The Haka, a New Zealand dance has now become one of the most famous dances in the world. Hakka is a ritual dance or challenge in Maori culture. It is a dance posture performed by a group, where the players make animated movements and seal their feet by shouting rhythmically. The habit of New Zealand national teams to perform the Haka before their international matches has made the Haka famous around the world.

Every time New Zealand plays, spectators look forward to the experience.

So it is at the Karteros Beach Sports Center, as New Zealand is among the countries participating in the 10th World Beach Handball Championships. After its first participation in 2018 with a wild card, it managed to secure a spot among the 16 teams in the event this year. The fans in the stands had the opportunity to experience this unique experience, which is unlike watching it on TV.

In Oceania, due to the coronavirus situation and the exit ban, it was a difficult situation with the qualifiers. Only New Zealand and Australia participated this year. Normally there are about five teams participating.

"The borders opened four weeks before the qualifying phase, so it was a bit difficult for us to prepare as well," said coach Timothy Rayner. "After the qualifying phase, we spent about five weeks preparing until we got here.

As for the facilities, he first pointed out with a laugh that it is quite hot here in Heraklion. However, he then went on to say that everything is amazing on both a competitive and organisational level.

New Zealand in rugby has the nickname "all black" and we asked if this also follows the beach handball team. "The truth is no. We don't have anything like that. They mention that because the players there have black hair and everything they wear is black."

Regarding their dance, the team's coach said the best person to talk about the dance is Ross Cameron. "This dance is called Haka. It comes from our Maori ancestors," he said in his opening remarks. Essentially this is what they did before every battle to challenge their opponent. It tells their story and we came here and do it like everyone else to honor them.

This dance is respected by every opponent wherever we play and most are excited to have the opportunity to see it in person." In fact, some come up at the end of the game and ask to learn about Haka.

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