Handball World Championships Postponed Due to COVID-19 Surge

Handball World Championships Postponed Due to COVID-19 SurgeHandball World Championships Postponed Due to COVID-19 Surge The 2023 Men’s Handball World Championships, scheduled to take place in Poland and Sweden from January 11th to 29th, have been postponed indefinitely due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across Europe. The decision was made by the International Handball Federation (IHF) in consultation with the Polish and Swedish Handball Federations. The IHF cited the “rapidly evolving global health situation” and the “increasing uncertainty” surrounding the ability to hold the event safely as the primary reasons for the postponement. “The health and safety of our athletes, officials, fans, and the general public is our top priority,” said IHF President Hassan Moustafa. “After careful consideration and consultation, we have decided that it is not possible to hold the World Championships at this time.” The postponement is a major disappointment for the teams and fans who were eagerly anticipating the tournament. The World Championships are held every two years and are considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport. “We are extremely disappointed that we have to postpone the World Championships,” said Poland’s Handball Federation President Andrzej Kraśnicki. “We have been working hard to prepare for the event, and we were excited to welcome the world’s best teams to our country.” Sweden’s Handball Federation President Magnus Grahn echoed Kraśnicki’s sentiments. “We are all very sad that the World Championships will not be held as planned,” he said. “We understand the IHF’s decision, but it is a tough blow for our sport.” The IHF has yet to announce a new date for the World Championships. It is possible that the tournament will be rescheduled for later in 2023 or even for 2024. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will make a decision on a new date as soon as possible,” said Moustafa. “We are committed to providing our athletes with the opportunity to compete at the World Championships in a safe and fair environment.” The postponement of the Handball World Championships is the latest in a series of sporting events that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several other major events, including the Tokyo Olympics and the UEFA Champions League, have also been postponed or canceled.