SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 05, 2024 – The European Handball Federation (EHF) has announced the winners of the prestigious EHF Excellence Awards 2024 in beach handball, recognizing outstanding achievements in the sport. Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo Castro and Dutch right wing Meike Kruijer have been named the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of the season, solidifying their positions as top athletes in beach handball.
The EHF Excellence Awards are presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the year. Castro and Kruijer's selection is a testament to their remarkable performances on both the national team and club levels.
"Ricardo Castro and Meike Kruijer have been named the season’s Most Valuable Players based on all nominations and selections into the All-star Teams of the ebt Finals 2024 in Lacanau, France, in June; the 2024 IHF Beach Handball World Championships in Pingtan Island, China, in June; and the EHF Beach Handball Champions Cup 2024 in Porto Santo, Portugal, in October," the EHF stated in their official media release.
Castro, a 38-year-old physiotherapist with a neurorehabilitation clinic, has made a significant impact on the Portuguese national beach handball team. He played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal at the Men's World Championship in Pingtan Island, where he was also named the All-star goalkeeper. This achievement marked Portugal's best-ever result in only their second appearance at the global championships.
In addition to his national team success, Castro led his club team, GRD Leça – Spar, to victory at the EHF Beach Handball Champions Cup in Porto Santo. His exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the All-star Team.
Kruijer, a 21-year-old industrial engineering student, has also made her mark on the international beach handball scene. As a key player for the Netherlands, she helped her team secure a bronze medal at the Women's World Championship, replicating their success from the 2022 edition. Kruijer's outstanding contributions to the team earned her a place on the All-star Team.
At the club level, Kruijer showcased her exceptional skills and leadership, guiding her Dutch team, Black Lake Beach, to a third-place finish at the EHF Champions Cup. She was recognized as the tournament's MVP and finished as the second-best scorer, further demonstrating her exceptional talent and impact on the game.
"They are the successors of Spanish legend Asun Batista and Portuguese youngster Gabriel Conceição, who won the Beach Handball MVP titles at the EHF Excellence Awards 2023," the EHF highlighted the significance of their achievement.
Castro and Kruijer's dedication to beach handball extends beyond their athletic achievements. Castro, who transitioned to beach handball in 2021 after retiring from indoor handball, exemplifies the passion and commitment that drive the sport's growth. Kruijer, who has been playing beach handball since the age of 14, demonstrates the longevity and dedication required to excel in this dynamic sport.
The EHF Excellence Awards 2024 gala will be held on December 14th in Vienna, Austria, where Castro and Kruijer will be formally honored and presented with their awards. This prestigious event will celebrate their outstanding achievements and contributions to beach handball, inspiring future generations of athletes.