2013 European Beach Handball Championships already better than hosts expected

A packed main court already on two occasions, many more exciting beach handball matches and performances by the Danish teams that make them hope for a top spot at the 2013 European Beach Handball Championships are just three of many reasons that make Per Bertelsen, President of the Danish Handball Federation, a very happy man these days in Randers.

"It's great, it's really great. It is much more than we had expected before. We are very, very happy," he said on the conclusion of the first day of the final tournament.

"We had a full house twice already (for the Danish matches at 20:00 hrs and 21:00 hrs on Tuesday, 9 July). There are more and more people coming every day. I think they like it very much.

"I am 100 per cent sure that this will give beach handball in Denmark an extra boost. In the summer time when the indoor season takes a break, we can do much more in beach handball.

"We also have the television coverage now, all Danish matches are live on TV, so a lot of people who are not here in Randers can watch the matches from home."

For the Danish Handball Federation the European Beach Handball Championships are the prelude to series of tournaments they organise, culminating in hosting Men's EHF EURO 2014 next January and the Women's World Championship in 2015.

"We have a lot of new people organising this event and the upcoming Women's 19 European Championship (1 to 11 August 2013), and I think that's very good for the future."

"There are a lot of fresh faces who will be the next generation in the federation. In 10 or 15 years we will see a lot of them among us."

Bertelsen also acknowledged the extra boost the 2013 European Beach Handball Championship received because of Danish top star Hans Lindberg's presence.

"Hans is Hans. He is very good for us. Not only in beach handball but also in the national team. He is a great guy and it's really great for us that he is a part of this," said Bertelsen.

Interview with Morten Stig Christensen, Secretary General of the DHF

Information about the 2013 European Championships

The 2013 European Beach Handball Championship throws off in Randers, Denmark, from 9 to 14 July 2013.

Entry to the event area for spectators is free. There are no tickets necessary.

Defending champions in both the men's and the women's event are the teams from Croatia.

Matches from the main court are streamed live via www.kanalsport.dk/livestream. A live ticker is also available.

For more information and to keep up to date visit also the event's official website and become a fan of the EHF's beach handball Facebook page.