Handball nations across the Middle East, Asia and North Africa have all united behind Qatar as the country waits with bated breath for the decision on January 27 in Malmö, Sweden.

The bid to bring the event to the Middle East for the first time is strongly supported by 16 handball federations including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, India, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Giving its support to the Qatar 2015 candidature, the Indian Handball Federation stated: "The Handball World Championship in Qatar would be a fantastic catalyst for development in the region.

"Countries in the Gulf, the Middle East and in Asia in general are ready to host the IHF's flagship event."

Also giving full support to the bid, the Qatar Olympic Committee stated: "It would be a great honour and unique opportunity for the nation of Qatar to host this event.

"We can assure that it will be given the highest priority as we understand the importance of this event and handball as a whole."


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