Spanish canoe sprinter Carlos Arévalo secured bronze in the men’s K1 200m at the 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Poznań, adding another major international medal to his career. Arévalo crossed the line in 34.98 seconds as part of an entirely European final.
His result contributed to Spain’s final tally of six medals at the championships: two silver and four bronze. Sara Ouzande was another of the delegation’s leading performers, earning silver in the women’s K4 500m alongside Lucía Val, Daniela García Heredia and Bárbara Pardo before taking bronze in the individual K1 200m. Laia Pèlachs also claimed silver in the women’s K1 1000m.
The five-day competition featured 36 medal events and once again demonstrated the strength of European canoe sprint and paracanoe. European athletes collected 71 of the 109 medals awarded, including 26 golds, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the world titles decided in Poznań.
Hungary topped the combined medal table with five golds and 14 medals overall, while Germany matched its total of five titles. The final day brought further European success as Carlotta Loske, Balázs Adolf, Melina Andersson and Fernando Pimenta completed a clean sweep of the four 5,000m world titles.
For Arévalo, the bronze continued an impressive individual season. Earlier in 2026, he became European champion in the K1 200m in Montemor-o-Velho, defeating Portugal’s Messias Baptista by just 0.075 seconds in a closely contested final.
The Spaniard also arrived in Poznań with a strong European Games pedigree. At Kraków-Małopolska 2023, he joined Saúl Craviotto, Marcus Cooper Walz and Rodrigo Germade in winning the men’s K4 500m title, finishing ahead of Ukraine and Serbia. Arévalo was also chosen as one of Spain’s flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony, alongside beach handball player Patricia Encinas.
Three years after standing on top of the European Games podium as part of Spain’s K4 crew, Arévalo has demonstrated that he remains capable of competing for major honours in both team and individual events. His latest bronze formed part of a successful Spanish campaign in Poznań and provided another example of a Kraków 2023 champion continuing to make an impact on the world stage.
The European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026 brought together many of the continent’s leading athletes at the Alexander Stadium from 10 to 16 August. Among the competitors who made their mark were several familiar faces from previous editions of the European Games and the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).
The seven-day championships produced two world records, four European records and 11 championship records. Italy finished top of the medal table with 10 golds and 22 medals overall, narrowly ahead of hosts Great Britain, who collected nine titles and 19 medals.
Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh was among the European Games alumni celebrating gold in Birmingham. The world record-holder cleared 1.97 metres to secure a third consecutive European outdoor high jump title, having also triumphed at Munich 2022 and Rome 2024.
Mahuchikh’s connection with the European Olympic Committees’ events stretches back to the EYOF in Győr in 2017, where she won gold aged 15 with a clearance of 1.89m. Six years later, she represented Ukraine at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023 and won the women’s high jump with 1.97m at the Silesian Stadium.
Dina Asher-Smith provided another link between the EYOF and the senior continental stage. The British sprinter, who competed at Trabzon 2011, became the most decorated athlete in European Championships history after taking her career total to 11 medals in Birmingham. She claimed gold in both relay events, including the inaugural mixed 4×100m, in which Great Britain set a European record of 39.97 seconds, and added bronze in the individual 200m.
European Games medallist Emmanouil Karalis also returned to a continental podium. The Greek pole vaulter cleared 6.00m to take silver behind Armand Duplantis, who won a fourth successive European title with a championship record of 6.15m. Karalis had previously finished second at Kraków-Małopolska 2023, giving him another major European silver three years later.
Their performances formed part of a memorable week of athletics in Birmingham and highlighted the different routes through which European talent can reach the highest level. From Mahuchikh’s EYOF victory as a 15-year-old to record-setting performances on the senior stage, the championships offered several examples of athletes carrying experience from Europe’s multi-sport events into Europe’s leading senior continental athletics championship.
Jakarta, Indonesia – October 27, 2025 | Europe delivered a strong, determined performance at the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Jakarta from October 19 to 25. Although Asian and American gymnasts captured most of the gold medals, European nations once again proved their class, precision, and resilience — earning podiums and finals that reaffirm the continent’s global standing.
?The United Kingdom leads the European charge
Team GB was the standout performer for Europe in Jakarta, securing a total of five medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).
The star of the competition was Jake Jarman, who delivered a sensational routine on floor exercise to claim gold with 14.866 points. His teammate Luke Whitehouse followed closely with silver, giving Britain an unprecedented one-two finish.
Jarman continued his fine form in vault, where he added another silver, while Courtney Tulloch earned bronze on still rings, and Alice Kinsella closed Britain’s tally with bronze on balance beam.
“It’s a great moment for British gymnastics,” said Jarman. “We’re showing that Europe can be on top — and that our generation can lead the way to Paris 2028.”
These results mark one of the best world championships in British history and confirm Team GB as the leading European program in artistic gymnastics.
?Turkey makes history in rings
Turkish gymnastics continues to rise thanks to Adem Asil, who claimed silver on still rings with a score of 14.566. His powerful strength elements and controlled dismount earned Turkey its first world medal since 2023, underlining the country’s growing consistency at elite level.
Head coach Suat Çelik noted: “Adem’s medal shows that Turkey is not an outsider anymore — we are now part of Europe’s leading nations.”
?A breakthrough for Switzerland
Switzerland celebrated a historic achievement as Noe Seifert captured the bronze medal in the men’s all-around final. His balanced performance across all six apparatuses placed him behind Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto and China’s Zhang Boheng — a remarkable result that revived Swiss gymnastics on the world stage.
?Ukraine returns to the podium
Ukraine also joined the European medal table, with Illia Kovtun taking bronze on parallel bars. Known for his elegant swing technique and precise transitions, Kovtun continues to carry the Ukrainian flag high in men’s artistic gymnastics, securing another world medal for his nation.
? European medal summary – Jakarta 2025
Country
? Gold
? Silver
? Bronze
Total
United Kingdom
1
2
2
5
Turkey
0
1
0
1
Switzerland
0
0
1
1
Ukraine
0
0
1
1
Europe finishes the championship with eight total medals, spreading success across four nations and showing balanced strength between Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.
? A solid path to LA2028
The results in Jakarta highlight a crucial shift for European gymnastics: depth, quality, and innovation are paying off.
Three key takeaways for the continent’s road to Paris 2028:
Consistency pays – Britain and Turkey have built steady systems producing world-class routines year after year.
New nations rise – Switzerland and Ukraine prove that strong fundamentals can lead to podiums.
Women’s gymnastics grows – the D’Amato sisters (Italy), Naomi Visser (Netherlands), and Alice Kinsella (UK) show Europe’s female gymnasts are closing the gap in artistry and execution.
Sport Europe analysis: “The artistry remains European, the power is growing — and Paris 2028 could see Europe on top once again.”
Istanbul, 7 October 2025 — The 2025 European Air Shooting Championships, held from 1 to 5 October in Istanbul, concluded with an emphatic display of skill and teamwork by the Turkish (Türkiye) national team. Türkiye topped the medal table with three golds, one silver, and one bronze, thrilling local supporters and establishing itself as an emerging force in European shooting sports.
? An Unstoppable National Team
The Türkiye team excelled across multiple events. In the air pistol pairs event, Şevval İlayda Tarhan and Esra Bozabalı secured the gold medal, outscoring strong teams from Italy and Germany. Tarhan also claimed a bronze in the individual air pistol competition, demonstrating her consistency and precision.
In air rifle pairs, the duo of Damla Köse and Elif Berfin Altun added another gold medal for Türkiye, completing a remarkable hat-trick of victories for the host nation. The collective achievements of the team reflect not only technical skill but also excellent coordination and composure under pressure.
? Outstanding Individual Performances
The Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç, aged 52, once again amazed the world with his relaxed style and pinpoint accuracy. Known for competing without traditional equipment —no special glasses or ear protection— and often with one hand in his pocket, Dikeç claimed three gold medals in the air pistol team events. His calm attitude and minimalist approach have earned him the nickname “the man, the myth, the legend” on social media.
? Home Advantage and Competitive Edge
The championship brought together over 100 of Europe’s top shooters in air rifle and air pistol disciplines. Competing in high-standard facilities in Istanbul, athletes faced intense competition from traditionally strong nations such as Germany, Italy, and France. Türkiye’s ability to perform consistently across multiple categories proved decisive in securing their position at the top of the standings.
The local audience contributed to an electric atmosphere, cheering each successful shot and celebrating the team’s achievements. Observers noted that the supportive home crowd appeared to boost the confidence and performance of Türkiye’s shooters throughout the five-day event.
Türkiye’s performance in Istanbul signals a strong and growing presence in international shooting sports. With a combination of seasoned athletes and rising talent, the nation is expected to continue challenging for top honours at major competitions. The next milestone for the Türkiye team will be the 2026 World Shooting Championships, where expectations are high for continued success.
This championship has also highlighted the depth of Türkiye’s talent pool, the effectiveness of its training programmes, and the rising prominence of female athletes in the sport. The experience gained here will be invaluable as Türkiye seeks to maintain and expand its influence in European and world shooting competitions.
? Europe on Wheels: UCI Road World Championships 2025 Make History in Kigali 29 September 2025
Kigali (Rwanda), 21–28 September 2025 – For the first time in history, the Road Cycling World Championships were held in Africa. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, became the epicentre of world cycling for a week, bringing together the best elite, under-23, and junior riders in time trials and road races. With challenging routes combining mountain climbs, technical descents, and urban circuits, the African city offered a unique setting for an unforgettable World Championships.
The organisation and logistics were up to the standard of such a major event: hydration zones, medical assistance, technical areas for teams, and live coverage via social media and specialised outlets allowed fans to follow every pedal stroke closely.
? Continental Representation and Ambitions More than 50 nations took part, with Europe presenting a strong block of established stars and rising talents. Expectations were high: to maintain European hegemony in world cycling, which was ultimately achieved in all events except the elite women’s road race, where Canadian Magdeleine Vallieres broke the continental streak.
Among the elite men, Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) confirmed his superstar status, winning his second consecutive road race title. In the time trial, Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) consolidated his dominance with his third consecutive gold. Among the young talents, Zoe Bäckstedt (Great Britain) and Paula Ostiz (Spain) demonstrated that the future of European cycling is secure.
? Venue and Logistics Kigali presented a unique challenge: undulating, technical roads with several demanding climbs that tested both physical endurance and race strategy. The city delivered flawless logistics, including security, hydration, medical support, technical zones for teams, and international media coverage. The World Championships also served as a showcase for Rwanda, demonstrating its capacity to host global sporting events.
? Competition Format The championship included:
Individual time trial: elite, under-23, and junior, men and women
Mixed team relay: elite
Road races: elite, under-23, and junior, men and women
Each category featured qualifying sessions and line races, concluding with medal ceremonies for each event. The format allowed both the exhibition of individual power in the time trial and team tactics and sprint finishes in the road races.
? Highlights – Elite Categories
Time Trial
Elite men: Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) claimed his third consecutive gold, cementing his reputation as a time-trial specialist.
Elite women: Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) realised her dream of wearing the rainbow jersey after an impeccable performance.
Mixed team relay: Australia took gold, while France secured silver, keeping Europe on the podium.
Road Race
Elite men: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) made a memorable break on the final climb, securing the title ahead of Remco Evenepoel and Ireland’s Ben Healy.
Elite women: Magdeleine Vallieres (Canada) delivered a decisive attack 20 km from the finish, interrupting European dominance.
? Young Talents on the Rise
Under-23 time trial: Zoe Bäckstedt (GBR) and Joris Nieuwenhuis (NED) dominated their categories with authority.
Junior time trial: Paula Ostiz (ESP) took silver in the women’s race, while the Netherlands topped the men’s podium.
Under-23 and junior road races: France, the Netherlands, and Spain shared golds, demonstrating Europe’s depth of talent and generational consistency.
These results confirm Europe’s capacity to maintain dominance and ensure a steady stream of emerging talent that will continue to set the pace in world cycling over the next decade.
? Tactical and Strategic Notes The Kigali World Championships were not only a physical challenge but also a tactical one. The technical routes and strategic climbs forced teams to coordinate attacks, blocks, and rotations with precision. Time trials demanded sustained power and aerodynamic control, while line races tested riders’ race-reading skills and mental endurance.
Vallieres’ triumph in the women’s road race demonstrated that surprises are always possible, while Europe’s consistency highlighted that preparation and team depth remain decisive factors at the elite level.
? Continental Balance Europe dominated the Championships: 12 golds, 8 silvers, and 7 bronzes, with only one exception in the elite women’s road race. The Netherlands stood out with 4 golds, while Belgium, France, and Great Britain also excelled on the medal table.
País
Oro
Plata
Bronce
Total
Países Bajos
2
1
1
4
Gran Bretaña
2
0
0
2
Francia
1
2
1
4
Bélgica
1
1
2
4
España
1
1
2
4
Suiza
1
1
2
4
Italia
1
1
1
3
Eslovenia
1
0
0
1
Suecia
1
0
0
1
? Gallery Highlights
Tadej Pogačar celebrating his victory in the elite men’s road race
Marlen Reusser in action during the elite women’s time trial
Zoe Bäckstedt on the podium for the under-23 women’s time trial
Official images shared by the UCI on social media captured both the intensity of the competition and the excitement of the podiums, as well as the festive atmosphere in Kigali.
? A Historic Championship The 2025 Kigali Road Cycling World Championships will be remembered not only for its unprecedented location in Africa but also for confirming European dominance and the emergence of new stars. With established athletes, rising talents, and impeccable organisation, this World Championships set a precedent for future global events in non-traditional continents, proving that cycling can shine anywhere in the world.
Europe continues to set the standard, but Kigali made it clear that world talent is expanding, and surprises like Vallieres’ will always be part of the spectacle.
TOKYO — The 2025 Athletics World Championships are producing unforgettable moments, with European athletes stealing the spotlight at the top of the podium. Spain’s María Pérez’s dominant double victory in race walking, Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis breaking yet another world record in pole vault, and Italy’s Mattia Furlani making history in the long jump headline the championships so far.
?? María Pérez completes historic race walking double
Granada-born María Pérez reaffirmed her global dominance in race walking. In extreme heat and humidity, she stormed to gold in the 35 km walk with a time of 2:39:01, claiming her third world title. Italy’s Antonella Palmisano, the Olympic champion, finished more than three minutes behind.
Just days later, Pérez extended her legend by also winning gold in the 20 km walk with a time of 1:25:54, completing a historic double in Tokyo and cementing her status as one of the all-time greats of the discipline.
? Duplantis soars to a new world record
Sweden’s Armand Duplantis once again wrote history in the Tokyo stadium. He cleared 6.30m to set a new pole vault world record, while securing his third world title. With this mark, Duplantis has now broken the world record an astonishing 14 times, underlining his place as one of the greatest talents athletics has ever seen.
? Furlani, the youngest ever world long jump champion
Italy celebrated the rise of Mattia Furlani, just 20 years old, who claimed gold in the long jump with a personal best of 8.39m. The Italian became the youngest world champion in the event’s history. Already a medallist at the European Games, Furlani confirmed in Tokyo that he is the new star of the discipline.
? Other European triumphs in Tokyo
Jimmy Gressier stuns in the 10,000m France’s Jimmy Gressier delivered one of the biggest shocks of the championships, taking gold in the 10,000m in 28:55.77, breaking African dominance. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren added to the European success with bronze — his first major international medal.
Isaac Nader takes 1500m gold In a thrilling final, Portugal’s Isaac Nader claimed the 1500m title, defeating Britain’s 2022 world champion Jake Wightman. The win signals Portugal’s emergence as a middle-distance powerhouse.
Ditaji Kambundji reigns in 100m hurdles Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji stormed to the world title in the 100m hurdles, setting a new national record. At just 23 years old, she has confirmed her rise as one of Europe’s sprinting stars.
Nadia Battocletti, Italy’s double medallist Italian distance runner Nadia Battocletti took silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m, establishing herself as one of the standout performers of the championships.
Femke Bol defends her crown in 400m hurdles The Dutch superstar confirmed her dominance by retaining her world title in the 400m hurdles.
Pedro Pichardo back on top in triple jump Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo reclaimed the world title with a superb 17.91m, returning his country to gold medal glory.
Leo Neugebauer leads Germany to decathlon gold The German all-rounder became world champion, proving his status as one of athletics’ most complete athletes.
Daniel Ståhl strikes gold in discus Sweden’s Daniel Ståhl once again showed his class, winning discus gold to extend Nordic dominance in the event.
More European medals in the field Germany’s Merlin Hummel took silver in hammer throw, while Hungary’s Bence Halász claimed bronze. Czech Jan Štefela also secured bronze in high jump.
Iliass Aouani brings marathon bronze for Italy Italy’s Iliass Aouani captured a historic bronze in the men’s marathon, rounding off a superb championships for the Azzurri.
Kate O’Connor wins historic silver for Ireland Ireland’s Kate O’Connor achieved a historic silver medal in heptathlon, with several personal bests. It marked Ireland’s first track medal at a World Championships in decades.
Europe is enjoying an especially brilliant World Championships, with established stars like Pérez and Duplantis shining alongside young talents such as Furlani, Gressier, Kambundji, Battocletti and O’Connor, symbolising the generational shift at the very top of world athletics
Liverpool, September 2025. The 2025 World Boxing Championships, staged at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, concluded its inaugural edition under the organisation of World Boxing with strong European performances. While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan dominated the overall medal table, the spotlight fell firmly on Aoife O’Rourke , who delivered a historic gold for Ireland and cemented her status as an international star.
Ireland celebrates its leading figure
O’Rourke produced an impeccable tournament, consolidating herself as a major force in amateur boxing. Her world title, combined with two additional bronze medals for the Irish team, underlines the strength of women’s boxing on the island and positions her as one of the leading contenders heading into the Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028.
Poland also reach the summit
Another highlight for Europe came courtesy of Aneta Rygielska, who secured gold for Poland after a fiercely contested final. Her triumph was accompanied by two silver medals, placing the Polish squad among the strongest in Europe.
England left without home glory
Hosts England delivered a competitive campaign but fell short of clinching a world title. Despite the backing of the Liverpool crowd and several boxers reaching the final stages, the team settled for two silvers and three bronzes – a respectable tally, though not the golden finish they had hoped for.
Turkey, Italy and continental depth
Turkey also impressed, claiming two silvers and a bronze, while Italy earned a valuable bronze medal to reinforce its international standing. Several other European nations added to the medal count, demonstrating the continent’s depth of talent.
A strong European showing
Although Central Asia topped the overall standings, Europe left Liverpool with a solid haul and two world champions leading the way. The triumphs of Amy Broadhurst for Ireland and Aneta Rygielska for Poland underline Europe’s continuing strength in amateur boxing and signal a promising start to the road towards Los Angeles 2028
? European Olympic Summer: Success, Records and Rising Stars
The summer of 2025 will be remembered as a golden season for European sport. From the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra to Duplantis’ world record in Budapest, via the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje and the junior championships in athletics and swimming, the continent has enjoyed months filled with competition, organisation of the highest level and historic achievements.
?️ Andorra shines as host of the Games of the Small States of Europe
Andorra la Vella staged the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), bringing together more than 800 athletes from nine nations. Over five days, the city turned into a vibrant sporting hub that blended competition, camaraderie and a festive atmosphere.
The verdict was unanimous: the 2025 GSSE were an organisational triumph. Delegations praised the hospitality and the standard of the facilities, while the European Olympic Committees underlined the importance of the event as a platform for the sporting development of Europe’s micro-nations.
? Skopje makes history with record-breaking Youth Olympic Festival
From 20 to 26 July, Skopje (North Macedonia) hosted the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), which became the largest in history. With more than 4,000 athletes from nearly 50 National Olympic Committees, the event broke records for both participation and number of sports contested.
But it wasn’t only the scale that impressed. On the track, the competition delivered a remarkable highlight: a new world under-18 record in girls pole vault, a symbol of the bright future awaiting European athletics. For the EOC, Skopje 2025 confirmed the EYOF as a cornerstone for the growth of youth sport on the continent.
? Duplantis keeps flying higher
Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis once again captured the headlines at the István Gyulai Memorial in Budapest, clearing 6.29 metres to set the 13th world record of his career.
At just 25 years of age, Duplantis has already secured his place in the history books. His ability to repeatedly raise the bar — literally and figuratively — has made him not only the face of European athletics but also a source of inspiration for young athletes worldwide.
? European U20 Athletics: young talents step into the spotlight
The European U20 Championships in Tampere (Finland) highlighted the strength of the next generation. A series of championship records were set, particularly in middle-distance races, hurdles and combined events.
The quality on display suggested that many of these athletes are ready to compete at senior level. Tampere once again proved its reputation as the ideal stage for showcasing Europe’s rising track and field stars.
? Junior Swimming Championships in Šamorín: the pool of the future
Šamorín (Slovakia) hosted the European Junior Swimming Championships, where Europe’s young swimmers delivered outstanding performances. Great Britain topped the medal table with 19 medals, including nine golds, confirming their dominance at junior level.
Poland’s Filip Nowacki was among the standout performers, breaking the European junior record in breaststroke, while Ireland’s Grace Davison clocked a new absolute national record in the 100m freestyle. The event left no doubt that Europe’s swimming pipeline is brimming with talent.
? Fencing World Championships in Tbilisi: Georgia’s golden moment
The World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi placed Europe firmly in the spotlight once again. The home crowd celebrated as Sandro Bazadze won Georgia’s first ever world title in men’s sabre, a historic achievement for the nation.
France and Ukraine also secured podium finishes across different categories, further underlining Europe’s dominance in one of the Olympic movement’s most traditional sports.
? Conclusion: a golden summer for European sport
The GSSE in Andorra and the EYOF in Skopje confirmed Europe’s ability to stage large-scale events while fostering youth sport. The U20 athletics and junior swimming championships revealed a generation of athletes ready to make the leap to senior level, while established stars such as Duplantis and Europe’s fencing elite showed the continent’s ongoing supremacy.
All told, the summer of 2025 has reaffirmed Europe’s position as the driving force of the Olympic movement — a continent with not only a glorious present but also an extraordinarily bright future
Alanya (Türkiye), 7 July 2025 – The Turkish coastal city of Alanya is set to host one of this summer’s most eagerly awaited European sporting events: the 2025 European Beach Handball Championship, where the continent’s top national teams will compete for the senior men’s and women’s titles.
Organised by the European Handball Federation (EHF), the tournament will take place from 8 to 13 July at the Alanya International Beach Sports Centre, located on the iconic Oba Beach. The venue has been specially prepared to welcome over 30 national delegations and hundreds of athletes.
Over the course of six days, 32 teams (16 women’s and 16 men’s) will battle it out in a format that includes a preliminary group stage, a main round and knockout matches, culminating in the finals on Sunday 13 July.
? Continental Representation and Ambitions
This championship brings together the elite of European beach handball, with teams from over 20 countries, including traditional powerhouses such as Spain, Germany, France, Croatia, Hungary, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Norway and Sweden. Emerging nations such as Türkiye, Ukraine, Bulgaria and the Netherlands will also be competing, many of whom have shown marked progress in recent years.
In the women’s competition, the spotlight will be on Spain, three-time European champions (2002, 2006, 2017), who arrive in Alanya with an experienced and competitive squad. Denmark, the defending champions, and strong sides like Croatia and Germany are also tipped to reach the final stages.
In the men’s tournament, Croatia come in as firm favourites, with four European titles to their name (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015). However, the challenge will be stiff, with Germany, Poland and France fielding young, athletic squads. Italy and Hungary have also shown strong form in recent international competitions and could well cause an upset.
?️ Venue and Logistics
Matches will be held on six purpose-built sand courts along Alanya’s Mediterranean coastline. The sporting complex has been adapted to accommodate athletes, coaching staff and support teams, in what is expected to be one of the most demanding events of the beach handball season.
In addition to the competition areas, the site offers rest zones, medical facilities, hydration points, physiotherapy centres and shared spaces for athletes. The logistical operation is being coordinated jointly by the EHF and Turkish sports authorities, with a focus on efficiency and athlete well-being.
? Competition Format
The championship kicks off on 8 July with the preliminary group stage (four groups of four teams per category). The top two from each group advance to the main round, while third and fourth-placed teams move into placement rounds.
From 12 July, the tournament will enter the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and finals, which will be held on Sunday 13 July.
Final rankings will play an important role in the European seedings and qualification routes for future world and intercontinental tournaments.
? More Than Just a Title
This championship is not only a showcase for current talent, but also a strategic platform for the growth of beach handball in Europe. Increasingly incorporated into youth programmes and national development pathways, the discipline is on the rise across the continent.
Alanya’s selection as host city reflects its growing reputation as a hub for international beach sports. With its reliable climate, modern infrastructure and spectacular coastal setting, the city offers ideal conditions for elite-level competition.
The senior event also follows on directly from the successful Under-17 European Championship, held in the same venue from 3 to 6 July, where Spain and Germany claimed titles in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. This continuity strengthens Alanya’s position as Europe’s beach handball capital this summer.
? Key Dates – EHF Beach Handball EURO 2025
Date
Competition Stage
8 July
Opening matches – Group stage begins
9–10 July
Group stage continues and Main Round
11 July
Final day of Main Round
12 July
Quarter-finals and Semi-finals
13 July
Finals and Medal Ceremonies
? A Growing Discipline
With fast-paced rules, high-intensity action and a distinctive atmosphere, beach handball continues to carve out its place in Europe’s summer sporting calendar. The 2025 European Championship promises not only top-level competition but also a celebration of the sport’s growing appeal.
The EHF has invested considerable effort in ensuring the success of this edition, which is set to be a milestone for the discipline. With increased participation, organisational backing and the support of local authorities, the tournament in Alanya aims to elevate beach handball to new heights across the continent.
Across six action-packed days and two host cities, the 2025 European Athletics Team Championships (ETCH)delivered an electrifying showcase of team spirit, national pride, and elite performances. With the First Division held in Madrid, and both the Second and Third Divisions hosted simultaneously in Maribor, Slovenia, this year’s edition reflected the full scope of European athletics — from powerhouse nations to rising federations making their mark.
? FIRST DIVISION – MADRID: ITALY DEFENDS ITS TITLE IN STYLE
At Madrid’s Estadio Vallehermoso, 16 top-tier national teams battled it out from 26–29 June. Italy retained its crown with a commanding 431.5 points, outpacing Poland (405.5) and Germany (397) in a high-calibre field.
The four-day meet featured standout performances:
Femke Bol (Netherlands) smashed the championship record in the women’s 400m with a lightning-fast 49.48 seconds.
Miltiadis Tentoglou (Greece) soared to a world-leading 8.46m in the men’s long jump.
Young Dutch star Niels Laros took a sensational win in the men’s 5000m, confirming his rise as one of Europe’s brightest distance talents.
Poland capped off the event by winning a thrilling mixed 4x400m relay.
At the opposite end of the table, Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania were relegated to the Second Division for 2027, highlighting the unforgiving nature of this fiercely contested format.
(European Athletics)
? SECOND DIVISION – MARIBOR: BELGIUM, NORWAY AND SLOVENIA PROMOTED
From 28–29 June, the Poljane Stadium in Maribor hosted a gripping battle for promotion. Belgium emerged victorious with 249.5 points, narrowly ahead of Norway (242) and host nation Slovenia (219.5). All three earned promotion to the top tier in 2027.
Middle-distance events and strong showings in the relays proved decisive for the leading teams. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia fell to the Third Division after multiple events.
? THIRD DIVISION – MARIBOR: ICELAND LEAD THE WAY IN SURPRISE ASCENT
The Third Division, also staged at Maribor’s Poljane Stadium (24–25 June), featured 15 national teams vying for just three promotion spots. Iceland delivered a standout collective performance, topping the table with 212.5 points. They were joined in promotion by Luxembourg and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Star of the weekend was Gina McNamara (Iceland), who claimed gold in both the women’s 800m and 1500m, while also scoring valuable points in the long jump. Malta achieved a national record in the mixed 4x400m relay and secured a historic fifth-place finish overall — a major milestone for the island nation’s athletics programme.
? PROMOTION AND RELEGATION – EUROPE’S ATHLETIC LANDSCAPE SHIFTS
? Division
? Promoted
? Relegated
First Division
—
Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania
Second Division
Belgium, Norway, Slovenia
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia
Third Division
Iceland, Luxembourg, Bosnia & Herzegovina
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? TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS CONFIRM THEIR PLACE IN THE ATHLETICS CALENDAR
The 2025 edition once again highlighted the value of a team-based format in an increasingly individual-focused sport. National depth, tactical balance, and unity across disciplines made the difference — as much as any single standout athlete.
From record-breaking brilliance in Madrid to breakthrough moments in Maribor, the ETCH reaffirmed itself as a unique and vital fixture in the European athletics calendar. With new faces rising and others regrouping, the road to 2027 promises even fiercer battles — and fresh stories to be written.
EOC
