In a remarkable feat, two talented east Auckland athletes have been selected in the U19 New Zealand side for the Handball World Championships in Croatia in August.
The selections of John Whittaker (Flat Bush) and Nicholas Choi (Bucklands Beach) shines a light on the growing presence of handball in New Zealand.
Handball is an Olympic sport played between two teams who try to throw or hit an inflated ball into a goal at either end of a rectangular playing area while preventing their opponents from doing so.
For Choi, who moved to New Zealand from Hong Kong in 2019, the opportunity to represent his adopted nation on the global stage is an immense honour.
“There is no greater honour than being able to represent the country at the World Championship. Being in New Zealand is a great opportunity to do this, it is a once in a lifetime achievement,” he says.
Handball, a sport typically dominated by European nations, presents a unique challenge that Choi is eager to take on.
Preparations for the tournament have been intense for both Choi and Whittaker, pushing their physical and mental limits.
Choi dedicates between 6 to 8 hours per week to pure handball training, in addition to rigorous physical fitness routines. He believes that consistent training, whether it is handball-specific or general fitness exercises, is crucial in preparing his body for the intensity of consecutive game days.
Whittaker, dubbed a young handball sensation, shares Choi’s enthusiasm for the upcoming championship.
“Being able to play and represent New Zealand sporting wise was a childhood dream and I am stoked that I’m doing it for a sport that I can see myself doing long-term and helping to build a bigger and better future for Handball in New Zealand,” he says.
The training regimen for Whittaker has pushed his physical and mental limits. The level of intensity required for the tournament has surpassed anything he has experienced before.
In addition to organized sessions with coaches and individual training, Whittaker has also juggled his commitment to basketball and school. Despite the challenges, he is determined to meet the demands head-on and push himself to new heights.
Reflecting on their handball journeys, Choi discovered his passion for the sport in Hong Kong, where his exceptional talents were recognized by the team captain. Playing a bit of the Asian style of handball has contributed to the diversity and versatility of his gameplay.
Whittaker, on the other hand, was introduced to handball in 2020 during his school’s physical education programme.
“I am a give it a go type of person so I am willing to try any new sports and become good at them, but Handball was different as it piqued my interest a lot more than what other sports would,” he says.
Whittaker says he started playing Handball for the experience and has kept playing for the love of the sport.
“My message to the community is simple. Try new things out, you’ll surprise yourself,” he says.
Choi and Whittaker’s participation in the U19 Handball World Championships represents a significant milestone not only for their personal achievements but also for the growth and recognition of handball in New Zealand.
With their dedication, skill, and unwavering determination, the two are ready to make waves on the international stage, leaving their mark on the world of handball.
Both young men say they have had a countless amount of support throughout their short, yet successful Handball careers, but none more influential than Head of Delegation for the U19 New Zealand Youth Handball team, Thomas Schmider.
Schmider says Whittaker is a young Handball sensation with unmatched agility and precision.
“His extraordinary talent and skill have propelled him to new heights in the world of handball. With each game, Whittaker continues to dazzle, breaking long-standing records and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport,” Schmider says.
As for Choi, Schmider says he is quickly emerging as a rising star in the world of handball, combining speed and strategic brilliance to dominate the court.
“Choi’s deep understanding of the game and tactical awareness give him a strategic edge. As he continues to excel and leave his mark on the handball scene, his ascent to stardom seems inevitable,” Schmider says.
The 10th IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship will be held in Croatia from August 2 to 13, with New Zealand being the only Oceania nation to compete.
If you wish to sponsor either player and help fund their travel to Croatia, visit the link https://nzyouthhandball.raisely.com/.
