QNB main sponsor of IHF Super Globe

The 2012 International Handball Federation (IHF) Super Globe tournament will be held at the Al Gharafa Arena from August 27 to September 1.

Qatar National Bank will be the exclusive sponsor for the event. This was announced at a press conference by Ahmad Mohamed Abdulrab al-Shaabi, president of the Qatar Handball Association (QHA) and Salem al-Naimi, QNB representative. Also present on the occasion was Mohamed Jabber al-Mulla, QHA general secretary.

This is the fourth time, after 2002, 2010 and 2011, that Qatar will host the IHF Super Globe. Eight of the world’s top ranked handball club teams from five continents will compete for the trophy. Hosts Qatar will also be fielding two local teams – Al Sadd and Al Jeish, who received a wild card entry into the tournament.

The draw for the Preliminary Round of the 2012 Super Globe also took place in Doha on June 23. Defending champion THW Kiel will face Mudhar (Saudi-Arabia, Asian representative), Al Sadd (Qatar, host) and Sydney (Australia/Oceania representative) in the first stage. 2011 finalist and European representative Atletico Madrid will compete with Al-Zamalek (Egypt/Africa), Metodista Sao Bernardo (Brazil/Pan America) and Al Jeish (Qatar, wild card participant).

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This is another great opportunity for Qatar to show their strength and perfection in organising such a major event ahead of the World Championship to be held here in 2015. The 2013 Handball congress is also scheduled to be held here in Doha.

“All the top players of Europe will be coming here at the beginning of the season. So they will be fresh and raring to go. There will be lot of excitement and some absorbing contests. It provides us opportunity to showcase our organising skills,” said QHA president.

He was also confident that the local side can also put up a good show. “I’m sure our teams will also perform well. There are many good players in our clubs and they can match against the best. It will be interesting to see how our sides rise to the occasion,” felt al-Shaabi.

source: Gulf Times