After winning four games at their debut continental championship last year, against Hong Kong twice (2-0) and Indonesia twice (2-1, 2-0), Philippines finally secured their spot at an IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championship.

Despite being comprehensively beaten by the continental powerhouse Vietnam twice (0-2), with a points difference of -40 (scoring 35 points and conceding 75 in their four sets)

Coach Franquelli, who also is the men’s coach and technical director for the Philippines federation, has been the driving force for Beach Handball in the Philippines.

A seasoned lecturer and observer in the AHF region campaigner for the sport  to be added to the variety of continental and regional events in the AHF geographic area  and creator of events at home, she cannot wait to get started on the global platform which China 2024 provides.

“We’re thrilled to be making our debut at the IHF Beach Handball World Championships. It's an exciting opportunity for the Philippines to play on the world stage,” she said to ihf.info.

“We are ready to face the challenge head-on against Australia, Portugal and China. I’m sure the teams are prepared and we expect tough matches from everyone. In this dynamic environment, every team has the chance to shine and make their mark. That’s the beauty of Beach Handball.”

The provisional squad list highlights the task ahead of the side at China 2024, with eight of the 14 names featuring a career of just six games each and the remaining six yet to make their competitive bow.

But that will not put the side off as they look to get their global journey started later this month.

"We are looking forward to take part for the first time,” added specialist Aurora Adriano, who has played six times for her nation and scored 51 points. “We hope we can translate the team's effort and hard work in the past year to a solid performance." 

Coach: Joanna Franquelli

Key Players: Aurora Adriano

Qualification information: 2023 AHF Women’s Asian Beach Handball Championship – 2nd

History in Tournament: 2004-2022: DNQ

Group at China 2024: Group A: Portugal, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Australia