Senegal's Women's Beach Handball Team Wins Bronze Medal at JOJ Dakar 2026

The Senegalese women's beach handball team has won a bronze medal at the JOJ Dakar 2026, held in Saly. Coach Valérie Nicolas expressed her pride in the team's performance, saying that the medal "vaut de l'or" (is worth gold). The team had a tough match against Spain in the semi-finals, losing 2-1. However, they showed great resilience and mental strength to bounce back and secure the bronze medal.

According to Coach Valérie Nicolas, the team's preparation for the match focused on the psychological aspect, in addition to tactical work. She emphasized the importance of emotional management, saying that the players need to learn to manage their emotions on the field. The team's hard work and dedication have paid off, with the bronze medal being a testament to their efforts over the past two years.

The Senegalese team was led by Coach Valérie Nicolas, a French handball player who won the 2003 World Championship with France. She has been working with the team for two years, and her experience and guidance have been instrumental in their success. Nicolas expressed her pride in the team's achievement, saying that the bronze medal is a major reward for their hard work.

The JOJ Dakar 2026 is being held in Dakar, Senegal, and has featured several Senegalese athletes competing in various events. The country's sports ministry has been working to promote sports development and provide opportunities for young athletes to compete at the international level. The bronze medal won by the women's beach handball team is a significant achievement for Senegalese sports.

Coach Valérie Nicolas will be leaving her position with the Senegalese team, but she expressed her willingness to provide support and guidance to the team in the future. She emphasized the importance of developing local coaching talent, saying that Senegalese coaches should take over the team. Nicolas has had a successful career in handball, winning several medals and championships.

The bronze medal won by Senegal is one of several medals won by the country at the JOJ Dakar 2026. The country's athletes have been competing in various events, including track and field, swimming, and handball. The JOJ Dakar 2026 has provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete against the best in the world.

The Senegalese government's support for sports development has been crucial in the country's success at the JOJ Dakar 2026. The government has invested in sports infrastructure and provided funding for athlete training and development programs. The country's sports ministry has also been working to promote sports development and provide opportunities for young athletes to compete at the international level.

Key points

• Coach Valérie Nicolas praises team's resilience and mental strength.
• Senegalese team's bronze medal is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
• Coach Valérie Nicolas to leave position, but willing to provide future support.