The progress achieved by the Malta Handball Association (MHA) over the past years has led the European Handball Federation to entrust the local body with the hosting of the Challenge Trophy, to be held bet-ween October 30 and November 1.
This will be the second time for the MHA to organise this international tournament after the 2003 edition.
The Challenge Trophy, under the auspices of the European federation, is a bi-annual tour-nament for countries still developing in the handball world.
Malta has been taking part in this competition since its inception in 1999 when the tournament was staged in Cyprus.
The Maltese squad has been preparing thoroughly for the Challenge Trophy since June. Malta will play Scotland, Ireland and Finland. The favourites are Finland. They have a very strong squad, a mix of experienced players and young players. Finland sowed their immense potential when winning the U-20 European Championships.