball Association has a clear strategy aimed to improve handball and to continue achieving successes that have occurred during the current championship in which it reached the finals to compete for the title. He explained that the Qatari team's great achievement in this championship is not only for the State of Qatar but for the Arab world at large, adding that he watched a lot of interaction from neighbouring countries with the Qatari team. HE Sheikh Joaan also noted that this achievement is also attributed to Qatar Handball Federation which worked for many years on improving the performance of handball in the country. He noted that the State of Qatar will host in November Asian qualifiers for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, pointing out that all facilities built for this tournament will be used for the benefit of handball not only in Qatar but worldwide. HE Sheikh Joaan thanked the media that participated in the coverage of the championship and which played a great role in the success of the championship. He also thanked Dr. Hassan Mustafa, President of the International Handball Federation, and all the Federation's officials for the effort they exerted to make the event a success. For his part, Dr. Hassan Mustafa, head of the International Handball Federation (IHF) thanked HE Bin Hamad Al -Thani, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the 2015 World Men's Handball Championship, the State of Qatar and all participants in the organization of the World Cup. It also thanked the CEO of beIN SPORT, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, for its magnificent effort in the transfer of the championship with the latest technology. He praised the efforts being exerted by the organizing committee in solving all the problems that have occurred during the championship, in the presence of 24 teams from different continents who came to Doha with their various cultures and customs. On the level of the tournament in general, Dr. Hassan Mustafa said that the technical level of the participating teams was strong and all games were played with parity and excitement, noting that it is the first time teams from outside Europe reach the finals, pointing out that the World Cup in Doha took the game in the right way towards its promotion and dissemination among all countries of the world. He stressed that the excellent organization of the tournament in Doha should inspire the rest of the countries in the region to do their utmost to have the privilege of organizing international tournaments. Dr. Mustafa said that all 125 doping conducted during the Championship, came up negative, which demonstrates the integrity of the tournament. Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee's Director General Dr Thani Al Kuwari said the organizing committee worked 24 hours a day during the tournament, and held three meetings with the International Handball Federation to get briefed on their observations. He commended the best support extended by the International Federation to the organizing committee which contributed to the success of the tournament. Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee's Director General added that the proceeds of the tournament will be directed to charities involved in education, pointing out the proceeds of ticket sales amounted to about QR 9 million will be given to the "Educate a Child" initiative. Al Kuwari thanked the International Handball Federation and all those who contributed to the success of the 24th Men's Handball World Championship, stressing that the success was due to joint efforts of all parties who worked together as one team in order to ensure successful championship. (QNA)