From 27 to 29 July, the ‘IHF Beach Handball Showcase’ will take place on the fringes of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Three men’s and three women’s All-star Teams, plus the French men’s and women’s national teams will play Beach Handball games across three days coached by six world-renowned, medal-laden coaches.

In total, 64 (32 men, 32 women) of the world’s best Beach Handball players from 18 countries will feature, including players from Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Islamic Republic of Iran, Netherlands, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, United States of America and Uruguay. 

IHF.info speaks to some of those involved in the global spectacular in this special series of features in the lead-up to what is sure to be a spectacular event.

This time, we ask the players: What would you say to anyone who has never played or watched Beach Handball and is thinking of getting involved with the sport?

Ivan Juric (CRO)
“I would tell them what I love about it and how it makes me feel. It gives me opportunity to compete on the top level with potential to compete at the Olympics in the near future. I would tell them it shaped my character in a positive way, making friends and acquaintances all over the Europe and the world.” 

Nathalie Sena (BRA)
“I want people to learn about Beach Handball and encourage their children and friends to practice it. It's a sensational sport, played in the best place in the world and with fantastic players.”

Lucian Bura (CRO)
“As I say to everyone – it doesn't matter how good you are, whether you will be able to be the best or not – this sport provides a lot of good memories, both on and off the court. And all of this happens under the bright sun on some sandy beach.”

Łukasz Niedzielak (POL)
“I would encourage anyone who has never played or watched beach handball to give it a try. This sport offers a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time in beautiful locations around the world with the people you love. It not only provides physical activity and competition but also builds strong connections and unforgettable experiences. Beach Handball truly enriches your life as a person.”

Martin Vilstrup Andersen (DEN)
“Simply just try it. No matter what level you’ve or would like to reach. The atmosphere within the sport, and the people you get to meet. That alone will give you something, that will make you happy. It’s fun, fast and intense. I would be glad to help or advise anyone that has any questions regarding our beloved sport.”

Meike Kruijer (NED)
“I really like the different aspects in which you can excel. Every game can go either way. It's great to give 100% as a team, there's a relaxed atmosphere after the games and it complements indoor handball. The variety between indoor and beach is great, because you need a lot of different skills to be good at both, but at the same time they complement each other.”

Line Gyldenløve (DEN)
“If you want to go to a sport that is both extremely serious but at the same time fun and entertaining, you should definitely try Beach Handball.”

Ivan Dumencic (CRO)
“If you still have not tried Beach Handball, don't wait any longer. The combination of summer fun, the beach, the sun and good vibes will provide you with everything you need during the summer. it is not hard to fell in love in Beach Handball.”

Cristiana Morgado (POR)
“I believe Beach Handball is for sure a great way for you to be active, healthier and also to make a lot of friends and be part of amazing events and tournaments. For me, Beach Handball gave me so many great friends, not only from Portugal, but also from other countries. It allowed me to travel to great places and make sure I stay active during the indoor handball break.” 
 
Renata Santiago (BRA)
“I would say: ‘be careful, you’re going to fall in love’! Beach Handball is all I live for. It’s my place of peace. Sport shaped my character, made me a good citizen, a good friend and a good person.”

Attila Kun (HUN)
“I can only recommend the benefits to training on the sand. I hope more and more children and coaches will try out this sport. I can thank Beach Handball for a lot of friendships, fantastic memories, great experiences and success.”

Thiago de Oliveira Barcellos (BRA)
“I would say that Beach Handball is an incredible, fantastic sport, with spectacular plays, enormous resilience on the part of the defenders, and with sensational dynamics. Sport brings me peace, hope, communion among people, harmony among others and a universe of opportunities.”

Emese Tóth (HUN)
“It's hard to say anything because I think you have to experience it to really understand what this sport is all about. You have to feel the vibe that the community and the love of the game gives you. I would say think of your best, most exciting, fondest memory and it might come close to the feeling of being in a Beach Handball match.”
 
Patricia Encinas Guardado (ESP)
“It’s a different sport in which all players contribute to the arena. Any sport gives you many values as a person, but Beach Handball gives me a lot of happiness.”

Péter Hadju (HUN)
“Beach Handball gave me almost everything. I can visit so many nice places all over the world. It gives me connections, so much friendship and memorable moments. And last but not least, Beach Handball helps me understand how can I do something in a team, and that’s an important thing these days.”

Diogo Fereira (POR)
“If you are thinking about getting involved with the sport, I must warn you first that your summer’s will never be the same after that. And if, for some reason, in a future summer you can’t get to be involved with Beach Handball again, you will be very, very sad.”

Moritz Ebert (GER)
“I would recommend anyone who has not yet come into contact with Beach Handball to give it a try, either as a spectator or as a player. It really is a unique community and a very spectacular and fun sport.”

Nahuel Perez (ARG)
“It's so fun to play and watch as the games are so dynamic with the ‘flights’ and the 360 shots.”

Rianne Mol (NED)
“Give it a shot. As Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff used to say: ‘you have to shoot or you can't score’. Beach Handball has brought me a lot of joy and new friends.”

The IHF Beach Handball Showcase is a collaborative effort between the IHF, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (COJOP2024), French Handball Federation (FFHB) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).