By Hana Al Dayyat and Zaynab Kawtharani
OCA Young Reporters
Sanya, China, April 30, 2026: Vietnam took the gold medal in the women’s beach handball competition at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, defeating China 2–1 in a closely contested final on at the Tianya Haijiao Venue Cluster on Thursday, April 30.
The gold medal match brought together two of the tournament’s most consistent teams, with both sides demonstrating strong form throughout the competition to reach the final day.
Played under the traditional beach handball format, the contest unfolded across two sets. Vietnam set the tone early, delivering a composed and disciplined performance in the opening set. Their attacking combinations were executed with precision, while their defensive structure limited China’s scoring opportunities, allowing them to take the first set 20-18.
China responded with determination in the second set, backed by strong support from the home crowd. The hosts adjusted their tactical approach, increasing their tempo and capitalising on key scoring moments to level the match by winning the second period 21-20 and force a shoot-out.
With the gold medal at stake, the shoot-out proved decisive. Vietnam showed greater composure in the high-pressure moments, converting their attempts with consistency to win 9-6. Vietnam's goalkeeper played a crucial role, producing key saves that shifted momentum and ultimately secured the victory.
The 2–1 result confirmed Vietnam as gold medalists, while China finished with the silver medal following a competitive performance on home sand. Thailand claimed the bronze medal to complete the podium standings.
After the match, Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Tra My said: “Very very happy. Ten years ago we took the gold medal in the Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam in 2016, and now, the second time we are the champions.”
The final highlighted the dynamic nature of beach handball, where high-value scoring techniques such as spin shots and in-flight goals can influence the outcome of each set.
Vietnam’s performance throughout the final reflected tactical discipline and efficiency in decisive moments, underlining the team’s growing strength in beach handball at the continental level.
Pham Thi My Hang top-scored for Vietnam with 18 points, ably supported by Dam Thi Thanh Huyen with 16. Shen Ping led the Chinese reply with 16 points.
For China, the silver medal represents a strong showing at home, having pushed the final to a shoot-out in front of their supporters.
The match brought the women’s beach handball competition - and the 6th Asian Beach Games - to a close, concluding the tournament with a high-quality and tightly contested final between two of Asia’s leading teams.
