Sports fans from across the Arab world have electrified the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship, bringing their passionate support for national teams on their home turf.
With a diverse set of countries competing against one another in a round-robin, fans from around the world, and especially from Arab nations, have been cheering on their national teams with fervour, while also praising the event’s organisation and world-class arenas.
‘THE PHARAOHS’ RULE
Chanting songs, banging drums, and waving flags –thousands of Egyptian fans living in Qatar celebrated the hard-fought wins of ‘The Pharaohs’ against North African rivals Algeria and the Czech Republic. Egypt currently stands third in Group C and drew its last match against Sweden and has qualified for the pre-quarterfinals of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship.
Handball is the second most popular sport to football in Egypt and its popularity is evident from the number of Egyptian nationals coming to show their support for the team. The stadia are filled with waving flags, non-stop cheers and passionate reactions to every play.
Anas Hazzaa, an Egyptian national who lives in Doha, and a self-professed “ultra-fan” for Cairo’s Zamalek Sporting Club, attends every Egyptian sporting match in Qatar.
“All of the Egyptians in Qatar came to the match against Algeria,” he said. “It’s special because there are many matches between the two countries; this is like a derby for the Middle East. Egypt has a very good handball team, and I expect we will win the championship.”
Draped in their green and red flag colours, Algerian fans living in Qatar and traveling from home pumped up the “Greens”. Ooredoo Algeria, the Algerian arm of Qatar-based communications company Ooredoo, flew over more than 100 of Algeria’s most passionate fans to Qatar specifically for the event.
Aidel Salima, a handball coach in Algiers, was sponsored by Ooredoo Algeria. “Algerian fans are very passionate and expressive about sports,” she said. “There are a lot of possibilities in Qatar for sport and handball – there is strong organisation, many stadiums, and good hotels for fans.”
TUNISIAN FANS OPTIMISTIC
Tunisia, nicknamed the ‘Eagles of Carthage’, had their wings clipped in their opening match against Macedonia. Despite the loss, fans remained hopeful that the runners-up to the 2014 African Men’s Handball Championship would continue their success at Qatar 2015.
Dr Abdulrahman El Qadi, a Tunisian national who has lived in Qatar for 12 years, has bought tickets to all of Tunisia’s matches. “I wish the best for the other Arab teams,” he said. “The opening ceremony was amazing, and the Lusail Multipurpose Hall is one of the best, I’ve ever seen in my life.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fought hard in their opening losses in Group D but loyal fans continue to show support for the country.
Handball has grown in popularity significantly in the MENA region in recent years, and this year’s Championship provides an important platform to compare the progress made by national teams on the pitch. Fans from Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia have come to show their support and thanks to the organising committee, more people from across the region are discovering the excitement of handball.
Egyptian fans have been some of the most vocal ones at the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship. PICTURE: Jayaram
