24-nation manifestation

At the beginning there were three challenging contenders - Germany, Russia and Tunisia. Eventually the contest finished in a two-candidate campaign as Russia withdrew its candidature to focus solely on the women's world championship in St Petersburg.

Both remaining contestants had proficient technical credentials. However, like in all such confrontations, there could only be one host nation. Finally, the decision was made... Tunisia was to host the 19th men's World Handball Championship 2005.

It was an exciting experience in the realisation of yet another prestigious recognition for the north African country. With significant events like the Mediterranean Games in 2001 and CAN 2004 to their credit, the experience and reputation of Tunisia in organising high level events is today considered a distinctive guarantee of quality.

For 15 days, between January 23 and February 6, 24 countries shall participate in this tournament - 12 Europeans, four from Africa, three from the Asian region, three South-American countries, current title-holder Croatia, and, of course, Tunisia as hosts.

The first World Championship, held in Germany in 1939, was contested by ten European teams only.

Handball, for many years the domain of teams mainly from the ex-Communist bloc, has in recent years made great evolution in both numbers and quality. Today, the International Handball Federation (IHF) has the satisfaction of having in its realm no fewer than 150 associates with a passionate 17 million practising members worldwide.

Tunisia, where handball is the second largest sport, has approached its organisation commitment with pride and proficiency assigning a hefty budget of over €32 million, sparing no expense, particularly in infrastructure works, to honour their responsibility in conformity with the stringent standards expected by the IHF.

Originally eight sites, El Menzah, Sousse, Nabeul, Jendouba, Sfax, Radès, Monastir and Mahdia, were proposed but eventually Tunis (Radès), Sfax, Sousse, and Nabeul were recognised as the four venues to stage the championship.

While all chosen centres have been refurbished and equipped to cater for such a significant appointment, the new arena forming part of the Olympic Complex "7th of November" in Radès, is being acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece of its kind.

Multi-purpose facility

It will be able to welcome 12,000 spectators during handball, basketball and volleyball matches and up to 14,000 spectators for boxing or indoor football. On the other hand, 10,000 spectators will be able to follow hockey matches and 14,300 seats will be available on the occasion of other important meetings.

Furthermore, there are 31 seats installed in the presidential stand, 499 for VIP, 64 in the private stand and 24 seats for disabled persons. All safety measures were taken to avoid over-crowding... the evacuation of the spectators can take place in eight minutes.

The championship opening ceremony, on January 23, as well as the final stages of the tournament will be played at Radès, 10km from Tunis. Radès will also stage the selections of Group A comprising Tunisia, Angola, France, Denmark, Canada and Greece.

The nearest airport to Radès is Tunis-Carthage International Airport.

Nabeul, 58km south of Tunis, so renowned for its beautiful earthenware, play host to Algeria, Kuwait, Slovenia, Russia, Czech Republic and Iceland, who make up Group B.

Sfax, situated 270km south of Tunis and the second biggest city of Tunisia, will stage Group C made up of Croatia, Sweden, Spain, Argentina, Japan and Australia.

Sousse, 142 km south of Tunis and situated on the east coast of Tunisia, will host the qualifiers from Group D. This pits together Germany, Serbia and Montenegro, Norway, Egypt, Brazil and Qatar.

Following the preliminary round, three teams from each group move on to the second round (Main Tour) and here the 12 qualifiers are grouped into two pools.

Pool I will comprise qualifiers from Groups A and B, while the qualifiers from Groups C and D will make Pool II. Matches are being staged at Radès and Nabeul.

The quarter-final play-offs will also be played in Radès and Nabeul while the semi-finals, third place play-off and the eventual final will all be held at Radès. In all, the tournament will be made up of 86 matches.

Today sport is also one of the biggest contributors to the leisure industry and Tunisia is undoubtedly a principal player in the Mediterranean basin in this sphere.

With its various beautiful landscapes, serene sea panorama, a glorious history and captivating ancient traditions, Tunisia is a fascinating land of contrasts, enhanced with hospitable and courteous people anxious to present their esteem visitors with a natural and intimate blend of 'what was of yesterday and what there is today'.

And the forthcoming Games will definitely be contested in this jubilant spirit.

"We want this event to be one big feast," declared Kamel Idir, general co-ordinator of the championship, while addressing the press.

"We expect, at least, 200,000 foreign visitors for the Games. This augurs well for an exciting and joyful manifestation. Yes, all is set for a memorable championship."