The grant means the GB men�s team can try to make a mark on the handballing world

Great Britain's men's handball team are to receive up to £60,000 from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The news comes as a major boost for the GB team, who on Thursday secured a 32-32 draw with host nation Luxembourg in the Four Nations Tournament.

The money will support the team's entry into the 2012 European Championships, ahead of the London Olympics that year.

The sport had its funding slashed in January, prompting fears a team would not be fielded at London 2012.

"We were in the difficult situation of having to enter the European Championships without knowing for sure if we had the funds to do so," said British Handball's Performance Director Lorraine Brown.

"But now, thanks to the IOC grant, we can concentrate on making plans for a successful campaign."

Handball's bid for an Olympic Solidarity Grant was chosen over similar appeals from both volleyball and water polo.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to the grant boost given to the Great Britain men's handball team

The IOC cash will be released in stages, with the first amount being for a preparation camp in Britain and Europe in 2010 and followed by money to support the qualification rounds later next year and into 2011.

In January, handball saw it's London 2012 funding cut by UK Sport because of a budget shortfall of £50m, brought about by the failure of a Government campaign to secure financial backing from the private sector.

Handball had received £2.99m over the previous three years but saw this slashed to £1.448m for the next four.

On the court, the Great Britain team will take great heart from their performance on Thursday in drawing with Luxembourg.

Trailing 30-27 in the closing stages, Great Britain hit back with a five-goal spell and led 30-32 before a couple of late goals from the hosts ensured the spoils were shared.

They continue their campaign against Belgium on Friday.

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