MRI 2017 (Women’s) – Group C: China, Thailand, Venezuela and Mauritius

Overview:

China

China won gold at the Asian Qualification Tournament for Mauritius 2017, as they won their three matches – versus Taipei (2:0), Thailand (2:1) and Hong Kong (2:0).

“We are not familiar with the other teams [at the World Championship]. However, we will participate with a positive attitude, aiming to broaden our vision, improve our skills and learn from our opponents,” expresses China coach Li Changhai.

Li Changhai describes China’s game as “speedy”. In that sense, what they hope is “to create an effective attack based on fast movements.”

Thailand

Thailand’s coach Jarern Ananuah knows that their “speed and agility” are their most important weapons, while their biggest vulnerability may be their physical anthropometry.

The Thai were runners-up at the Asian Qualification which they hosted in the city of Pataya from 10-16 August 2016. At the IHF Women’s U17 Beach Handball World Championship they need to be one of the top two Asian teams if they want to travel to Buenos Aires next year and experience the Youth Olympic Games.

Venezuela

Venezuela were bronze medallists at the 2017 Pan American Championship, where they booked a place at the Mauritius 2017 World Championship. “We count on a group of players who have been playing together for the last two years. In Mauritius we will have 90% of the team that performed at the Pan American Championship,” describes coach Octavio Sanchez Moreno.

“Our athletes are physically, technically, tactically and mentally prepared for the biggest international event,” he said.

Their goal is to be in the top 8 of the world and among the best two Pan American teams, securing a berth for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics.

Mauritius

Head coach Sanjay Dabydin has been recruiting young handball players to integrate the hosts’ national team at the IHF Women’s U17 Beach Handball World Championship. “We expect the player to assimilate the knowledge fast,” she stated.

Dabydin also referred to their target: “We aim to go as far as possible in the competition and, if we rank higher than Togo, we will qualify for the Youth Olympic Games.”

Venezuela coach Sanchez Moreno observed that being hosts may act on Mauritius’ favour:  “With the support of their people, the Mauritius team will surely give their best.”

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