Kosovo’s youth and Great Britain’s junior teams claimed the two titles at the Women’s IHF Trophy Europe, which took place between 11 and 15 October 2023 in Prishtina, Kosovo. Both sides secured their berths at the InterContinental Phase of the Women’s IHF Trophy. 

In the youth (U17) tournament, Bulgaria beat Azerbaijan 48:25 in Group A on Friday, so home side Kosovo (four points) and Bulgaria (two) progressed to the semi-final, leaving Azerbaijan behind.

In Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Albania 56:15, and Georgia proved too strong for Great Britain (34:17) on day three, so Bosnia and Herzegovina (six points) and Georgia (four) went through.

In the semi-final matches on Saturday, Kosovo had the upper hand against Georgia, 28:19, while Bosnia and Herzegovina came from behind to snatch a win against Bulgaria, 28:23.

On Sunday, the final encounter took place, in which Kosovo defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 39:33. In the third-place game, Bulgaria beat Georgia 34:26.

With just four participants, the format of the junior (U19) competition was different, as the two best teams of the round-robin tournament directly advanced to the final. 

On Friday, Kosovo dominated Malta 56:16, and Great Britain proved too strong for Bulgaria (39:26), so Kosovo, who had six points, and Great Britain (four) went through.

While the home side had beaten Great Britain on Thursday (29:28), the British team took revenge in the final match on Sunday, defeating Kosovo 29:25. Bulgaria earned bronze, comfortably beating Malta in the third-place encounter (48:24).

Final ranking
Youth (U17)

1. Kosovo
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Bulgaria
4. Georgia  5. Great Britain  6. Azerbaijan  7. Albania

Junior (U19)

1. Great Britain
2. Kosovo
3. Bulgaria
4. Malta

Photo Credit: Great Britain Handball Association