This began after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates - respective runners-up and semi-finalists at the 2014 Asian Championships - each withdrew in what was widely interpreted as a consequence of escalating political tensions with Qatar.

Relations between the host nation and several of its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbours have become increasingly strained due to Qatar's perceived support of Islamist groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East.

After a special GCC meeting was held in an attempt to restore harmony, both countries reversed their withdrawal and expressed their intentions to compete after all.

But following an International Handball Federation (IHF) Council meeting in Herzogenaurach, Germany, it was decided that, as the two letters of withdrawal were final, no further correspondence would be accepted, and the two re-entry requests would be refused.

There will be no repeat of Qatar and Bahrain's clash at the Asian Games, where Qatar took gold and Bahrain bronze after the withdrawal of Bahrain ©Getty Images



A fine of CHF 100,000 (£65,000/$100,200/€83,000) was also imposed, with Iceland and Saudi Arabia granted wildcard entries to replace them "on the basis of continental results", with the latter's choice somewhat ironic as Saudi-Qatari relations have also been strained in recent times.

Yet, despite this tumultuous build-up, there is much excitement building in the host nation, with a new anthem, entitled "Live it" having been recently released by the Organising Committee.

The seven-minute video features 24 musicians and artists representing each of the participating nations, with Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi leading the performance alongside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the Siwar Youth Choir.

Performed in English and Arabic, the song aims to promote "themes of unity and international collaboration", something particularly apt given the build-up.



As well as a further example of Qatar's growth as a country capable of staging major events, the Championships will also be a major opportunity for the host nation to continue its growth as a handball power, following a successful year crowned with a gold medal at the Asian Games in Incheon.

It will also mark the first time the event has taken place in the Gulf region, and the third time it has been held in the Arab world following Egypt in 1999 and Tunisia in 2005. 

Qatar will play in Group A alongside defending world champions Spain, along with Slovenia, Belarus, Brazil and Chile, while Croatia, Olympic champions France and Denmark will be the leading seeds in Group, B, C and D.

Action is due begin on January 15, with a round-robin section in which all teams play five matches, before knock-out matches begin, building up to the final scheduled for  February 1.

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