By Hana Al Dayyat
OCA Young Reporter
Sanya, China, April 21, 2026: Jordan faced Thailand in the opening match of men's beach handball at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya on Tuesday, April 21. Thailand won 2-0 in the Group B encounter.
The match took place under extreme heat on the sand at the beach handball venue. The sun was blazing directly above the court, and temperatures felt much higher than expected. Despite the difficult conditions, both teams competed with full energy from the first whistle.
A small but passionate crowd gathered around the sand court. Fans from both Jordan and Thailand cheered loudly throughout the match. The sound of clapping could be heard from both sides. The atmosphere was lively and full of excitement for the first beach handball match of the games.
Thailand scored the first goal of the match. Jordan equalized at 1 minute and 32 seconds. The crowd reacted with loud cheers after each goal. At the 5-minute mark, the score was tied 8-8.
At 5 minutes and 16 seconds, Jordan scored to make it 10-8. The Jordanian fans erupted with joy. Thailand responded quickly and at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, the score was level again at 10-10. At 6 minutes and 13 seconds, Jordan regained the lead at 12-10. The excitement in the venue reached its peak as both sets of fans exchanged chants.
Thailand finished the first period stronger to win 20-18. The heat continued to affect both teams, with players taking quick breaks to drink water between actions. The sand was hot under their feet, but neither team showed signs of giving up.
The second period ended 12-10 to Thailand, giving them the match 2-0. At the final whistle, Thai players celebrated while Jordanian players showed disappointment but also pride in their performance.
Mahmoud Ananzeh, Jordan's number 5, played very well throughout the match. He was active on both attack and defense and was one of the most influential players on the sand.
Despite the loss, Jordan showed they could compete closely with a strong Thai team. The extreme weather did not stop either team from delivering an entertaining match for the fans who braved the heat to watch.
Jordan will now face the Maldives in their second group match.