Rabat – Agadir is currently hosting the inaugural International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Under-16 World Championship.
The first edition of the tournament brings together 16 national teams from five continents from October 16 to 24 and aims to provide young female handball players with experience and prepare them for bigger international competitions.
The participating teams include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, China, Russia, Argentina and the United States, among others. The matches are taking place at two venues in Agadir: Salle Couverte Al Houda and Al Inbiaat Hall.
Morocco competes in Group A alongside China, the United States and Kazakhstan, facing strong opposition in its bid to make an impression on home soil.
The hosts opened their campaign with a 35-29 defeat to Kazakhstan before bouncing back with an impressive 37-16 victory over the United States. However, Morocco suffered a heavy 53-18 loss to China in its final group match on October 20, finishing third in Group A.
The 16 teams were divided into four groups, with the group winners advancing to the semi-finals scheduled for October 22. The tournament will conclude on October 24, when the first-ever champions will be crowned.
China, Hungary, Germany and Russia secured their places in the semi-finals after strong performances in the group stage. China, in particular, impressed with three consecutive wins, including a dominant victory over Morocco.
The championship aims to strengthen the pathway for young female handball players and provide them with valuable experience, as well as help prepare the next generation for higher levels of international competition.
Hosting the inaugural edition also puts Morocco in the spotlight as a venue for international handball, while offering local fans an opportunity to watch emerging talents from across the world.
