Philippine handball took baby steps in its bid for growth in the country after the women’s team Amigas and the men’s under-20 squad posted victories in international competitions.
Philippine Handball Federation president Steve Hontiveros lauded the efforts of the national coaching staff led by head coach Joanna Franquelli for the steady growth of the sport, which was introduced to the country only last year.
The PH men’s under-20 side finished fifth in the recent International Handball Federation Trophy competitions after beating Brunei (35-6). Funded by the IHF in support of the fledgling association, the country dropped matches to Malaysia (29-9), Indonesia (17-12), Thailand (25-20) and Singapore (22-14).
The delegation was composed of 14 students from Ateneo (college and HS) University of Asia & the Pacific, Saint Benilde (HS), La Salle College Antipolo (HS), two coaches (Joanna Franquelli and Jamael Pangandaman) and two referees (John Eric Agrava and Joaquin Gamatero).
It was the first international tournament for a Philippine men’s handball team. The team members were selected from a tryout and most are standouts of the PHF Developmental league.
Already, Hontiveros and PHF secretary general Dr. Ernest Jay Adalem said they are confident the sport will catch on in the local scene.
The Amigas wound up ninth in the Asian Beach Games held in Phuket, Thailand. They beat India twice (18-10 and 14-9) for their first victories.
The Amigas dropped matches to Jordan (15-8 and 15-12). They beat Turkmenistan (10-5) but lost the first match (15-10) and in the penalty shootout (11-9).