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Europe Meets on the Sand: European Beach Handball Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Alanya

Written by Daniel Pajuelo on . Posted in HBL, EOC, European Games, GENDER, Istambul 2027, M, Olympic Movement, Summer Sports, TUR, W. No Comments on Europe Meets on the Sand: European Beach Handball Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Alanya

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

DateCompetition Stage
8 JulyOpening matches – Group stage begins
9–10 JulyGroup stage continues and Main Round
11 JulyFinal day of Main Round
12 JulyQuarter-finals and Semi-finals
13 JulyFinals 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.

ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in European Games, Istambul 2027. No Comments on ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

The 2027 European Games are set to be a spectacular celebration of sport in one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Istanbul. This will mark the fourth edition of the European Games, a multi-sport event designed to showcase the continent’s top athletes and sports, and Istanbul is ready to rise to the occasion with its unique blend of cultural heritage, cutting-edge infrastructure and a commitment to sustainability. 

Istanbul: The Perfect Host 

Istanbul, with its blend of ancient and modern, stands ready as the ideal host. With its strategic location as a bridge between East and West, Istanbul brings a rich cultural and historical backdrop to the 2027 European Games. The city’s readiness was solidified through a formal agreement between the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee.  

Istanbul is no stranger to the global sports stage and the city boasts a wealth of sporting venues and infrastructure. As a city that has hosted numerous international sporting events, including World Championships and major football tournaments, Istanbul is equipped with venues including the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Sinan Erdem Dome and several other modern facilities. Organisers have confirmed that no new permanent venues will be built, as these existing world-class facilities will be utilised to minimise excessive construction. Existing venues will be repurposed and optimised to meet the diverse needs of the European Games’ sports competitions.

The Selection Process 

The journey to select Istanbul as the host of the 2027 European Games was driven by the city’s comprehensive plan, presented to the EOC Executive Committee in early 2024. Representatives from Istanbul laid out their vision to build on the previous success of the European Games and make the event even more sustainable and innovative. The EOC praised Istanbul’s bid for its vision, infrastructure and the positive impact the Games would have on the city.

Istanbul’s selection was a unanimous decision by the EOC Executive Committee at its meeting in March 2024. A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EOC, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee in May 2024, and Istanbul’s candidature for the 2027 European Games was ratified by the 53rd EOC General Assembly in Bucharest, Romania in June 2024.

A Platform for Europe’s Best 

The European Games serve as Europe’s premier multi-sport event for athletes from across the continent, giving them a platform to compete at the highest level and often acting as a stepping stone for future success at the Olympic Games.

As with previous editions, many competitions at the 2027 European Games will serve as Olympic qualifiers, increasing the stakes for the athletes involved.

The European Games are expected to boost sports tourism and strengthen ties between sporting communities across Europe. The participation of Europe’s top athletes and the collaborative spirit among the continent’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will make Istanbul a buzzing hub of athletic excellence during the Games. 

Looking Forward 

Istanbul is set to become a hub for thousands of athletes and fans in 2027. The European Games will provide a unique opportunity for the city to showcase its culture and hospitality while giving athletes a world-class competition environment. 

In less than three years’ time, Istanbul will once again take centre stage, reminding the world why it’s one of the most iconic cities in both sport and culture. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and Istanbul is ready to shine!