Austria, Hungary claim titles of ISF World Schools Handball Championship

DOHA, March 1, 2018-Austria and Hungary teams clinched the boys and girls title respectively at the ISF World Schools Handball Championship yesterday. At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Germany was left heart-broken after both its boys and girls team lost in the final.

In the boys' title clash, Austria edged out Germany 21-18 after a thrilling match. Both the teams were locked 18-18 after regular time, before Austrian players kept their nerves to win the game and championship in extra time.

At final whistle, Austrian players jumped with joy as German team rued their missed opportunities. It was the second setback of the day for Germany, after the girls team also went down to Hungary.

Hungarian girls were deserved winners, though, after a comprehensive 30-17 win, which left Germany stunned. The final was expected to be a close one, with Germany having impressed the most throughout the group stages. But Hungary raised their game when it mattered to walk away with the title.

The third place in the girls went to Denmark, who beat Brazil in the play-off. Israel boys, meanwhile beat Poland, to take the boys' third spot. Meanwhile, Qatar boys' team finished a creditable 10th in the championship.

Rabea al-Kaabi, President of the School Sports Federation and Chairman of the Organising Committee, gave away the prizes. Organised by the Qatar School Sports Association under the patronage of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), the 24th edition of the championship was held at three venues – Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Aspire Dome and Women's Sports Hall in Aspire.

The tournament was for 16-18-year-olds and it was the first time in 24 editions, the championship took place outside of Europe. The competition was fierce with 19 girls and 18 boys' teams from 21 countries from across Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe competing for glory.

Al-Kaabi was pleased with the tournament's success. “We are happy with what we have seen in the tournament and with the great participation of teams from different countries," al-Kaabi said.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts during the tournament, especially the committees that worked to make it a success. We are proud of what we have achieved through this competition. I would like to thank the handball federation for their great cooperation and we hope are successful in hosting any upcoming events," he added.

Meanwhile, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim Rashid al-Buenain met on Tuesday with President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Laurent Petrynka, who is currently visiting the country.

The meeting reviewed aspects of sport co-operation and ways to enhance and develop them in the upcoming stage. The QOC secretary-general commended the efforts of the ISF President to promote the school sports globally.

For his part, the ISF President lauded the success of the 2018 ISF World School Handball Championship. The meeting was also attended by Director of the QOC Sport Affairs Department Khaleel al-Jabir.

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