On the opening day of the Jarun Cup 2025, all eyes were on last year’s senior champions: Portugal’s GRD Leca – Spar in the men’s competition and the Netherlands’ Westsite Amsterdam in the women’s event.
For live scores and results throughout the Jarun Cup 2025 visit: https://results.jaruncup.com/
Both teams secured impressive victories in their first matches in Zagreb this year, confirming their statuses not only as tournament favourites, but why they have remained in the top echelons of European beach handball in recent years.
“The Jarun Cup is one of the biggest tournaments of the whole season, so it’s very important for us,” explained Leca – Spar goalkeeper Ricardo Castro who scored 16 points for his side in their 2-0 (30:10, 34:12) victory over AKRP Zagreb.
“For my team, this is the season opener and it is very important to have good start at the beginning of the season so we’d like to start strong.”
Castro, known for his amazing saves and leadership on court, was part of the Portugal men’s side who claimed their debut IHF Men’s Beach Handball World Championship medal last year, when they won bronze at China 2024.
The goalkeeper, who was also voted into the All-star Team in China, also revealed that his club side have had little changes since taking the title at Jarun last year as they use the competition this year to prepare for the ebt Finals, which take place in Italy next month.
“The team has stayed almost the same and, tactically, not much has changed either, but the most important thing is that there are no injuries,” said the 38-year-old.
“The Jarun Cup is a great preparation for the ebt Finals, which is the next big challenge for us and we also plan to take part in a few more tournaments across Europe this summer.”
A similar positive spirit is in the Westsite Amsterdam team, who are participating in the Jarun Cup for the eighth time and who won their Jarun Cup opener, against Chemo-Profili Zagreb, 2-0 (28:12, 24:12).
The nucleus of the team lies in the Netherlands’ women’s national team with players Isabel Barnard, Marit van Ede and Manon Zijlmans part of both Westsite and the ‘Oranje’ as the national team is known, the quartet all securing bronze at China 2024 as well.
“We’ve always had wonderful experiences here, so finishing in the top three would be a great result,” said Barnard, who scored 10 points in their opener. “Our strength lies in unity and victories come naturally. We’re like a family.
“This year, for the first time, we brought our children and other family members along. That’s what makes us stronger. We are having fun, and then, the victories come.”
And her message for the new generation dreaming of a career in beach handball?
“Try to have as much fun as possible,” said the 2023 European Championship silver medallist. “Enjoy the music, the sun and the people. The rest will come on its own.”
Words: Tea Šeparović
Pictures: Paweł Jakubowski/PAWI.PL