EHF beach handball commission President Ole Jørstad, said Randers, which is the sixth largest city in Denmark, was among the very best beach cities in Europe, and compared it favourably to destinations such as Alanya, Turkey and Cadiz, Spain – both have previously hosted the European Handball Championships.

Fourteen nations competed at the tournament, which saw Hungary claim three of the four gold medals on offer in the the women's main event, and the men's and women's under 19 competitions.

Croatia won gold in the men's main event, overcoming Russia in the final.

Hosts Denmark finished with the bronze medal, to add to another bronze and two silvers they secured in other categories.


Morten Stig Christensen, secretary general of the Danish Handball Federation (DHF) was pleased with how the championships – organised in partnership with Sport Event Denmark – unfolded.

"We couldn't wish for more," he said.

"The sunny and warm weather was perfect for beach handball, the sporting level was outstanding, the special atmosphere and entertaining game set-up was appealing in its own way both for spectators and players and our volunteers did a fantastic job.

"Sport Event Denmark and Randers also contributed to the success.

"We hope that the 2013 European Beach Handball Championship will promote beach handball within Denmark and Denmark within beach handball."

The Scandinavian country is set to host a number of handball championships in the coming months, including the 2013 Under 19 Girls European Handball Championships in August and the 2014 Men's Handball European Championships in January 2014.

It will also stage the 2015 International Handball Federation (IHF) Women's Handball World Championships and is bidding for the 2019 IHF Men's Handball World Championships.


Following the successful hosting of this year's European Championships, Sport Event Denmark chief executive Lars Lundov said: "The 2013 European Beach Handball Championship was a true fairytale that was told by the high sporting level, professional event set-up, fantastic volunteers and great attention from the spectators.

"EHF seemed very pleased with the tournament.

"This is very promising in regards to the future handball championships in Denmark and it strengthens the basis of our bid for the 2019 Men's World Championship."

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