Women's Youth World Championship throws off in FYR Macedonia

On Sunday, 20 July the second younger age category World Championship in women's handball of this handball summer begins.

After Korea took the title in a final against Russia at the Women's Junior World Championship in Croatia, again 24 teams take to the courts, this time vying for the youth (under 18) crown in FYR Macedonia.

Among the participants are 13 European nations, headed by Sweden, Russia and Denmark, the trio that won gold, silver and bronze respectively at the Women's 17 EHF EURO last year.

The teams have been drawn into four groups of six teams each.

Sweden, Brazil, Korea, Tunisia, Netherlands and Kazakhstan have been drawn to Group A. Russia, Norway, Hungary, Paraguay, Congo and Japan start in Group B.

Denmark, Uzbekistan, Romania, Germany, hosts FYR Macedonia and Argentina make up Group C. Portugal, Angola, Montenegro, China, Croatia and France have been drawn to Group D.

The group phase is played in Skopje (Group A), Ohrid (Group B and D) and Strumica.

The first four teams of each group qualify for the Last 16. The final will take place in Ohrid on 3 August at 17:00 hrs local time.

This is the fifth edition of the Women's Youth World Championship. Two years ago in Montenegro, Denmark topped the podium ahead of Russia and Norway.

For more information visit the IHF website.

The match schedule is available here.