The first Salvadoran beach handball event of this year saw the return of the women’s teams on sand at the El Cafetalón sports complex in Santa Tecla last Saturday. The competition was organised by the El Salvadoran Handball Federation (ESHF) with the support of the National Institute of Sports of El Salvador and the Tecleño Institute of Sports. 

This event marked the starting point for the return of Salvadoran handball activities to the courts this year. The goal was to enjoy sports again and take a firm step to resume national competitions. The beach handball tournament was held in an adapted form, played in a shoot-out competition to avoid as much contact as possible between the players and in this way comply with the COVID-19 safety measures.

Federadas, Lefues, Monarcas and Olimpia were the four women’s teams who participated in the tournament and faced each other in eight exciting matches. At the end of the day, Olimpia were crowned first Salvadoran beach handball champions of 2021. 

In the group phase, Olimpia won all matches against their opponents. They defeated both Monarcas and Lefues 2:1 as well as Federadas 2:0. In the final, they met Lefues one more time and beat them once again 2:1, winning not only the tournament undefeated but also having Isis Rivas as an outstanding goalkeeper between their posts, with spectacular saves in all matches. 

The university team Lefues finished second, only losing to champions Olimpia with a great performance of their most experienced player Xenia Hernandez. Monarcas and Federadas battled it out for third place, which Monarcas won eventually, taking the bronze medal. 

At the end of the event, ESHF President Cecilia Hernández showed her satisfaction for the realisation of the tournament and thanked the athletes for their “courage and love for this sport, making history by being participants of the return of handball competitions.”

After the successful opening beach handball tournament of the women, the men’s competition will follow this Saturday, with eight teams participating in two groups, fighting for their first medal of the year.  

The beach handball competitions will continue until the beginning of May. Then, the adapted indoor competition will start as well.

Final ranking

1. Olimpia
2. Lefues
3. Monarcas
4. Federadas

For more information about handball in El Salvador, visit the ESHF website.

Photo: El Salvador Handball Federation