The 3rd AHF Asian Men’s & Women’s Youth Beach Handball Championship concluded today at the Sports Authority of Thailand, Hua Mak, Bangkok. Hosted by the Handball Association of Thailand, the championship took place from 16 to 25 October 2024 and witnessed exceptional performances as the Islamic Republic of Iran claimed victory in the men’s competition, while the People’s Republic of China secured the top spot in the women’s competition.
The tournament featured a round-robin format, with seven teams competing in the men’s category and four teams in the women’s category.
Men’s Competition
The Islamic Republic of Iran dominated the men’s category, winning all six matches to achieve a total of 12 points and secure the gold medal. The host nation, Thailand, delivered a strong performance, winning four out of six matches and clinching the silver medal. Thailand’s only losses were to P. R. China and the eventual champions, I. R. Iran. The bronze medal was won by Qatar after a close contest with Oman and P. R. China. Qatar ultimately clinched third place due to a superior period difference, securing the final qualification spot for the 3rd IHF Men’s Youth Beach Handball World Championship to be held in Hammamet, Tunisia, from 17 to 22 June 2025.
The men’s competition final ranking is as follows:
Gold: Islamic Republic of Iran
Silver: Thailand
Bronze: Qatar
4. Oman
5. People’s Republic of China
6. Jordan
7. Indonesia
This victory marks the second consecutive title for Iran, who also won the 2022 championship in Tehran. Thailand celebrated a return to the podium with their silver medal finish, marking their first podium placement since they won gold in the inaugural edition in Pattaya, Thailand, in 2016. Qatar’s bronze medal finish mirrored their 2022 performance, solidifying their position in the competition.
Women’s Competition
In the women’s category, the P. R. China showcased an impressive performance, winning all six matches to claim the gold medal. Thailand took the silver, while Indonesia made a remarkable debut, winning the bronze medal. Hong Kong–China finished fourth.
The women’s competition final ranking is as follows:
Gold: People’s Republic of China
Silver: Thailand
Bronze: Indonesia
4. Hong Kong–China
The championship title is a return to form for the People’s Republic of China, who last won gold in 2016 in the inaugural competition held in Pattaya, Thailand. For Thailand, this marks their third medal overall, having won silver in 2016 and gold in 2022. Indonesia’s bronze medal is a notable achievement in their debut appearance.
World Championship Qualification
The top teams from both men’s and women’s categories have qualified for the 3rd IHF Men’s & Women’s Youth Beach Handball World Championship in Hammamet, Tunisia, from 17 to 22 June 2025. The qualified teams are:
Men’s: Islamic Republic of Iran, Thailand, and Qatar
Women’s: People’s Republic of China, and Thailand
