DOHA: Fans, international sports media and handball organisations have all agreed that the IHF Super Globe Championship 2014, which ended on Friday at the Qatar Handball Association Complex, has been a huge success.
In the exciting final, FC Barcelona (ESP) competed against Al Sadd (QAT) with the winning score of 34:26 to claim the Super Globe trophy.
Earlier on Friday, SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) emerged victorious against El Jaish (QAT) sealing their position at third place in the tournament.
At the awards ceremony, HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, the Minister of Youth and Sports and Dr. Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation felicitated the winning team FC Barcelona (ESP) with gold medals, a cheque and the championship trophy.
Second place, Al Sadd (QAT) was awarded silver medals, a trophy and a cheque by Ahmed Al Shaabi, Vice President of the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee and Miguel Rocca, first Vice-President of International Handball Federation.
Leon Kalin, Chairman of IHF Commission of Organising and Competition and Mohamad Jabor Al Mulla, Assistant Director General of Qatar 2015 Organising Committee and Director of the Super Globe were then invited to felicitate the Third place and Bronze Medallist winners, SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER).
The team was also presented with a cheque and a trophy for their place in the tournament.
Fans, teams and delegates cheered the winners during the awards ceremony that brought the exciting week of handball action to a close. Visitors and sports fans witnessed the matches at the all-new Qatar Handball Association Complex and still more have followed the action on the Al Kass television broadcasts.
For Qatar, the week has significantly showcased the country’s support for top-line sport, the incredible quality of the facilities, and the warm welcome shown to visiting teams and their families.
Mohamad Jabor Al Mulla, Assistant Director General of Qatar 2015 Organising Committee and Director of the Super Globe said: “We offer our warmest congratulations to teams responsible for the success of the IHF Super Globe Championship 2014 and look forward to hosting the matches in Qatar during the Qatar 2015 24th Men’s Handball World Championship.”
At every level, feedback about Qatar’s success in hosting the event and the facilities provided has been overwhelmingly positive. In particular, the Qatar Handball Association Complex, which hosted enthusiastic audiences during the week-long tournament, has received strong industry praise.
Members of the press and international media representatives were excited about their experience at the IHF Super Globe Championship 2014 as well.
Visiting Journalist from Spain, Javier Garcia de Alcaraz Argemi said: “The venue has been a good test for Qatar to hold the upcoming Men’s Handball World Championship. The organisers have been very good hosts showing care every step of the way and we don’t find this kind of treatment anywhere else. It is an advantage for Qatar and makes the experience better,” he said.
The newly-built venue is one of the most modern and technically-advanced handball stadiums in the region and it uses sustainable green technology to provide cooling and ventilation throughout the complex. Built to host professional tournaments and large crowds, the impressive main hall is able to seat over 5,400 spectators, including special presidential and VIP areas.
Coaches and players have also provided positive feedback about the professional-level match areas and training halls that have been available to them during the tournament.
Siarhey Rutenka, Coach of FC Barcelona (ESP), the winning team for this season said: “I am impressed with the venues and the whole organisation. Before the World Championship qualification play-off matches, I said to my team-mates we have to be there, because it will be a fantastic experience.”
Contributing to the smooth operations at the event were more than 150 volunteers that dedicated their time and services to the IHF Super Globe Championship 2014 and have assisted with Accreditation, Spectator Services, Media/Broadcasting, Transportation, Protocol, Airport Services, Accommodation and Uniforms.
For the Organising Committee, the successful completion and opening of the Complex has been another major step forward in the journey towards hosting the Championship.
Fahad Fadol Al-Yafei, Head of the Venues Committee, said: “This is a magnificent venue for handball that demonstrates Qatar’s investment in advanced sports infrastructure in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030. It underlines Qatar’s commitment to develop world-class stadiums that will host major events, at the same time minimising the environmental impact of the construction and operation processes.”
Sheikha Asmaa Thani Al Thani, Head of the Marketing & Communication Committee said: “Our team has been working tireless in the run-up to the event and has done a great job of bringing visibility through branding across the region. We are positive that the Qatar 2015 tournament next year will be bigger, better and truly world-class.”
Khamis Mubarak Al-Kuwari, Head of the Finance Committee said: “The success of the Super Globe is an example of the team’s efforts as well as the commitment towards this sport in Qatar.”
Salah Mahmoud Al-Saadi, Head of the Game Services Committee said: “We are in an extremely good position to host the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship games next year as the team is already aware of and prepared for the nuances involved with handling international events such as these.”
Abdulla Yousuf. Al-Mulla, Head of the Media and Broadcasting Committee said:
“We had a good mix of local and international representatives from the media and have ensured coverage of the event on ground as well through the provision of comprehensive media reports. The team has done excellent and timely work and we look forward to replicating this success for the championship games next year,” he said.
Abdulla Mohd Al-Hajri, Head of the Administration Committee said: “The past week has given us a realistic glimpse of the services that will be required for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship next year.”
The Qatar Handball Association Complex will be one of the host venues for the Qatar 2015 Men’s Handball World Championship, which will take place in Doha next year from January 15 to February1.THE PENINSULA
