Vietnam’s women’s team beat their Thai rivals in the final match 35-27 to retain their title at the 2013 Southeast Asia Handball Championships, which took place from Dec. 2-10 in Bangkok , Thailand.

Malaysia came in third.

Meanwhile, in the men’s final match on Dec. 8, Vietnam ’s team lost to Thailand 34-35. The third place belonged to the Philippine team.

Handball is not included in the programme of the 27th South East Asia Games currently underway in Myanmar, so this tournament is considered the most important event of the sport in the region this year.-VNA