Cook Islands beach handball teams have returned home with medals from the Oceania Beach Handball Championships, held in Ōtautahi Christchurch. COOK ISLANDS HANDBALL/26020904
The Cook Islands beach handball teams have returned home with medals from the Oceania Beach Handball Championships, held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, over the weekend.
The national women’s team finished as runners-up, earning the silver medal after losing to Australia 0-2 in the final (14:8, 20:8). The bronze medal went to New Zealand, who defeated Kiribati 2-0 (18:1, 20:6).
The Cook Islands men’s team earned the bronze medal after beating Kiribati in the third-place playoff 2-0 (30:12, 29:14).
Cook Islands also collected individual awards at the prize-giving ceremony, with Shannon Van Eijk receiving the prestigious Most Valuable Player award in the women’s division. In the men’s division, Cook Islands’ Eli Topui was named the tournament’s top scorer.
Cook Islands Handball Federation was pleased with the national teams’ performances.
“There is so much to be proud of. Playing against Australia is no small feat, and our women couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved,” the Federation posted on their Facebook page.
“This campaign has been about growth, belief and the bond built through a sport that continues to bring this team closer together.
“As this Oceania Beach Handball Championship comes to an end, the teams look back with gratitude and look ahead with excitement for what’s next. They came, they competed and they’re bringing home the medals.
“This campaign brought growth, connection and moments that will stay with us. Thank you to every player, coach, supporter, and loved one who was part of this experience. Until the next chapter, this team and this time will always mean something special.”
The Australian men’s and women’s beach handball teams have won their respective competitions and with it, qualified directly to the 2026 IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championships set to take place in Zagreb, Croatia in June.
Although the national women’s team eventually lost to Australia in the final, they shocked the giants in the preliminary round with a 2-1 victory (14:21, 16:14, SO 5:4)
“After a close loss to New Zealand on day one we knew we had to leave it all out on the sand on day two against Kiribati and Australia,” said Cook Islands captain Richelle Gempton to ihf.info about their historic victory.
“The key was our teamwork, trusting in each other, and putting our trust in God. We found the Joy in the game and within our team to make those crucial wins that put us into the final in what was an historic moment for Cook Islands Beach Handball.”
Gempton said in the final Australia were very tough, skilled, experienced and consistent.
“It was a hard game and of course disappointing to just miss out on World Championship qualification, but it’s motivating to know that we made it this far, and definitely made waves. It gives us even more drive to push for 2028.
“Making the final means a lot for us,” she added. “It shows the growth of beach handball and our women’s programme in the Cook Islands, and the hard work the players, coaches and executive team have put in.”
And teammate Maureen Katoa agreed. “Australia were very tough and experienced opponents who challenged us in every area,” she said. “While it is disappointing to miss out on World Championship qualification, this performance showed us that we belong at this level. It strengthens our belief and gives us even more motivation to continue pushing towards qualification.”
Despite the loss, Gempton said the women’s team “is in a really positive place”.
“We have a good mix of experience, new and young talent coming through, and we’re excited about where this team and the future of Cook Islands beach handball can go,” she said.
“We’re proud to come away with silver and to represent the Cook Islands at this level and I’m proud of both our teams and the way they carried themselves on and off the court combined with the achievements and learning we have acquired. Having some of our athletes also receive special awards was such a proud moment for our country.”
The three-day (6 to 8 February) continental event took place on the Pioneer sand courts, at the Pioneer Stadium complex in Christchurch and featured four nations in each competition: Cook Islands (COK), Kiribati (KIR), Australia (AUS) and hosts New Zealand (NZL).
As part of the continued support from the IHF, Romanian referee couple Daniela Andreea Enache and Corina Floriana Răduț whistled at the event, alongside the Cook Islands pair of Romeo Vaine Keu and Christian Goodwin and New Zealand couple Katherine Denys and Jeremy Clark.
Results
Oceania’s Best – Women – Goalkeeper: Jemima Harbort (AUS), Defender: Rowan Moloughney (NZL), Top Scorer: Haylee Wilson (AUS), MVP: Shannon Van Eijk (COK). Preliminary Group Stage – COK vs NZL 1-2 (12:10, 6:8, SO 8:10), NZL vs AUS 0-2 (10:18, 16:18), COK vs AUS 2-1 (14:21, 16:14, SO 5:4), KIR vs NZL 0-2 (7:16, 4:28), KIR vs COK 0-2 (3:25, 7:27), KIR vs AUS 0-2 (2:26, 1:32). Bronze Medal Match – NZL vs KIR 2-0 (18:1, 20:6). Gold Medal Match – AUS vs COK 2-0 (14:8, 20:8).
Oceania’s Best – Men – Goalkeeper: Thomas Gerstch (AUS), Defender: Daniel Fogerty (AUS), Top Scorer: Eli Topui (COK), MVP: Paul Ireland (NZL). Preliminary Group Stage – COK vs AUS 0-2 (8:32, 13:20), NZL vs AUS 2-0 (19:16, 25:20), COK vs NZL 0-2 (22:24, 14:27), KIR vs AUS 0-2 (9:30, 4:33), KIR vs NZL 0-2 (3:32, 9:31), KIR vs COK 0-2 (10:37, 5:30). Bronze Medal Match – COK vs KIR 2-0 (30:12, 29:14). Gold Medal Match NZL vs AUS 0-2 (22:24, 20:21).
