Malta’s next generation of handball talent has officially taken to the international stage. The Malta Handball Association (MHA) has deployed its Under-17 girls’ and Under-19 boys’ national teams to the French capital for the prestigious 2026 Paris World Games, running from July 6th to July 11th.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier youth sporting events, the Paris World Games brings together thousands of young athletes from over 60 countries across multiple disciplines, including football, basketball, rugby sevens, and handball.

A Global Stage for Development

The tournament kicked off in iconic fashion with a traditional opening ceremony along the River Seine, where the Maltese youth delegation proudly hoisted the national flag.

For Malta’s young athletes, the stakes go far beyond the scoreboard. Facing elite international clubs, top-tier academies, and strong national programs across more than 10 venues in and around Paris, the tournament serves as a crucial developmental crucible.

The coaching staff features a strong leadership structure geared toward navigating this high-level competition:

• Under-19 Boys Head Coach: Jacob Ciantar
• Under-17 Girls Head Coach: Raquel Ciantar
• MHA Head Coach & Technical Overseer: Guy Bischoff

A Unified Effort Across Two Administrations

The tournament marks the first major international milestone under the leadership of the newly elected MHA President, Vladimiro Comodini. Highlighting the seamless transition of leadership that made the trip possible, Comodini expressed his deep appreciation for the collective effort behind the scenes.

“This opportunity was first secured through the work of the previous committee, and I would like to thank them for laying the groundwork for our participation. Credit is also due to the current committee, whose commitment ensured that everything was brought together in the final stages to make this a reality.

To our players and coaches, I wish you a rewarding week in Paris. Beyond the results, this is above all a developmental experience — the chance to compete against quality opposition, learn, and grow both as athletes and as a group.”

— Vladimiro Comodini, MHA President

Powering Local Sport

The MHA extended its formal gratitude to its vital domestic partners—SportMalta, VisitMalta, and the Maltese Olympic Committee. Their continuous administrative and financial support remains the backbone of Maltese sports development, enabling local athletes to gain invaluable international exposure at world-class events.