Outgoing Malta Handball Association President Daniel Tabone has reflected on his tenure at the helm of the sport, highlighting a period marked by institutional reform, technical development and historic achievements on both the domestic and international stage.
In a message to the Maltese handball community, Tabone looked back on the milestones reached during his presidency while expressing confidence that the foundations laid over recent years will continue to support the sport’s long-term development under new leadership.
Building Stronger Foundations
Among the key achievements highlighted was the modernisation of the Association’s legal and administrative framework, including the revision of its statute and the restructuring of domestic competitions.
Technical development also featured prominently during his presidency. Malta welcomed four expert coaches from the European Handball Federation (EHF), three of whom visited within the past six months, to strengthen coach education and raise technical standards across the sport.
Tabone also pointed to the return of Malta’s Women’s National Team to EHF competition after an absence of more than a decade, describing it as an important milestone in the continued growth of women’s handball.
He acknowledged the support received from the Government of Malta and Sport Malta, whose continued investment helped provide funding for technical development and improved facilities for clubs and national teams.
Historic Progress in Beach Handball
Beach handball emerged as one of the Association’s greatest success stories during Tabone’s presidency.
The Malta Men’s National Team secured a historic qualification for the 2025 European Beach Handball Championship, achieving a breakthrough that reflected years of sustained planning and development.
At the same time, the establishment of the Women’s Beach Handball National Team has already produced encouraging results over the past two summers, providing optimism ahead of the Mediterranean Beach Games in 2027.
Tabone also praised the Maltese Olympic Committee for its increasing financial and technical support, describing its contribution as instrumental in the rapid development of the beach handball programme.
Investing in the Next Generation
Grassroots development remained a central pillar of the Association’s long-term strategy.
A landmark achievement came in September 2025 when Malta became the smallest European nation to sign the EHF Grassroots Charter, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to youth participation and development.
The initiative forms part of the Malta Handball Association’s long-term Master Plan and has already contributed to a significant increase in Mini Handball participation, with growing numbers of young players providing encouragement for the future of the sport.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Reflecting on the challenges faced throughout his presidency, Tabone acknowledged that difficult decisions and testing moments were inevitable, but said the Association always sought to act in the best interests of Maltese handball.
He emphasised that the sport’s continued progress depends on collaboration rather than division, expressing his belief that “Maltese handball’s future depends on unity, respect and shared responsibility.”
As leadership passes to newly elected president Vladimiro Commodini and his administration, Tabone said he was confident that the Association is well positioned to continue building on the progress achieved in recent years.
Following a comprehensive handover process, he wished the incoming leadership every success as they guide Maltese handball into its next chapter.
In his closing remarks, Tabone thanked his fellow members of the Management Board for their dedication throughout his presidency, while also expressing appreciation to his family, friends and the Maltese media for their continued support and understanding.
Although stepping down from the Association’s highest office, he made it clear that his commitment to the sport remains unchanged.
Describing his presidency as a privilege, Tabone said the experiences, challenges and achievements would remain among his most valued memories, adding that while his role has come to an end, his support for Maltese handball will continue.
“I will always remain a supporter of Maltese handball,” he said, expressing his respect for everyone who will continue working to develop the sport and build on the progress achieved over recent years.
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