Tuesday, october 24nd, 2023.- Chile got off to a strong start in handball at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023, defeating Canada 23-14 in a Group A match at the Gimnasio Polideportivo de Viña del Mar.

In front of nearly three thousand enthusiastic spectators, known as "Las Lobas," the Chilean team managed to secure a clear victory over the North Americans. Despite a closely contested first half that ended 11-11, the Chilean women, led by the inspired Valeska Lovera (who scored seven goals), were able to pull ahead in the second half, resulting in a final score of 23-14. Local goalkeeper Madeleine Cortez also had an outstanding performance, preventing several Canadian goal-scoring opportunities.

"It was tough, we knew it would be a tight match. We wanted to have a good start in the first few minutes to make a difference in the second half. We always tried to stay ahead, and we managed to reach halftime with a draw and win in the second half. We've spent thousands of hours training for this moment, and it finally arrived," commented Valeska Lovera.

She also mentioned the upcoming match against Argentina (scheduled for 5:30 p.m. local time on the same court): "It will be a tough match because Argentina is an Olympic team. It's very motivating for us. The important thing is to leave with a good feeling. They might have a bad game, and we can play the best game of our lives to win."

Finally, Valeska Lovera acknowledged the crucial support from the audience: "Spectacular! I've been playing handball since I was a child, and I've never seen the gymnasium filled like this. It's the best gift we could have. Playing with a crowd is essential for us, and it also helps motivate more kids to want to play handball."

In the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, handball offers qualifying spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Written by Marcelo López-Gonzalo Pérez; translated by Rocio Rojas / Photosport
Photo by Sebastian Cisternas/Santiago 2023