Germany’s men’s Beach Handball team struck gold at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, overcoming Portugal in a dramatic final to top the podium, while Brazil claimed bronze. The triumph followed the women’s silver medal at the same Games and underlined Germany’s growing dominance in the sport after the women’s The World Games title in Birmingham 2022.
For head coach Marten Franke, the gold-medal match was only part of the story.
“Although winning the final was obviously a wonderful moment, the previous knockout games were very special for us,” he said, pointing to a rain-soaked quarter-final against Denmark as a turning point.
“It was an absolute victory of willpower. After that battle, we knew we weren’t far off one of the medals we had hoped for.”
The semi-final victory over Brazil proved equally symbolic. Having lost four close encounters against the record world champions in recent months, Germany finally broke through.
“We had a feeling even before the game that today was the day we could beat Brazil,” Franke recalled.
Captain Robin John summed up the emotion of the title moment: “The final whistle and the instant when we all came together in the sand – it wasn’t just joy or relief. It was pure confirmation of everything we had worked for.” He described the gold as “the reward for years of trust, discipline, and belief in each other.”
A defining feature of Germany’s campaign was their composure under pressure. Every match went to a shoot-out, including all three knockout games.
“Our self-confidence was decisive,” Franke explained. “We worked intensively on mental strength, and we had the composure to stay focused even in critical situations.”
Goalkeeper Moritz Ebert, who made the decisive save in the final shoot-out against Portugal, highlighted the team’s mindset. “We were not the best team statistically, but when it really mattered, we were there,” he said. “
In the decisive moments, we delivered – that was the key to winning gold.”
The success also carried wider significance for German Beach Handball. “Winning gold with both the women’s and men’s teams shows this is not a coincidence,” said John. “It’s the result of a sustainable, well-structured programme.” Franke added that The World Games title would also boost funding and visibility for the sport at home.
Beyond the medals, Chengdu left a lasting impression. “The World Games flair was palpable everywhere,” Franke said. “Living in the Athletes’ Village with top athletes from around the world was an uplifting feeling.”
As newly crowned Heroes of the Games, the message from the team was simple and universal. “Hard work pays off,” Franke said. “If you work hard and long enough, you give yourself a real chance to achieve your dream.”