Xinming Elementary Girls’ Handball Team Wins National Title Again After 15 Years

Nine players carried Xinming Elementary School's girls' handball team to a national title that had eluded the school for 15 years. The U12 team won the championship at the 2026 Taichung Cup National Handball Championships, held in Taichung from August 16 to 23, while the school's U11 boys' team also took first place.

The tournament drew 167 teams from Taiwan and other parts of Asia, divided into 18 groups. Xinming's girls entered the competition after finishing third in key events for two consecutive years. This time, they had little room for rotation because only nine players made up the squad, even though seven players had to be on court.

The team survived a series of high-pressure matches through steady defence, quick transitions and strong coordination. Head coach Wu Chun-yeh said the biggest breakthrough was psychological rather than technical. The players learned to trust one another, control their emotions and follow their tactics even when scores remained close.

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The biggest breakthrough for the girls was not only technical progress, but also growth on the psychological level.

Before the tournament, the coaching staff sent key players to Okinawa, Japan, for an overseas training camp led by Wu and fellow coach Lo Chi-ping. The camp exposed the players to different training methods and match exchanges while strengthening their tactical awareness, movement and defensive judgment. After returning home, they continued intensive summer training and integrated those lessons into the team's tactics.

Teachers and parents also played a central role. The team leader attended daily practices during the summer, staying with the players for training, meals, rest and schoolwork. The parents' support group followed the team and cheered throughout the competition. Principal Chiang Chih-hui said the title showed that the children continued after repeated setbacks and learned to cooperate, handle pressure and surpass themselves.

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The 15-year wait for the championship represents the children choosing to persist after setback after setback, learning to cooperate, withstand pressure and surpass themselves.