Hungary have long been one of the leading nations when it comes to beach handball, and travel to the World Games 2017 in Poland as strong contenders for a medal. The Hungary men’s team will arrive in Wroclaw on the back of the Beach Handball EURO 2017, where they ranked fourth.

The EURO was the first major international tournament since the home IHF Beach Handball World Championship in 2016, held in Budapest. At that event, Hungary also just missed a medal, ranking fourth behind Croatia, Brazil and Qatar, respectively.

Hungary men’s coach Istvan Gulyas says the EURO served the dual purpose of determining the continental champions and preparing for the World Games with the highest standard of competition:

“The European Championship was excellent preparation for the team. Before the European tournament, we only had short time to prepare, since it started earlier than usual. This was noticeable in the performance of the team,” said Gulyas, before outlining the team’s schedule ahead of the World Games, which involves an international tournament in Munich.

At the World Games, Hungary will meet world champions Croatia, Egypt, who ranked eighth at Budapest 2016, and hosts Poland. It was Croatia who snatched the bronze medal from Hungary’s grasp at the EURO, winning the three/four play-off 2:0 after Hungary lost the semi-final to gold medallists Spain. Poland ranked 10th at the EURO in June.

Gulyas identifies Brazil, who won the silver medal at Budapest 2016 and were the side to eliminate Hungary from the trophy race in the semi-final stage, as one of the biggest title threats:

“The Brazilian team is a very strong one, which we experienced in the World Championship last year. Only eight teams participate in the World Games – I think it is one of the easiest tournaments, and we cannot afford to make a mistake during the games.

“The group is strong but the players are working very hard to be well placed in the World Games. Our minimum goal is to finish in best four.”

Hungary’s previous best result at the World Games was the silver medal, won in 2009.

Fans can follow Hungary’s beach teams on the Hungarian Handball Federation’s official website, Facebook and Instagram.