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| France's players celebrate with the trophy during the award ceremony for the 24th Men's Handball World Championship in Doha |
France added another feather to their cap by emerging champions in the 24th Men’s World Handball Champions on Sunday evening after a clinical 25-22 win over hosts, Qatar, in a hotly contested final here at the 15,000-seater, Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha.
Handball heavyweights France clinched their fifth world title after versatile playmaker Nikola Karabatic steered them over host nation and surprise finalists Qatar in a hotly contested duel on Sunday.
All statistics favoured France during the epic final duel that was graced by crown prince of Qatar His Excellency Sheikh Emir Thamim Bin Hamad Thani and International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Moustafa, among other dignitaries.
France matched to the finals with an unbeaten record after eight wins and a draw in their preliminary match with the home team staging a surprise final spot.
Since 1993, France have not lost a major competition, the Olympic Games, World Championships and European championship.
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They have already faced the competition hosts in the finals and twice ended up having the last laugh, in 2009 World championship in Croatia and the 2014 European championship in Denmark. It was the same script but a different cast for the team.
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With the win, France did not only take medals, a trophy and prize money amounting to US dollars 100,000, but will also get a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
By reaching the finals, both France and Qatar have qualified for the 2017 World Championships to be hosted by France.
In another encounter, Poland defeated Spain 29-28 in the third place play-off after a dramatic overtime showdown at the same venue.
In his closing ceremony speech, Moustafa thanked the State of Qatar and the local organising committee for a job well done and congratulated the champions France for putting up a stellar show.
“This is the best World Championship ever and I wish the others will also be organised in the same manner. I wish other teams the best of luck in the next championship. Qatar national team has achieved much in this competition, see you all in France,” said the official.
