Poland dream about a medal
Beach handball is still a relatively new sport discipline in Poland, but each year more tournaments are played and participation is growing.
“I think that Polish beach handball has made huge progress during the last few years. Our main goals during the European Beach Handball Championship in Randers are advance to next round and fight for the best result in the next phase.
“If we look for Polish club's achievement in European Beach Tour, we will think positive”
“We dream about a medal. The tournament isn't only a holiday for us. We want to gain more than in previous tournaments and qualify for the World Championship. It is within our reach,” said Arkadiusz Fajok, coach of Poland´s men's beach handball team.
“My team is a blend of young and older players. They are a very strong group. We were preparing to the tournament in Denmark during short camps in Sierpc, Inowrocław and Random, where we are working on tactics and fitting together.”
Tough competition
Poland's men will face medallists from the 2011 championship, Russia and Spain as well as Switzerland, Norway, Italy and the hosts in Group B when the tournament throws off on 9 July.
"We are going to Randers very motivated. Our group isn't easy, but we want to fight with each team.
"Our goal is advanced to next phase of the tournament, but we are dream about the medal and qualification to the World Beach Handball Championship in Qatar," said Mariusz Łukasiewicz, BHT Damy Radę Inowroclaw player, but his coach is a bit more cautious.
“We face very strong and tough teams in our group. We know that this tournament won't be easy for us, but it is a European Championship so there are no weak teams.
“We have played with each team during previously tournaments. In my opinion the favourite teams are Spain and Russia to win the group.
“In addition, Denmark could be very dangerous, because they play in front of their spectators, it should be an advantage for them. Norway is always well prepared to tournaments, but I suppose that Switzerland could be the dark horse in Randers, anything can happen,” concluded Fajok.
Information about the European Championship
The 2013 European Beach Handball Championship throw 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.
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.
TEXT: Maciej Firlej / cor
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