The Under-17 Beach Handball squad from the Cook Islands has left Rarotonga for Hammamet, Tunisia, marking their first appearance at the 2025 IHF U17 Men’s Beach Handball World Championship, wich will take place from June 17 to 22, 2025.

This global tournament will host 32 national teams, consisting of 16 men’s and 16 women’s squads, chosen from 306 International Handball Federation (IHF) member nations.

The Cook Islands is the only team representing Oceania in either category, which is a significant achievement for both the nation and the region.

The Cook Islands team has been placed in Group C, where they will compete against Tunisia, Thailand, and Mexico.

Before the championship,the team has scheduled warm-up matches to help them adjust and improve their performance.

Makiroa Mitchell‑John, the president of Handball Cook Islands and secretary general of the Oceania Continent Handball Federation (OCHF), is leading this initiative.

She stated that this is the first time the Cook islands has sent a team to the U17 Beach Handball World Championship,following their participation in the 2010 Youth Olympic games for indoor handball.

Oceania Depiction

“This isn’t just about the Cook Islands,” Mitchell‑John said. “We are representing the entire Oceania region. We’re helping 17-year-old kids step onto the world stage.”

According to Mitchell‑John, handball promotes youth development by enhancing their skills, broadening their global outlook, and providing valuable experiences for adulthood.

Participation in Tunisia is a stepping stone to the Youth Olympic Games, a long-term goal for the team.

As Oceania’s sole representative, the Cook Islands can qualify for the Youth Olympic Games, pending approval from Cook Islands Sports and National olympic Committee (CISNOC).

Mitchell‑john highlighted the determination required to reach this point.

“This is an unfunded journey. Everyone had to fundraise.”

“This is an unfunded journey. Everyone had to fundraise. Some athletes dropped out, so we went scouting again in January,” she said.

“The kids train hard, many are involved in other sports, and we’ve worked with Andrew Iroa to ensure their fitness is at the right level.”

Logistical Support

Mo Hosea Travel & Cruise – TravelManagers coordinated the team’s travel arrangements to ensure they arrive prepared to compete and represent the cook Islands.

Under Mitchell‑John’s leadership, Handball Cook Islands has grown rapidly, with a record-breaking 444 athletes at the 2024 Cook Islands Games.

Her efforts are helping to promote the sport throughout Oceania.

as the team prepares to compete in Tunisia, they carry the hopes of their nation and region, aiming for Olympic qualification and a brighter future for handball in the Pacific.

The Cook Islands U17 Beach Handball Team includes: Headi Tunisia In Mori turome, 3.JEPEI RUANDE CARDER JOUDER JOUDER TRUELS! Raina, 11. Eli dean Tehaeretua Tepou Topui, 13. Tevaki Abraham Jaywin Tupa Tupa, 18. Tangianau Davida Glassie Buillard Tepuretu, 20. Brendan Aaron Lemuel Trevaughn Lucas Tepuretu, 21. Aiganalua Ailoa Samania (Vice Captain).