Why Ali Mohamed Isa Eshaqi candidates as First Vice IHF President in the team of Gerd Butzeck

As part of Gerd Butzeck’s team for the future leadership of the International Handball Federation, Ali Mohamed Isa Eshaqi candidates as First Vice President at the Congress in Cairo (20-22 December). Since 2008, he is President of the Bahrain Handball Federation and Vice President of the Asian Handball Federation. After several meetings of the two handball leaders, Gerd Butzeck and Ali Mohamed Isa Eshaqi agreed on a mutual cooperation for the elections at the IHF Congress. 

“As we approach the IHF Congress, our sport stands at a defining moment. It is time to look ahead with clarity, ambition and collective resolve. Together, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to guide handball toward a stronger and more united future. I enter this election with a firm belief that handball is evolving, and that we must advance alongside its growth  united and determined. We believe that the path to developing handball across all continents, in line with the progress achieved in Europe, begins with active representation and participation in the Executive Committee’s decision-making process,” says the Bahraini handball leader. 

This is the vision of Ali Mohamed Isa Eshaqi: “To foster a stronger, more inclusive, and globally connected handball community by advancing innovation, transparency, and youth development. My vision is to elevate the International Handball Federation’s leadership, ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth, competitive excellence, and worldwide accessibility for future generations.”

Therefore, the former handball player and member of Bahrain parliament has set the nine following goals: 

1. Infrastructure Development Through Innovative Funding Programs

Support national federations in building and upgrading their sports facilities by introducing sustainable funding initiatives and fostering international partnerships that enable countries to develop training halls and competition venues that meet global standards.

2. Strengthening Athlete Welfare

Prioritize athlete health, safety, and career development establishing stronger medical protocols, mental-wellbeing support, and post-career pathways.

3. Support the Establishment of a Youth Handball Development Academy

Enable the creation of a specialized academy dedicated to developing young handball talents through structured training and modern development pathways.

4. Expanding Women’s Handball Worldwide

Increase investment in women’s competitions, development programs, and leadership opportunities to ensure balanced growth of the sport.

6. Financial Growth & Strategic Investment

Develop new revenue streams, optimize resource distribution, and ensure financial stability for the IHF and its member federations.

7. Global Unity & Federation Empowerment

Encourage stronger communication, collaboration, and support mechanisms between the IHF and national federations to ensure shared success.

8. Innovation in Youth Championships

Redesign youth competitions to be more competitive, more visible, and better aligned with talent development pathways.

9. Organizing World Championships Across Continents

Promote global engagement by hosting IHF World Cup tournaments in different continents, broadening the sport’s reach and accessibility while enhancing competitive diversity.

Find all information on his website by clicking HERE.