The 28th Prague Handball Cup saw 635 teams representing 29 countries compete in the tournament from April 19 to 22, setting a new record for attendance at the youth event. A total of 38 indoor halls were needed to accommodate the extensive competition, with 2,396 matches played and over 10,000 handball players in action.

Naturally, the large number of matches and participants required a considerable number of referees, with 200 contributing. More than 300 participated as organisers.

The tournament was divided into five age categories, from girls and boys born in 2000/01 through to the 2008 and younger section. Czech Republic and Hungary claimed the most trophies. From the host nation, DHC Slavia Prague won the 2006/07 and 2002/03 girls’ competitions, and HC Dukla Praha won the 2000/01 boys’ tournament. From Hungary, Kispest NKK won the girls’ 2008 and younger competition, while Vasas SC won the girl’s 2001/01 age group. Kézilabda Utánpótlás Sport Kft claimed the boys’ 2006/07 title.

Croatian club Maksimir Pastela won two trophies in the boys’ competition: the 2008 and younger and 2004/05. Danish clubs also celebrated two titles, with Køge Håndbold winning the girls’ 2004/05 and FIF Håndbold taking the boys’ 2002/03 trophy.

Czech side DHC Slavia Prague were therefore announced the overall winners, thanks to their cumulative results across all age groups.

This year’s event was also marketed extensively, with results, photos and video content available on social media platforms and a YouTube channel publishing videos from the tournament. Matches were also broadcast live on the PHC.cz website, featuring both English and Czech commentary.

The Prague Handball Cup has taken place every Easter since the first event in 1992. The next edition will be held from April 9 to 13, 2020.

More information can be found on the official website of the Prague Handball Cup.

Photos: Prague Handball Cup 2019