SK Hawks Claim Dramatic Victory as 2025-26 Korean Handball H-League Kicks Off
Seoul, South Korea – November 15, 2024 – The Shinhan SOL Bank 2025-26 H-League, Korea’s premier handball competition, exploded into action today at the Olympic Park Handball Stadium, drawing a crowd of approximately 3,000 enthusiastic fans. In a day filled with exciting matches, impressive performances, and a palpable sense of growing momentum for the sport, the SK Hawks emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against defending champions Doosan, while Hanam City Hall secured a win against Sangmu Phoenix. This marks a significant step forward for handball in Korea, with increased spectator numbers and growing support from key figures in sports and government.
SK Hawks Edge Out Doosan in Opening Day Showdown
The opening game of the season delivered on its promise, with the SK Hawks ultimately prevailing over Doosan 23-20. A tense first half ended in a 10-10 draw, setting the stage for a gripping second half. The Hawks capitalized on Doosan’s mistakes, building a lead thanks to stellar performances from Kim Dong-cheol and Jang Dong-hyun, who each scored 5 goals. Goalkeeper Bruno’s impressive 10 saves proved crucial in securing the win. Kim Dong-cheol was rightfully awarded MVP for his outstanding contribution. Remarkably, Jang Dong-hyun also reached a milestone, becoming only the 12th player in H-League history to score 500 goals!
“It was tight in the first half, so I expected that the team with a one-goal lead in the second half would lead the game steadily, but we created a situation where we were winning in that way and played well,” said SK Hawks coach Nuno Alvarez, expressing confidence in his team’s championship aspirations. This victory is a strong statement of intent from the Hawks, who finished second last season.
Hanam City Hall Triumphs Over Sangmu Phoenix in a Close Contest
In the following match, Hanam City Hall demonstrated their own strength, defeating Sangmu Phoenix 24-21. Seo Hyun-ho led the charge for Hanam City Hall with 6 goals, supported by Nae-chan Nae, who made a memorable debut with 4 goals and 2 assists, earning him the MVP award. Goalkeeper Jaeyong Park’s crucial saves in the second half were instrumental in securing the victory. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Hanam City Hall ultimately proved too strong, closing out the game with a buzzer-beater from Won Seung-hyun.
A League on the Rise: Growth and Support for Korean Handball
The opening ceremony itself was a spectacle, attended by prominent figures including Kwak No-jeong, President of the Korea Handball Federation and CEO of SK Hynix, Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun, and President of Shinhan Bank, Jeong Sang-hyuk. Vice Minister Kim highlighted the league’s impressive 50% increase in spectatorship last season, signaling its potential to evolve into a fully professional league. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has pledged continued support for the sport’s development.
This season also marks the second anniversary of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Korea Handball Federation and the Japan Handball Federation, aimed at fostering collaboration and growth in both countries. Kazuya Nakamura, President of the Japanese federation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and wished the H-League continued success. Furthermore, the newly launched ‘Heart Pass Campaign’ featuring women’s players adds another layer of engagement and excitement to the league.
Looking Ahead: Season Schedule and Broadcast Information
The 25-26 H-League season will continue for six months, touring seven cities across Korea – Seoul, Incheon, Cheongju, Gwangmyeong, Gwangju, Busan, and Samcheok – culminating on May 5th. The women’s division will commence on January 10th, following the World Women’s Handball Championship. Fans can catch the action live on KBS for major games, and all matches will be streamed live on Naver, Daum, and Mac Sports TV. This increased accessibility is a key component of the league’s strategy to broaden its reach and cultivate a passionate fanbase.
The energy surrounding the H-League is undeniable. With strong performances, dedicated fans, and growing support, the 2025-26 season promises to be a landmark year for Korean handball, solidifying its position as a dynamic and exciting sport for years to come. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the H-League and all the latest sports news.
