Senegal Celebrates Historic Wins in Youth Beach Handball Championships

Mexico Beach, United States - In a thrilling display of athleticism and camaraderie, Senegal’s beach handball teams made waves at the recently concluded 2025 IHF Men’s and Women’s Youth Beach Handball World Championships in Hammamet, Tunisia. As they celebrated their first-ever victories on the international stage, the excitement surrounding this dynamic sport continues to rise, especially with the country set to host the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Senegal’s women’s team kicked off their journey with a challenging encounter against Hungary, where they faced defeat with a score of 2-0 (23:16, 12:10). However, they bounced back admirably, first clinching a nail-biting win against Tunisia in a thrilling shoot-out, thriving under pressure with a final score of 2-1 (8:15, 20:14, SO 7:4). Team captain Latdara Ndoye expressed her pride in the resilience of her teammates and the solid backing from the men’s team, showcasing a spirit of unity and determination.

Decisive Moments

In their second match, Senegal secured another victory against Mexico with a score of 2-0 (21:19, 16:14). This impressive performance propelled them into the main round of the tournament, where they faced formidable opponents, including Spain, Uruguay, and Croatia. The coaching staff, led by former French international goalkeeper Valerie Nicolas, focused on maintaining the players‘ morale and managing their excitement, crucial for securing a spot in the quarter-finals.

The preliminary round saw goalkeeper Jacqueline Lopp shining brightly, making an impressive 21 saves, averaging seven saves per game. This kind of performance contributes significantly to the growing interest in beach handball in Senegal, where many players were experiencing flying for the first time as part of their journey to Tunisia.

Understanding Beach Handball

For those unfamiliar with beach handball, the sport has evolved over three decades, originally debuting in Italy in the early 1990s. It combines elements of traditional handball with the unique challenges of sand play, where the ball bounces differently and emphasizes teamwork and passing over dribbling. Matches typically comprise two or three sets, and innovative scoring techniques—like goals from the goalkeeper—can earn teams extra points. For a historical perspective, beach handball received formal recognition from the International Handball Federation in 1994, and since then, it has grown considerably in popularity, including making its Youth Olympic Games debut in 2018.

The tournament in Tunisia not only showcased the remarkable talent of the Senegalese teams but also set a precedent for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, where beach handball will feature prominently. The potential for increased support and development of beach handball in Senegal is immense, thanks to their success in Tunisia. As the country prepares for its Olympic event, the future looks bright for this spirited sport.

As we look ahead to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the significance of Senegal’s achievements cannot be overstated. The perfect blend of local talent, international experience, and the sheer joy of competition promises to elevate beach handball to new heights in the heart of Africa, making this an exhilarating time for fans and players alike.

As the sport grows, let’s hope it inspires the next generation to embrace beach handball, just as it has brought the current players together in the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. Senegal is ready to make a mark on the world stage!

Learn more about the championship from the IHF’s official coverage here. To delve deeper into the nuances of beach handball, visit the ANOC’s explanation of the sport here. For a historical timeline of the sport’s evolution, check out this detailed account here.