The 12th edition of the Men’s Junior Pan American Championship took place from 20 to 25 March in Asuncion, Paraguay. Brazil claimed the title for the third straight time, as Argentina had to admit defeat in the final. With Chile beating USA in the match for third place, they join the finalists at the 2017 Men’s Junior World Championship in Algeria (18-30 July).

 

Seven countries from all over Pan America took part in the championship. In Group A, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic faced each other, while the teams from Brazil, USA and Chile played in Group B.

 

Unbeaten in their respective groups, Argentina and Brazil went on to the semi-finals where both teams defeated their respective opponents with ease – Argentina won against USA by 31:22 and Brazil outclassed Chile 30:11. In the final, Brazil left Argentina no chance, beating them 31:23 after a half-time score of 18:14 and claimed their overall sixth Men’s Junior Pan American Championship title. Thus, they drew level with their opponents with six gold and six silver medals at the tournament, as the neighbours have faced each other in every final since the very first edition in 1993. 

 

The match for third place was played between Chile and USA. The two teams met already in the preliminary round and while USA could beat Chile in their first match (31:24), the latter emerged victorious in the second (23:18) to finish third and claim a spot at the World Championship in July.

 

With 41 goals, Maikel Beras (DOM) became Top Scorer of the tournament.