IHF Beach Handball Showcase: Karantoni – “Unforgettable experiences”

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. 

In a special series of question and answers, IHF.info hears from players and coaches selected for the showcase. This time, it is 2018 IHF Women’s World Championship-winning coach with Greece, Maria Karantoni, one of the coaches at the event in Paris.

IHF.info: How do you feel to be selected for this event? 

Maria Karantoni: Being selected for the IHF Beach Handball Showcase in Paris is an incredible honour and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the sport. I am very thankful for the recognition.

IHF.info: Why is the IHF Beach Handball Showcase important for Beach Handball?

Maria Karantoni: This event is crucial for Beach Handball as it brings together top talent from around the world, showcasing the excitement and skill of the game to a global audience, furthering its growth and popularity. Beach Handball, is one of the most dynamic and exciting sport played on sand.

IHF.info: What has been your biggest success in Beach Handball as a coach?

Maria Karantoni: As a coach, my biggest success in Beach Handball has been fostering a strong team culture and seeing my players develop both on and off the court, achieving their personal and team goals. The biggest highlight as coach was our first place at the 2018 IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championship in Kazan, Russia.

IHF.info: What do you love about Beach Handball? / How does Beach Handball make you feel?

Maria Karantoni: What I love about Beach Handball is its dynamic nature, combining advanced tactics and teamwork in a fast-paced and exhilarating environment. Decision-making is a key component of the sport which is featured through spectacular actions in defence and attack.

IHF.info: What are your hopes for the future of Beach Handball and the Olympic Games?

Maria Karantoni: Beach Handball is already included in the European Games, World Beach Games and Youth Olympic Games. My hopes for the future of Beach Handball include further recognition and support, leading to broader participation and ultimately inclusion in the Olympic Games.

IHF.info: What would you say to anyone who has never played or watched Beach Handball and is thinking of getting involved with the sport?

Maria Karantoni: To anyone considering getting involved with Beach Handball, I would say it offers a unique blend of physical activity, sportsmanship and spectacular actions, providing unforgettable experiences both on and off the sand.”

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).