By WAYLON GALVEZ
The men’s national handball team members continue with their individual workouts as they intend to vie in two important competitions, including this year’s Asian Beach Games.
National team coach Jan Franquelli said they are monitoring the performances of team members who are training six times a week to keep them well focused and physically ready for the Asian Beach Games which China will be hosting in November.
They are also hoping to improve on their third place finish in next year’s Vietnam SEA Games.
“Right now naka-schedule pa din yung Asian Beach Games in November, wala pa sinasabing postponed or canceled ang organizers, so our focus is on that tournament kung sakaling biglang makapunta kami,” said Franquelli.
“If ever naman na ma-cancel, ang target naman is the Vietnam SEA Games, which is set in November 2021. Kaya kami sa hanball, ang mga players tuloy lang ang training,” she added.
In the event the Asian Beach Games pushes through, the country is assured of a slot being ranked No. 3 behind Vietnam and Thailand, which took gold and silver, respectively, in last year’s SEA Games.
The last time the Philippines fielded a handball team in the ABG was during 2014 edition when the women’s team, mentored by Franquelli, had its second straight stint after its maiden campaign in 2012.
“It was a learning curve for Philippine Handball after that two tournaments for women’s in the Asian Beach Games. Now, we still don’t know if matutuloy, sana nga matuloy, but if not, we’re looking forward to the SEA Games,” said Franquelli, a former fencer and basketball player.
