"Essence of handball" captured in the 2025 IHF Men's Junior World Championship trophy
11 Jun. 2025

With only one week to go before the start of the 2025 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, which will be hosted in Poland between 18 and 29 June, in four different venues, the trophy of the competition has been unveiled.
Standing at an impressive height of 60 centimeters and weighing 6 kilograms, the trophy commands attention with its bold yet refined presence. A 10-centimeter logo of the competition is prominently featured, integrated into the design to represent the identity of the competition and reinforce its prestige on the world scene.
The upward flow of the trophy’s silhouette evokes a sense of aspiration and growth, emblematic of an athlete’s relentless pursuit of excellence. It symbolises the journey of an athlete, pushing their limits, striving for progress, and overcoming challenges on the court.
The design of the trophy was created by Polish sculptor Krzysztof Renes, who offered modern artistic take that reflects the essence of handball. Crafted from polished aluminum, the trophy is a striking testament to handball’s values, combining material elegance with expressive form. Its sleek, contemporary appearance is further enhanced by dynamic soaring milling on selected surfaces, which captures and reflects light—emphasizing both movement and precision.
Renes explains that the geometric structure of the trophy is far more than a stylistic choice. The angular and modern lines are intentionally crafted to symbolize the strength, precision, and dynamic energy ever-present in handball. These design elements speak to the athleticism and discipline required in the sport, mirroring the intensity and focus of the players.
Equally significant is the trophy’s balanced and harmonious proportions, which echo the idea of unity within a team. According to Renes, while each player brings individual talent and unique contributions, it is only through collective effort and shared ambition that true success is achieved. The design becomes a visual metaphor for teamwork—illustrating how harmony and cooperation are at the heart of victory.
Through its thoughtful composition and symbolic depth, the trophy transcends its role as a mere award. It stands as an emblem of the spirit of handball—celebrating strength, ambition, resilience, and, above all, the power of unity.
The All-Star team players will also receive miniature copies of the trophy, representing their excellent performances throughout the competition.
The trophy was presented in one of the venues of the competition – the Arena Katowice – the arena where the final will take place on 29 June, in the presence of local authorities, as well as the President of the Polish Handball Federation, Sławomir Szmal.
"For many months, we have been offering incentives to make the tournament an event that will encourage the youngest fans to actively participate. In each of the host cities, we have planned special activities and attractions before and during the matches, in which it will be possible to win additional prizes. We want this edition of the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship to be a true celebration of handball and an impulse to popularize the discipline in our country," said Szmal.
Credit photo: ZPRP / Pawel Bejnarowicz