The 11th Asian Women’s Youth Handball Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Gymnasium of Jiangxi University of Software Professional Technology, Jinggangshan City Campus, marking the first time the event was hosted by the Chinese Handball Association (CHA). The championship took place from 18 to 26 July 2025 and also served as the Asian qualification tournament for the 11th IHF Women’s Youth (U18) Handball World Championship, to be held from 29 July to 9 August 2026.
Eight teams participated, divided into two groups of four. Group A comprised People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong–China, while Group B featured Japan, Republic of Korea, India, and Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the Group A matches, P. R. China began strongly with a 37–21 victory over Hong Kong–China, followed by a 34–25 win against Kazakhstan and a 33–16 triumph over Chinese Taipei, finishing the group stage undefeated. Kazakhstan secured second place in the group after beating Chinese Taipei 31–24 and Hong Kong–China 44–18. Chinese Taipei registered one win, 51–18 over Hong Kong–China, to place third.
In Group B, Japan opened their campaign with a 40–27 win over I. R. Iran, then overpowered India 38–22 before edging Republic of Korea 29–25 to top the group. Republic of Korea began with a 43–11 win against India and a 40–27 victory over I. R. Iran, finishing second despite the loss to Japan. I. R. Iran’s sole win came against India 42–30, placing them third in the group.
The knockout phase delivered high drama. In the semi-finals, Japan defeated Kazakhstan 39–24, while host P. R. China overcame Republic of Korea in a close contest, 28–26.
In placement matches, Chinese Taipei beat India 29–24 for 5th–8th stage progression, while I. R. Iran defeated Hong Kong–China 32–15. India later secured seventh place with a 36–15 victory over Hong Kong–China, and I. R. Iran defeated Chinese Taipei by 34–33 in the first extra-time to take fifth place.
The bronze medal match saw Republic of Korea overpower Kazakhstan 30–21, earning their tenth podium finish in the competition’s history.
The gold medal match produced a memorable finale, with the hosts P. R. China defeating defending champions Japan 35–33 in a high-intensity contest, capturing their first-ever title in the history of the championship. Previously, P. R. China had won silver once (2019) and bronze three times (2015, 2017, 2023).
The top four teams—People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Kazakhstan—secured qualification for the 11th IHF Women’s Youth (U18) Handball World Championship, to be held from 29 July to 9 August 2026.
Final Standings:
1st – People’s Republic of China*
2nd – Japan*
3rd – Republic of Korea*
4th – Kazakhstan*
5th – Islamic Republic of Iran
6th – Chinese Taipei
7th – India
8th – Hong Kong–China
All Star Team:
MVP: Zhang Jingwen (P. R. China)
Top Scorer: Nurdana Kyrgyzbay (Kazakhstan) – 49 goals
Goalkeeper: Wang Xiaoyan (P. R. China)
Right Back: Miina Nakasuji (Japan)
Left Back: Hina Miura (Japan)
Centre Back: Cho Min-jin (Republic of Korea)
Right Wing: Lee Soo-ah (Republic of Korea)
Left Wing: Nurdana Kyrgyzbay (Kazakhstan)
Pivot: Liu Yutong (P. R. China)
The Asian Handball Federation extends its congratulations to the Chinese Handball Association for the successful hosting of the event and commends all participating teams for their spirited performances, which underscored the growing strength of women’s youth handball in Asia.
All the match results and reports are available on the competition mini-website.