From June 26 to 29, 2024, representatives of the Academic Club for Beach Handball Zagreb (AKRP Zagreb), Mladen Paradžik and Antea Martić, visited Hungary to participate in an experience exchange program and adopt innovative approaches in the development of beach handball. The visit took place at the newly opened National Beach Handball Center in Gárdony, a project jointly realized by the Hungarian Handball Federation (HHF) and private investors. The goal of this new center is to create a hub for the development and promotion of the sport, and AKRP Zagreb representatives had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Tamas Neukum, chairman of HHF’s Beach Handball Committee, who presented the vision and strategic direction for the development of beach handball in Hungary.
The first part of the meeting was dedicated to presenting the goals and strategies that HHF applies for the sustainable development of the sport. The Croatian representatives had the opportunity to see how beach handball is successfully integrated into existing indoor clubs, with the Hungarian Federation supporting player versatility through dual registration. This system allows athletes to participate in both forms of the sport, significantly contributing to the popularization and expansion of beach handball in Hungary.
The Hungarian development model is also based on financial support from federation structures. HHF covers the basic costs of national championships, including referees, delegates, and logistics, making it easier for clubs to organize and finance their participation. By limiting the number of foreign players in the national championship, the Hungarian Federation ensures a focus on domestic talent, enabling the creation of a stable player base.