“Remember the wonderful journey and get ready for what’s next” – Argentina beach handball women honoured after Chengdu gold

After defeating Germany in the final of the women’s beach handball competition of The World Games Chengdu 2025, Argentina’s women were honoured by the International World Games Association (IWGA).

For every day of Chengdu 2025 the IWGA nominated their ‘Athletes of the Day’ for outstanding performances amongst the 5,000+ athletes at the global, multi-sport event.

With their historic gold medal, the Argentina team were nominated, alongside Chinese snooker player Bai Yulu, to receive the award which took the form of a certificate and watch courtesy of event sponsor Tissot, presented by IWGA Honorary Life Member and former IWGA Board Member Roland Hilfiker.

Gisella Bonomi, who was part of the gold medallists and who finished as top-scorer in the women’s event to make the All-star Team, where she was also the best line player, represented Argentina to attend the ceremony at The World Games Plaza where she also received a gift from the Chengdu 2025 local organising committee as well.

“The venue was a typical Chinese-style house covered in red lights and also featured a Ferris wheel made of lights, and a giant illuminated bridge – the stage was simply breathtaking,” said Bonomi to ihf.info about her experience in receiving the award.

“It was truly emotional and exciting to be recognised as a team and I was very happy to receive the awards on behalf of the team – we hope that we were able to convey our passion on the court.

“Many people from different media outlets also came to share this moment, and that’s something that really helps our sport grow and increase its visibility,” she added. “Beyond the medal, that’s another goal for Argentina; to drive media growth so that more people discover beach handball and it reaches more people.”

After returning home to a rapturous welcome Bonomi and her teammates could finally see their loved ones and supporters in person as they prepare to continue their beach handball adventure which started many years ago in the lead up to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in which they won gold.

“It’s truly moving to be able to share this joy with the people I love, because they, more than anyone, know what this medal means,” said Bonomi, who was part of that gold medal-winning team seven years ago under the same coach, Leticia Brunati.

“Honestly, I feel like I’m living in a dream I don’t want to wake up from. It took me many years to achieve gold back in Buenos Aires 2018, and this time I was fully aware of how hard and long the process is. That’s why savouring this glory feels so rewarding and satisfying.

“We had been chasing it for so long, and it wasn’t luck — it was passion, attitude, and the strength of this incredible team that we are and not only the girls who travelled to Chengdu, but also all of us who train every day in Argentina to keep growing.

“Now it’s time to enjoy it, to remember the wonderful journey we’ve had, and to get ready for what’s coming next.”