Int'l handball body honours OCA chief Sheikh Ahmad

DOHA, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has been granted a medal of honour of the highest order by the world's handball governing body, the International Handball Federation (IHF).
After receiving the award, Sheikh Ahmad told KUNA that he was honoured to have received the award by hand from IHF President Hassan Moustafa.
The honour is appreciated by the Kuwaiti-born OCA chief, particularly due to his passion and Kuwait's commitment to the sport, adding that he hoped he would be up to the task of serving the global sports family to the best of his ability.
On the 24th Men's Handball World Championship, currently being held in Qatar, he said he was "happy to be in our second homeland, Qatar, and it pleases and honours us that the opening ceremony was successful and that the competition is exceptional.
"Organisers, under the leadership of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and after the blessings of the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, have been able to present a beautiful image of Qatar, the Arabian Gulf and the Arab world at this competition, either through beautiful facilities or the wonderful opening," he added.
Sheikh Ahmad went on to congratulate the Amir of Qatar, the chief organizer of the competition and the Qatar Handball Association chief for their national side's opening match victory in the competition.
Qatar beat Brazil, 28-23, in their first encounter of Group A, which includes defending champions Spain.
The OCA chief had earlier attended a meeting with the Qatari Amir, alongside other Olympic officials, held on the fringes of the event.
Qatar is hosting the event at three huge stadia, which are Lusail Sports Arena, Duhail Handball Sports Hall and Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena.
It is the first Arab Gulf nation to host the illustrious global sports event and the third to do so in the Arab world after Tunisia (2005) and Egypt (1999). (end) nnd.sd