Egypt is close to finalising preparations for the 2025 IHF Men’s Club World Championship, the premier world club handball tournament, with less than a week for the tournament to go.
The tournament will start on September 26 and last until October 2. It will showcase the globe’s top-notch clubs, further solidifying Egypt’s growing reputation as a hub for major international sports competitions.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, has met President of the Egyptian Handball Federation (EHF), Khaled Fathy, who is also the head of the organizing committee of the championship to assess preparations for the event.
Held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the New Administrative Capital, the meeting focused on ensuring that all logistical, technical, and organizational aspects of the competition are meticulously handled.
Minister Sobhi underscored the importance of maximum preparedness for the event and coordination with all relevant bodies to guarantee a successful and a seamless event.
He also instructed the swift formation and official approval of the tournament’s various committees and a 24/7 monitoring of all arrangements.
Egypt’s selection as the host nation for this prestigious tournament is a testament to its world-class sports infrastructure and proven capability to host large-scale international events, sports commentators said.
The Arab country has successfully organised several high-profile tournaments, including the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship, which was widely praised for its high standards and organisational efficiency.
Hosting the 2025 IHF Men’s Club World Championship does not only boost Egypt’s profile on the international stage but also provides a unique opportunity for local fans to witness top-tier handball.
Minister Sobhi highlighted the importance of providing all necessary support to the EHF and the organising committee so that they can showcase Egypt’s readiness and excellence in sports management.
The tournament will feature a line-up of formidable teams from around the world, promising a week of intense competition.
The roster includes two of Egypt’s own powerhouse clubs, Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC, adding local flavour to the global event.
They will be joined by top international clubs like Spain’s FC Barcelona, Germany’s SC Magdeburg, and Hungary’s Veszprém KC.
Other participants include Al Sharjah from the UAE, Brazil’s Taubaté, the California Eagles from the US, and the University of Sydney from Australia, along with a European team receiving a wild card entry.
This diverse and competitive field guarantees a thrilling spectacle for handball enthusiasts worldwide.
Egypt’s passion for handball is not a recent development, but a deep-rooted history of ambition and success.
The Egyptian national handball team, often referred to as “The Pharaohs”, has a long and distinguished record, particularly as the dominant force in African handball.
Egypt, meanwhile, has a formidable record in the African Championship, having won the title multiple times. Their consistent success at the continental level has solidified their position as the strongest team in Africa, often qualifying for major international tournaments.
Egypt also has a history of surprising global powerhouses. They were the first non-European team to reach the semi-finals of the World Championships, a monumental achievement at the 2001 IHF World Championship in France.
This performance, where they ultimately finished fourth, marked a turning point for the sport in the country and put Egyptian handball on the global map.
A key to Egypt’s sustained success is its investment in youth programmes. The country has produced world-class junior and youth teams, with the Egyptian U-19 team famously winning the IHF Youth World Championship in 2019. This victory highlighted a new generation of talent, many of whom have since joined the senior team and are making their mark in major European clubs.
The Egyptian team has consistently qualified for both the IHF World Championships and the Olympic Games. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they made history by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals in the Olympic handball tournament, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.
