The first-ever Philippine Beach Handball Open successfully took place on Capitol Beach in the north-western municipality of Lingayen as part of the inaugural Philippine Beach Games last weekend.

 

The 2018 Philippine Beach Handball Open featured eight teams in the men’s and women’s competitions (17 years old and above) with teams from the Philippines joined by Japanese women’s team Konuichi. Indonesian men’s team Banten from the island of Java had to cancel their planned appearance due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

In the women’s competition it was the international experience from Japan which proved to be key as Konuichi won the title ahead of Metro and St. Clare Saints. However, Metro could celebrate gold as they won the men’s competition ahead of Baras Barakos HC and Antipolo Cruzaders.

 

“It was two fun-filled days of beach handball and all the athletes and coaches had a great time,” said Head Coach of the Philippine Handball Federation, Jana Franquelli.

 

“More importantly though, it was a new experience for our community,” she continued. “We are planning to stage this event yearly to provide more tournaments for local and international teams as beach handball continues to grow and become more popular in the Philippines.”

 

The Philippine Handball Federation (PHF) looks to continue popularising the sport in the south east Asian country and are hoping that the Olympic sport will be included in the schedule of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) which will also be hosted by the Philippines late next year.

 

FINAL RANKING

 

Men’s Competition

1. Metro Handball Club

2. Baras Barakos HC

3. Antipolo Cruzaders

 

Women’s Competition

1. Konuichi (Japan)

2. Metro Handball Club

3. St. Clare Saints

 

For more information about beach handball in the Philippines, visit the PHF Facebook page HERE.

 

Photos: PHF