Handball player Hanser Rodríguez

Havana, May 4 (JIT) - The Cuban men's handball team, winners of the world championship of emerging nations held in Varna, Bulgaria, was received at José Martí International Airport by Inder authorities.

The welcome was attended Wednesday night by the first vice-president of the Cuban sports organization, Raúl Fornés Valenciano, and vice-president Ariel Sainz Rodríguez, in addition to members of the Cuban Handball Federation.

Addressing the Antillean delegation, Fornés Valenciano expressed "congratulations for this excellent result. We have all enjoyed it. You have put the name of Cuba on high and it fills us with joy to have won the gold medal undefeated. Welcome to the homeland that proudly contemplates you".

Speaking to JIT, the team's technical director Jover Hernandez said they are very happy and satisfied with the result and the boys, who performed at a high level. 

"We hope that this level is maintained. The team has been preparing for the fundamental event: the Central American and Caribbean Games of San Salvador 2023," he said.

He also mentioned the athletes who stood out, including left back Hanser Miguel Rodríguez, selected as the tournament's most valuable player with 23 goals, and Lidier Vergara as the best defender. However, he affirmed that the team's collective work was the most important thing.

Ledier feels very happy because they finished undefeated, a reason for the people to continue supporting handball on the island. 

Cuba won the crown by defeating Cyprus in the final with a score of 28-18 goals.