The 2017 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship took place in France from January 11 to January 29, 2017. This was the 25th edition of the tournament organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF).
Key Highlights
- Champion: France successfully defended their title, defeating Norway 33–26 in the final match held in Paris. This victory marked France’s sixth World Championship title12.
- Runner-Up: Norway, which reached the finals for the first time, secured a silver medal.
- Bronze Medal Match: Slovenia claimed their first-ever World Championship medal by beating Croatia 31–3014.
Attendance and Impact
The championship set a record with approximately 540,000 spectators, including 23 sold-out matches. The event was hailed as a significant success for French handball, with high media coverage and engagement on social media platforms reaching millions globally31. IHF President Dr. Hassan Moustafa praised the organization of the event and its impact on promoting handball in France, suggesting it could lead to increased participation and attendance in future events3.
Tournament Structure
- A total of 24 teams participated, with France automatically qualifying as hosts and the previous champions, Qatar, also receiving a spot due to France’s dual qualification as host and champion.
- The tournament featured teams from various continents, showcasing a diverse range of talent and competition levels.
This championship not only highlighted France’s dominance in handball but also contributed to the sport’s growth and popularity within the country and beyond.
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