Host China return to The World Games after 24 years

When beach handball made its debut at The World Games – back in 2001 in Japan – it was officially a demonstration sport.

China’s 2-0 opening day loss will go down in history as the first-ever women’s beach handball game played at The World Games, and they went on to finish fifth out of six teams, thanks to two shoot-out wins against Togo, first in the preliminary group stage and then again in the 5-6 play-off.

Will the German global dominance continue or end in Chengdu?

Having dominated global beach handball in recent years with numerous European and World titles, plus The World Games Birmingham 2022 title, Germany’s women slipped down the podium to third at the European Championships in July.

Debutants Denmark looking to podium place

After finally qualifying for their first-ever The World Games appearance – at Birmingham 2022 – Denmark women were left disappointed at the last hurdle after their flights were cancelled from Copenhagen to Birmingham, USA at the last minute and they did not have enough time to rearrange their journey in time for the start.

They had no choice but to withdraw, but now, in 2025, they get that chance again and hope to make history.

Can Argentina complete the medal set and grab women’s gold?

The last two appearance at The World Games for Argentina’s women have seen podium spots – a silver in 2017 and bronze last time out, in 2022, so could 2025 be the year they grab gold?

Leticia Brunati’s team are certainly well-placed to do so having recorded their best-ever ranking at an IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championship last year when they lost the final to Germany to finish second.