18th World University Men's & Women's Handball Championship
Gdansk, Poland - July 1st to 9th, 2006
POL vs. GEO
Handball is a very popular sport in university circles, but it has been losing ground in recent years. Actually, in 2004, the women's edition initially scheduled in Véliko Tarnovo had to be cancelled and the men's version organized at the end of December 2004 in Chelyabinssk (RUS) was not as successful as had been hoped, since only six teams made the trip to the town in the southern Urals – probably was not an ideal place for this kind of event. The Polish University Sports Association AZS has always been very active in organizing World University Championships at FISU, and it did the honours again this year, taking charge of three competitions: Futsal in Poznan, wild water canoeing in Krakow and of course Handball in Gdansk.
JPN vs. TPE
Enthusiasts were really counting on the 2006 edition to get this university event back on track. For the first time, both men's and women's teams would be competing. Poland’s central location favoured participation of a large number of teams (13 men's teams and 7 women’s teams signed up). The dates in early July were convenient too, constituting a very good compromise according to Mr. Michel Bonfils our technical delegate for handball. As always, the teams were very good. It is true that many of the athletes who came to Gdansk also play on their national teams. And this was the first time that the men's and women's teams would be held at the same time and place which obviously was an advantage for women's handball. In the future, the two tournaments will always be joined this way. Unfortunately the Scandinavian countries did not take part, nor did France and Spain. But we are convinced that these countries, that really count in the handball circuit, are not going to miss the next editions. As always, AZS did everything it could to host the student athletes under the best possible conditions.
The Finals
In the ladies’ event, the confrontation at the finals was quite traditional, as two habitually very strong countries met: the local team and Hungary. The University sports hall at Gdansk was full to the brim for the occasion and spectators had quite a show at this excellent match. The very motivated Polish team was outstanding throughout the tournament, and came in as a favourite, while the Hungarian team was a bit more nervous. In the first half hour, the Polish left no weakness to be exploited. Their attacks were well coordinated, and they quickly took a comfortable lead of five points. It is true too, that the keeper was in great form and gave very few openings. The Hungarians didn't really have a chance to develop their game. In the second half, to make things worse, their star player was excluded. So all the Polish had to do was to keep control to be certain of a well-deserved title: Poland-Hungary 26-21. The battle for third place turned to the advantage of Lithuania. The Japanese team started off very well, but the Lithuanians were more realistic – they did not try to shine, just to gradually ensure their victory. The Japanese were less consistent as they switched back and forth from great to average play. The final score was 33-30 in favour of Lithuania.
For the men, the teams had been split into two pools, so the final was played between the two winners: Russia for group A and Georgia for group B. the Russians were determined to defend the title they had won two years earlier in Chelyabinssk. So they started off the match with a bang, not leaving a lot of room for the Georgians who were beginning to feel tired. The first half was totally dominated by Russia, with a little help from the overworked the Georgian keeper, that clocked up a five-point lead. The second half was catch as catch can for Georgia. The team made a great effort to fill the gap, and it almost succeeded, with a difference of just one point. So, once again, Russia will be the team to beat at the next edition! Final score: Russia-Georgia: 31-30. The third place at the men's tournament went to the sturdy team from Belarus that did not have to outdo itself to get the better of the Czechs, playing less effectively than usual. Belarus-Czech Republic: 35-27. Rendez-vous in Venice in 2008 for the next World University Handball Championship.
Organizing Committee
NUSF Poland Klub Sportowy AZS AWFiS Gdansk ul. Czyzewskiego 29, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland tel.(++48 58) 552-23-46 fax (++48 58) 554-72-91 e-mail : ams2006@awf.gda.pl www.handball2006.awf.gda.pl
FISU Technical Chairman
Final Ranking
Men
1. Russia - GOLD 2. Georgia - SILVER 3. Belarus - BRONZE 4. Czech Republic 5. Japan 6. Latvia 7. Hungary 8. Turkey 9. Poland 10. Serbia & Montenegro 11. Ukraine 12. Croatia 13. China
Women
1. Poland - GOLD 2. Hungary - SILVER 3. Lithuania - BRONZE 4. Japan 5. Czech Republic 6. Chinese Taipei 7. Serbia
News
