Qatar 2015 Director General Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Vice President of the Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee Ahmed Mohamed al-Shaabi and International Handball Federation’s (IHF) chief of competitions Leon Kalin attend a meeting with officials during the IHF team’s three-day visit, during which they also inspected preparations at the new facilities coming up — Losail and Al Sadd.

By Sports Reporter/Doha



Leon Kalin, the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) chief of competitions, has praised the efforts of the Men’s Handball World Championship Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee, saying he was impressed by the progress that has been made so far.  
The delegation, chaired by Kalin, wrapped up its meeting with the Qatari committee chaired by Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari after a three-day visit. The delegation used their time to see firsthand the progress of the facilities coming up at Al Sadd and Losail
The two parties discussed other preparations including accommodation, transport and security among others. Delegations of teams participating in the competition will be transported from their hotels to the stadiums for free. The two parties also discussed issuing permits for participating delegations via the Internet. The delegation stressed on the importance of testing all facilities prior to the kick-off of the world cup, set to be held at the beginning of 2015.   
The delegation also reviewed the Qatari committee’s plans for the draw ceremony, set to be held in July 20. The committee said that the ceremony will reflect the Qatari traditions.  
Vice President of the Qatar 2015 Organizing Committee Ahmed Mohamed al-Shaabi said that the preparation work has been going as planned. He added that the new courts will be a pride to Qatar and the Middle-East once they are completed.
For his part, Qatar 2015 Director General Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari said that HE Chairman of the Organizing Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani has been following up on the preparations step by step. Al-Kuwari added that the organising committee was committed to delivering the best Handball World Championship ever held.
Twenty-four teams will take part in the event, although about a dozen of them are still unknown as the qualification process is yet toe completed. After all teams are identified, the draw will take place in Doha on July 20. The draw ceremony will be a gala affair that will showcase the customs and traditions of Qatar, officials said.
Dr al-Kuwari said that Qatar is confident of hosting a spectacular tournament. “All committees involved in the tournament are working as one team to ensure the success of the event,” Dr al-Kuwari said. “All those involved in the design and construction of the facilities are determined to ensure that everything goes according to precise details of the plans.”


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