Alicante Rises: The Handball Revival Weaves History and Hope

Alicante longs for sports triumphs that can spark pride in its people again. It has been years since a victory big enough to flash a smile across the city, a moment that would remind residents of past glory even if only for a breath. Time marches on, and the recollections of the 70s—black and white images of Hercules and Calpisa’s fervent push for success—offer a quiet anchor for those still thirsty for the buzz of elite sport. Not long ago, a spark from that era reappeared at the Marist pavilion when an upstart club, Eón, aimed to revive a tradition rooted in Alicante’s strong handball heritage. Though newly established, Eón gathered nearly a thousand people, turning Felicisimo Brother’s facilities into a living, breathing hub of passion and energy. The club set an early ambition: to earn promotion from the Second Division and challenge an Asobal club that had stumbled through a weak season and found itself defeated in a knockout round. The outcome, while not favorable, could not extinguish the atmosphere. The city carried a renewed belief that the spirit of handball still runs deep and lively through its streets. At the heart of this revival was the quiet, steadfast support of a businessman who plays no role beyond love for the sport and the city where he was born. Pepe Sanchez, owner of a local enterprise, has been a tireless advocate for returning handball to its deserved place in Asobal and in Alicante’s athletic identity. Sanchez works behind the scenes to secure the cooperation of state schools and local clubs, moving with a steady, purposeful rhythm toward a goal that seems increasingly within reach. His motivation is pure, anchored in shared benefit rather than personal gain, and his commitment is matched by the community’s growing readiness to rally behind this cause. Together with players, coaches, and supporters, the city waits with measured optimism as the effort unfolds. Time will test the plan, but the belief remains that the dream of reestablishing high-level handball in Alicante will eventually become a sustained reality, reinforced by local pride and a culture that refuses to forget its sporting roots. The story continues to unfold with the conviction that devotion paired with steady action can turn aspiration into achievement, and the people of Alicante appear poised to witness a revival that honors both history and ambition, in equal measure. (Source: Alicante sports archives)