The Maltese national handball team will be taking part in the fourth edition of the EHF Challenge Trophy in Ireland between October 25 and 30.

The competition can be described as the equivalent of the Games of the Small States of Europe.

Malta made its debut in this event in 1999 in Cyprus. On that occasion Malta finished last out of six nations despite the fact that it had registered its first ever international victory against Ireland. Two years later in Latvia, Malta finished seventh from among eight teams as once again Malta registered one win against Ireland.

In December 2003, when the event was held in Malta, Malta got off to a great start with victories over Ireland and Liechtenstein. However, Malta failed to achieve a place on the podium as, in a decisive match for the bronze medal, it faltered against Great Britain, thus finishing fourth.

This time round Malta will be facing Azerbaijan, England, Ireland, Moldova and Scotland. Undoubtedly, Malta’s aim is to win its first ever international medal, thus making amends for losing out on the bronze medal it was so close to winning two years ago on home soil.