The fifth edition of the Masters Handball World Cup, a traditional tournament held on the Adriatic Coast in Omis, Croatia, took place between 19 and 22 May with over 1,000 participants from 11 different countries.

Since 2017, teams from all over the world took part in the competition, with European sides facing teams from Brazil, Honduras or the United Arab Emirates, but due to current restrictions in place, the 2022 Masters Handball World Cup had only teams from Europe participating.

The Masters Handball World Cup 2022 was divided into five categories, featuring three men’s tournaments (35/40+ of age, 45+ and 50+) and two women’s tournaments (30+ and 40+).

Romanian side HC Bucovina secured the title in the 35/40+ men’s tournament, taking a narrow 11:10 win against Masters Slovakia, with a superb performance from Mihai Rohozneanu, Potaissa Turda’s centre back and a former winner of the EHF Men’s Challenge Cup, who was also named the MVP of the tournament.

In the men’s 45+ category, Masters Slovakia avenged their defeat from the previous category and sealed a 15:14 win against Czech side HKKH Hana. The top scorer of the tournament, Peter Luzhak, had a superb final.

The men’s 50+ category also saw a nip-and-tuck final, as Polish side MHT Pabianice clinched an 8:7 win against Hungarian side PEAC to lift the trophy.

In the women’s tournaments, the wins were divided by teams from Slovakia and Lithuania. The most interesting final was the one at the 30+ tournament, where Lithuanian team Kauno Ažuolas took a 9:8 win on penalties against Hungarian side KSC.

Vaida Šokeliene, the MVP of the tournament, was decisive for Kauno, while KSC’s Gabriella Halacz became the top scorer of the competition.

Another Slovakian win was recorded in the 40+ women’s tournament, where Elite Nitra clinched an 11:8 in the final against fellow Slovak side Evergreens.

Powered by the MVP Katarina Papanekova and the top scorer Katarina Hanakovičova, Elite Nitra swept their opponents on their way to the title.

All the winners received hand-made trophies, sourced locally in Croatia, with the atmosphere of camaraderie being strengthened through handball.

Photos: Masters Handball World Cup