Taizhou handball teams triumph at national youth finals

Athletes of the Taizhou handball team pose for a photo. [Photo by Zhou Aoyu]

On Aug 24, the 2024 National Youth Campus (Club) Handball League and National Youth U-Series Finals concluded in Huainan, Anhui province. Making their debut on the national stage, Taizhou's handball teams delivered an outstanding performance, securing first place in both the U16 and U14 boys' categories and marking the best result in the team's history.

The competition attracted 69 teams and over 1,200 athletes from across the country. Taizhou sent two teams to compete in the U16 and U14 boys' groups.

Previously, the team tended to rank fourth or fifth place at the provincial level. Following the 20th Games of Jiangsu Province in Taizhou in 2022, the team underwent a transition, with the current players having less than two years of experience.

According to the competition rules, both Taizhou teams were awarded first place in their respective categories in the National Youth U-Series Finals (with the top three teams being recognized as first-place winners).

Head coach Zhou Aoyu expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. Notably, players Yan Ruolin and Zhu Qiangyun were selected for the U16 boys' all-star lineup, earning the titles of best left back and best winger, respectively. Yan's all-around skills and tenacious style also earned him the title of most valuable player in the U16 group.