In an exhilarating showdown in Morocco, Russia demonstrated their strength and determination, clinching the bronze medal at the 2026 IHF Women’s Under-16 World Championship with a resounding victory over the People’s Republic of China, finishing the match with a score of 39:33. This match was a fine display of talent and endurance, showcasing the skill set of young athletes on an international stage.
The bronze-medal match was closely contested, with both teams exhibiting remarkable performances. The first half saw four lead changes, with China initially taking the upper hand. They mounted an impressive 4:0 run, highlighted by the contributions of Meishan Du, who netted three goals during this crucial stretch. This surge allowed China to take the lead at 17:15, which they maintained until the halftime whistle, closing the first half at 19:18.
However, the second half proved decisive for the Russian squad. Following a deadlock at 26:26 after 42 minutes, Russia unleashed a formidable 7:0 run that shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. The Russian team’s back line played a pivotal role in this victory, with standout performances from Aleksandra Predybailova, who scored eight goals, Ekaterina Korzun contributing seven goals along with seven assists, Arina Smirnova adding four goals, and Elizaveta Sapozhnikova netting five goals. This collective effort was instrumental in overcoming the initial deficit and securing the win.
On the other side, China's Ruixue Sun emerged as the top scorer of the match, contributing ten goals to her team’s total. Meishan Du also had a commendable performance, scoring six goals, which brought her total in the championship to an impressive 54 goals, surpassing Kazakhstan’s Nurdana Kyrgyzbay by a single goal to become the tournament's leading scorer.
Despite suffering only one loss throughout the competition, which came in the semi-final against Germany, Russia's strong finish ensured they secured a spot on the podium, completing a 100% European representation at the 2026 IHF Women’s Under-16 World Championship.
As reported by ihf.info.
