Slovenky

At the Calise Cup 2026, we will be pleased to host the Slovakian women’s national team, one of Central Europe’s emerging Beach Handball teams.

Managed by the Slovak Handball Federation, the team was officially founded after the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993, when the Slovak handball movement also began to develop independently.

In its early years, beach handball in Slovakia was still a niche sport, much less widespread than indoor handball. However, with the growth of the European movement organized by the European Handball Federation, Slovakia also began to participate more regularly in international summer tournaments and the first EBT (European Beach Handball Tour) circuits.

The Slovakian women’s national team took part in its first European competitions in the 2000s, competing against already very experienced national teams such as Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Croatia. The first European Championship appearances served primarily to gain international experience and develop a distinctive technical identity.

Over the years, the “Slovenky”, a Slovak term meaning simply “the Slovaks”, 1have built a team recognizable for their quick transitions; defensive intensity; highly organized team play; technical quality in spin shots; and excellent athletic preparation.

The growth of the movement has also been fostered by the increase in summer tournaments in Slovakia and by constant participation in major European EBT events. Many of the national team’s players come from indoor handball, a sport historically widely practiced in the country.

In recent years, Slovakia has invested heavily in its youth sector, creating internationally competitive U17 and U18 teams. This work has allowed the senior national team to improve its technical level and become an increasingly challenging team in European tournaments.

Among the Slovakian women’s national team’s most notable international experiences are participation in the EHF Beach Handball EURO and several EBT tournaments in Croatia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic; international youth events such as the Jarun Cup and Salgo Cup; and camps and friendlies against Central European teams.

Despite not yet having won any continental medals, Slovakia is now considered a steadily improving national team, capable of competing evenly against more renowned teams.

The Slovakian women’s national beach handball team is now one of the most exciting projects in Eastern Europe, thanks to a mix of young talent, a strong federation, and growing international experience.