Doha, 8th February 2015 -QNB, “One of the World’s Strongest Banks”, acting in its dual capacity of tournament sponsor and strategic partner of the Qatar Men’s National Handball Team, celebrated the historic sporting achievement of Qatar reaching the Final of The 24th Men’s Handball World Championships in Doha by hosting a team reception recently at The Sharq Hotel & Spa Resort.
Players and Officials were honoured by Qatar’s biggest bank in recognition of Qatar becoming the first ever non-European side to reach a World Handball Final following impressive knock-out stage victories over Austria, Germany and Poland.
In a hard fought Final, Qatar lost 25-22 to Olympic and European Champions France at a packed and hugely supportive Lusail Multipurpose Hall venue.
Previously, no Asian team had reached the quarter-finals stage and only two African sides had ever reached the semi-finals.
Commenting on Qatar’s excellent performance at the Handball World Championships, QNB Group Chief Executive Officer. Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari said:
“QNB is delighted to be recognising the outstanding performance of the Qatar Men’s Handball Team during the recent World Championship. Coach Valero Rivera and the players were an inspiration to many and they have captivated the hearts and minds of the population by their stirring on-court performances. Their achievements were both considerable and historic and combined with an excellent organised tournament, they have left a lasting sporting legacy for Qatar Sport to emulate and be proud of in future years”.
A cornerstone of QNB’s comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility Programme (CSR) is the support given to national and grass-roots sporting activities and organisations across Qatar. This is aligned to The State of Qatar National Vision to become a true centre of sporting excellence in the MENA Region and an exceptional destination of sports tourism.