CAIRO, September 7, 2020 - The 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship draw was conducted at the Giza Pyramids in Egypt on Saturday September 5, and there were lots of entertainment as the championship mascot, Horus, was revealed.
Millions all over the world watched the spectacular draw ceremony under the supervision of Egypt's Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy and IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa.
The teams were drawn by the Egypt national handball team captain Ahmed El Ahmar and his teammate Ali Zein, alongside youth World Cup champions Hassan Kadah and Abdel Rahman Homayed.
Egypt's Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly thanked Egypt's President H.E. Abdel Fattah El Sisi for giving the green light to host the 27th edition of the IHF Men's Handball World Championship despite the challenges and sufferings facing the entire world.
"I am happy we are hosting this big event in Egypt as it's the first time it is being played with 32 national teams," Madbouly said during his speech ahead of the draw proceedings.
"Egypt face a big challenge in hosting such a championship because of the coronavirus pandemic but we accepted the challenge," The Egyptian Prime Minister said.
Egypt Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy expressed his pleasure by hosting the draw of the 27th edition of the IHF Men's Handball World Championship at Giza Pyramids Plateau, confirming that the event reflects Egypt's ability to achieve a successful tournament.
"I am happy for choosing the Giza Pyramids Plateau as a host for the tournament's draw," Sobhy said during his addressing speech to the attendees ahead of the Draw Ceremony.
Sobhy thanked Egypt's President H.E. Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his continuous and unlimited support to host the 27th edition of the World Championship, emphasising that Egypt has all the facilities needed to produce a great tournament.
"Egypt is delivering to the world a message of peace, security and safety," the Egyptian sports minister added.
IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa thanked the Egyptian government for hosting the 27th edition of the IHF Men's Handball World Championship.
"It is my pleasure to be here among you to celebrate the draw ceremony. I also want to express my gratitude to the government of Egypt for taking the challenge and hosting this event. Many thanks to Prime Minister Dr Moustafa Madbouly and Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Ashraf Sobhy for all the effort they have done to guarantee delivering a great event especially in the fields of halls' construction, infrastructure and all preparations required," he said
As hosts, Egypt had the right to choose their group, and selected Group G with Sweden, Czech Republic and the South and Central America qualifier winner, set to be known in November.
Denmark current world champions are in Group D with DR Congo, Bahrain and Argentina.
Here are the groups:
Group A: Germany, Hungary, Uruguay, Cape Verde
Group B: Spain, Tunisia, Brazil, Poland
Group C: Croatia, Qatar, Japan, Angola
Group D: Denmark Argentina, Barhain, DR Congo
Group E: Norway Austria, France, (North America 1)
Group F: Portugal, Algeria, Iceland, Morocco
Group G: Sweden, Egypt, Czech Republic, (South America 4)
Group H:Slovenia, Belarus, South Korea, Russia
The 27th edition of the IHF Men’s World Championship – the first IHF World Championship to be played with 32 teams – will take place in Egypt from 13 to 31 January 2021 at four venues, the Cairo Stadium Indoor Hall, The New Administrative Capital Hall, The 6th of October Hall and The Borg El Arab Hall.
