Rwanda’s youth handball teams were crowned champions of the 2026 IHF Trophy Zone 5 tournament that concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday after beating Burundi and hosts Ethiopia in U18 and U20 finals, respectively.

The U20 side won the tournament after edging Ethiopia 39-37 in the final held at Arat Kilo Sport Education and Training Centre Indoor Hall while, earlier in the day Rwanda U18 lifted the regional crown after a nail-biting 39-38 victory against Burundi in the championship final.

Besides trophies, victories in Addis Ababa earned Rwandan teams a qualification for the 2026 African Handball Championship. Ethiopia and Burundi also secured the ticket to the continental tournaments after reaching the finals.