Qatar 2015 welcomes fans from around the world

By Sports Reporter/Doha, QatarThe first weekend of the Men’s Handball World Championship succeeded in bringing a diverse range of fans to Qatar, with many registering their surprise and delight at the warm welcome they have received. Handball brings an incredible selection of nations together in competition, and for many visitors, Qatar 2015 has been their first visit to Qatar – or even to the Middle East. In particular, the Championship has welcomed a large contingent from Eastern Europe and Russia. BOSNIAN FANS THRILLED WITH DEBUT WIN     Excited Bosnian handball fans took off to the Lusail Sports Arena to cheer on their team, as they appeared in their debut World Cup game against Iran on Friday. Coming from all over the Gulf region, as well as Europe and Australia, fans came dressed in Bosnia’s blue and yellow colours and were delighted with the outcome of the match.The third most popular sport in Bosnia after football and basketball, handball has great community support in the small Eastern European country. Many fans have made the trip to Doha to support their team’s efforts here. Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for its first major international competition when it earned a place at the 24th Men’s World Handball Championship. Layla Suljic, a Bosnian national and resident of Doha, was especially excited for her team. “I always expected that our team would win and I’m so happy to see them win here. The stadium and the organisation has been amazing!” she said. Damir Kartal, who travelled to Doha from Dubai specifically to watch Bosnia’s opening match was impressed with the event. “I’m here for this weekend, and if Bosnia continues to win then, I will definitely come back to see them. The facilities and organisation of this event have been fantastic. To see this many Bosnians turn up to support our team is so amazing. As a debutante at a World Cup, to win the first match is great and I hope it gives them confidence to win the next games they play,” he said. RUSSIAN SUPPORT FOR HANDBALL IS LOUD AND LIVELY A boisterous and happy crowd of Russians were present at the Duhail Handball Sports Hall on Friday afternoon to watch the showdown with Saudi Arabia.  “The match environment has been very exciting, and Duhail arena is amazing.  I play handball myself, and I can tell you that this facility is among the finest I have seen anywhere in the world,” said Alexander Kashirin, a Russian national, who has lived in Doha for three years. He was delighted by Russia’s 27-17 defeat against Saudi Arabia. “I was only able to watch last night’s opening ceremony on television, but I was very impressed - particularly with the way that the importance of improving the lives of children was woven into the storytelling.  It was very touching,” he added. THE ‘MACEDONIAN PHALANX’ ROARS INTO QATAR Lusail Multipurpose Hall saw one of the largest crowds on Friday, as FYRO Macedonia took on Tunisia. Although significantly outnumbered by Tunisian supporters, the Macedonian fans were able to match them for volume and cheering. Known as the “Macedonian Phalanx”, the fans travel around the world with their team and are highly committed to the game –they even received a certificate of appreciation from the IHF for their devotion towards their team A Macedonian fan who lives in Doha said, “Everyone follows handball in Macedonia. It’s a really big sport for us. I came here expecting Macedocnia to win, since we have a really strong team this year. There are 20-30 people here from Macedonia to cheer our team on and especially Kiril Lazarov - he’s the team’s superstar.” After the match, the Macedonian fans were thrilled as they beat Tunisia 33-25, and thanks to Lazarov, who scored ten goals.