The facility features a total indoor area of 7,500 square meters and includes a four-sided tribune with a seating capacity of 1,400 spectators. In addition, the complex is equipped with a mini handball court, fitness center, broadcasting and audio rooms, referee and locker rooms, medical facilities, a conference hall, and cafeteria areas, offering comprehensive support for both athletes and officials.

The federation emphasized its satisfaction in bringing this project to life in cooperation with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighting its importance for the development of young talents and the future of handball in the country.

With this investment, Türkiye handball continues to build a stronger and more sustainable infrastructure, aiming to elevate the sport at both national and international levels.

After the initial intervention at the venue, Koç was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Despite all medical efforts, he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His sudden passing caused deep sorrow among the players, coaching staff, and spectators, casting a shadow over the match.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has built an extensive career across European handball. Born in Croatia, Ašanin has played in several top European leagues including Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Germany and Spain. During his career he has represented major clubs such as RK Zagreb, CSM Bucharest, Sporting CP, TSG Friesenheim and Ademar León.

For Ašanin, the transfer also marks a return to the Liga ASOBAL. The experienced goalkeeper previously played for Ademar León between 2012 and 2014 and will now return to Spain's top handball league after 12 years.

Throughout his career, Ašanin has achieved notable success. He won the Portuguese League title twice and the Croatian League title twice, as well as the Turkish League and Turkish Super Cup. The Croatian goalkeeper is also an EHF Challenge Cup champion (now known as the EHF European Cup). In addition, he was part of the Croatian national team that won the silver medal at the 2020 European Championship. Ašanin also won the Mediterranean Games and the EHF Euro title at junior level with his national team.

Speaking after the transfer announcement, Matej Ašanin expressed his excitement about joining the Spanish club.
'I am very excited about joining Cajasol Ángel Ximénez and starting the next season with the team. Returning to Liga ASOBAL is also a big motivation for me. It is a very competitive league where anyone can beat anyone and every match is important. Many games are decided in the final moments, and I really enjoy competitions like this. I hope we can achieve all the goals we set at the beginning of the season, and personally I will give everything I have to help the team reach those goals,' he said.

With the signing of Matej Ašanin, Cajasol Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil has taken its first important step in building a strong squad for the upcoming season. The Croatian goalkeeper is expected to join the team during the summer.

She is both an educator and a champion coach. For a large part of her journey, many doubted her — and even today, there are those who fail to see the passion in her eyes. As a woman and as a teacher, she has fought countless battles. Now she stands as a champion coach, generous enough to say, 'Every coach should experience this feeling at least once.' And today, for the first time, İlknur Kurtuluş has reached the Quarter-Finals of a European Cup as a Turkish female handball coach.

There is a unique bond between her and her team, Nilüfer Belediyesi. When you consider how much players and coach lift one another up, their success should not come as a surprise. Because no matter how strongly you believe in yourself, without people beside you who believe in you too, something will always feel incomplete. İlknur is coaching a men's handball team — a rare example of a coach–team dynamic, especially in the handball world, where most of her rivals are male coaches. That is why her words, 'Every coach should experience this feeling at least once,' carry so much weight; they reflect a lifetime devoted to the sport.

Last summer, Nilüfer faced Beşiktaş in the Turkish Super Cup Final. When the match went into a penalty shootout, the champion was decided by seven-meter throws. As many viewers noticed on screen — myself included — Coach İlknur could barely watch the shots. At that moment, Genco stood beside her, held her arm, and said, 'Coach, this is your moment — you need to watch.' He brought her back to the edge of the court. The rest is history: a dramatic 37–36 victory and a Super Cup title for Nilüfer Belediyesi. Tolga Özbahar, the team's veteran presence, reflects İlknur's leadership on the court. In a story where a female coach leads a men's team, nothing comes easily. As I said before, you need people who truly believe in you. For someone like Tolga, who says he has built his life through handball, standing beside a coach who has dedicated her entire life to the game feels inevitable.

And today, the journey has reached another milestone. As a Turkish female coach, İlknur Kurtuluş has guided her team into the European Cup Quarter-Finals, eliminating Czech side SKKP Handball Brno with a 32–28 victory in the Round of 16. Writing this in a single sentence sounds simple — but living it requires a lifetime plus sixty minutes on the court. Nothing began today; this success is the result of years of belief and perseverance.

How can I describe what Nilüfer and Coach İlknur have achieved? Imagine a stone garden in the shade of your home, turning green from the moisture. That greenery is the team. But when the sunlight finally reaches it, the garden blossoms — and that sunlight is Coach İlknur. Neither exists fully without the other. Now, beyond the horizon, the path to a championship continues with the Quarter-Finals. A coach and a team who dare to imagine what lies one step beyond reality keep following the stars, surrounded by those who believe in them.

Be patient — what is meant for you will find its way.

Bursa and Yalıkavak Unable to Break the Deadlock

In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the week, league leaders Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi SK hosted Armada Praxis Yalıkavak SK. The intense clash ended in a 23–23 draw, keeping the title race wide open. Bursa edged the first half 11–10 in a match dominated by strong defensive systems, physical duels, and a high number of forced turnovers. Both teams displayed disciplined 6–0 defensive formations, which resulted in one of the lowest-scoring games of the play-off stage so far.

Oana Fortuna Da Costa led the scoring for the home side with six goals, while Sofiia Bezrukova matched her tally for Yalıkavak, finishing as the joint top scorers of the match.

Üsküdar Claims Key Away Win

In the other play-off fixture, Ortahisar Belediyesi SK hosted Üsküdar Belediyesi SK in a high-tempo encounter that turned into a goal fest. Üsküdar came away with a narrow 36–35 victory, earning their first win of the play-off round and keeping their championship hopes alive.

For Ortahisar, Kübra Sarıkaya, Arife Özdemir, and Monika Janeska Kıldan each scored eight goals, showcasing the home team's offensive efficiency. However, Fanta Diagouraga's nine-goal performance proved decisive for Üsküdar, making her the top scorer of the game.

1-Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi SK – 27 pts

2-Armada Praxis Yalıkavak SK – 25 pts

3-Üsküdar Belediyesi SK – 25 pts

4-Ortahisar Belediyesi SK – 17 pts

After two rounds, Bursa maintains the top spot thanks to goal-difference advantage, while the battle between Yalıkavak and Üsküdar for second place continues to intensify. With multiple rounds still to play, the championship race in the Turkish Women's Handball Super League remains wide open.

During the gala night, the Türkiye Handball Federation's journey from its foundation to the present day was presented through a specially produced 50th anniversary documentary, highlighting the major milestones and achievements of Türkiye handball over the past five decades. Following the screening, President Mesut Çebi presented special awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of handball in Türkiye.

Speaking to Hentbolhaber.Net ahead of the gala night, Mesut Çebi shared his feelings and thoughts with the following words:

'We are happy. Coming together here on the 50th anniversary of a half-century-long story, uniting our community, and seeing our elders, brothers and sisters all in one place truly makes us happy. I don't know if we will witness the 100th year, but we are very happy to be here for the 50th anniversary.'

'We carry the greatest excitement. Through this organization and our gala night, we want to show our community what Türkiye handball is and what it can become in the future. This will be the greatest proof of that. God willing, we will achieve this together by putting our hands under the stone as one — with our administrators, children, coaches, clubs, referees and observers. We will take Türkiye handball to the place we all dream of.'

'I watched the preview of the documentary. In that process, I realized that there is a past we, as the new generation, have never known or recognized, and I had the opportunity to discover it. Above all, I am very happy to experience this as a former handball player.'

The 50th Anniversary Gala Night of the Türkiye Handball Federation served as a powerful bridge between past and future, once again highlighting the unity, solidarity and vision of Türkiye handball on an international stage.

While both teams attempted the same number of shots (47–47), Bursa BB's superior shooting efficiency proved decisive. The Turkish side was particularly effective from 6-metre and 9-metre ranges, consistently breaking through the Spanish defense. Bursa finished the match with an impressive 68% shooting accuracy, increasing that figure to 74% in the second half, a key factor in building and maintaining their scoring advantage.

One of the standout statistical aspects of the match was the 7-metre throws. Replasa Beti-Onak converted all 5 of their penalty shots, achieving a 100% success rate, which helped them stay competitive throughout the contest. In comparison, Bursa BB scored 2 out of 3 penalties for a 66% success rate. Despite this edge in penalties, the Spanish side was unable to counter Bursa's overall attacking consistency.

Bursa BB's goalkeepers played a crucial role, especially during the decisive phases of the second half. The home side recorded 10 saves, compared to just 4 saves by Replasa Beti-Onak's goalkeepers. Critical close-range stops by the Bursa goalkeepers shifted momentum and prevented the visitors from mounting a comeback, further solidifying the home team's control.

Both teams delivered a disciplined performance with minimal turnovers, underlining the tactical nature of the match. However, Bursa BB's defensive balance and structured positioning limited Replasa Beti-Onak's fast-break opportunities and easy goals.

Although Replasa Beti-Onak remained in the game thanks to their flawless penalty shooting, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club ultimately prevailed through greater attacking variety, improved second-half shooting efficiency, and decisive goalkeeper contributions.

With this 32–28 victory, Bursa BB rightfully advance to the EHF European Cup Quarter-Finals, continuing their strong European campaign with confidence and composure.

Despite a 29–25 defeat in the return leg at the Mikra 3 Sports Hall, watched by 950 spectators, Beşiktaş managed to protect their aggregate lead through disciplined and controlled gameplay. The high-tempo match showcased strong physicality and strategic awareness from both sides. Beşiktaş trailed 14–11 at halftime, but prevented PAOK from widening the gap in the second half, maintaining the crucial goal difference needed to advance.

According to the official match report, Eyüp Arda Yıldız led Beşiktaş in scoring with 5 goals. Other key contributors included:

Ali Emre Babacan – 3 goals

Halil İbrahim Öztürk – 3 goals

Eduardo Gurbindo – 3 goals

Baran Nalbantoğlu – 2 goals

The fact that nearly the entire squad contributed to the scoreboard played a significant role in securing the aggregate victory.

Although Beşiktaş were behind on the scoreboard in the second leg, their five-goal win in Istanbul proved decisive. The team maintained tactical discipline throughout the match, ensuring PAOK could not close the gap and overturn the aggregate difference.

With this result, Beşiktaş have advanced to the Last 16 stage for the third consecutive season—a significant achievement for both the club and Turkish handball. The black-and-whites continue their strong presence in European competitions and will look to carry this momentum into the next round.

The encounter at Centre Sportif John Scheuren in Obercorn, watched by 650 spectators, delivered high pace, physical battles, and long stretches of balanced play.

The first half ended level at 16:16, with both teams struggling to establish long-term control over the flow of the game. Red Boys attempted to raise the tempo through fast breaks and aggressive 1-on-1 actions, but Nilüfer Belediyespor remained composed and executed their tactical plan with discipline.

Whenever the home team tried to build momentum, Nilüfer's experienced core stepped up—scoring at key moments, slowing the pace when needed, and preventing any significant scoring run by Red Boys. The closing minutes were particularly intense, and the match ultimately finished 34:34.

Several players delivered clutch moments that secured the aggregate victory:

Ömür Pehlivan – 7 goals

Vladan Djurdjevic – 6 goals

Genco İlanç – 4 goals

Gökay Bilim – 4 goals

Onur Ersin – 4 goals

Ömür Pehlivan, with his 7-goal performance, was one of the decisive figures of the night, consistently breaking through the defense and converting crucial chances.

With one win and one draw over the two legs, Nilüfer Belediyespor successfully advance to the Last 16 of the EHF European Cup.
The Turkish club once again demonstrated their game discipline, resilience, and ability to compete at European level.

All eyes now turn to the Last 16 draw, where Nilüfer Belediyespor will learn their next opponent in their continuing European campaign.

Beşiktaş started the match at a high tempo, taking control early and finishing the first half 16–9 ahead. Maintaining their rhythm in the second half, the Black Eagles dominated both offensively and defensively, never allowing their opponents to find a way back into the game. The hosts widened the gap to double digits, delighting the nearly 700 spectators in attendance who witnessed a memorable European handball performance.

For Beşiktaş JK, Enis Harun Hacıoğlu delivered an outstanding performance, netting 8 goals to become the top scorer of the match. He was supported by Ali Emre Babacan (5 goals) and Francisco Javier Castro Peña (4 goals), while Joan Amigo Boada (3) and Koray Ayar (3) also made valuable contributions to the scoreboard.

On the visiting side, Dimitar Kocev and Djulijano Hristoski were the most effective players, scoring 5 and 4 goals respectively. However, the Macedonian team struggled against Beşiktaş's compact and disciplined defensive system, failing to establish offensive consistency throughout the game.

Thanks to this 11-goal margin, Beşiktaş JK heads into the second leg with a comfortable advantage. The return match will be played on Saturday, October 18, at Jasmin Sports Hall in North Macedonia, starting at 20:00 (CET+1 / TSİ 20.00). The Black Eagles will aim to maintain their momentum and seal their qualification for the EHF European Cup Round 3.

After the election, Mesut Çebi shared his feelings:

'With the motto 'New Path, New Handball' we started a journey. Today, being elected to the EHF Executive Committee is a source of pride, honor, and happiness. This success is not just mine, but also a reflection of the trust in Turkish sport and youth.

I will work to represent Turkish handball on the European stage, to create new opportunities, and to contribute to the growth of our sport. I thank everyone who has supported me.'

The Turkish Handball Federation delegation at the congress included President Mesut Çebi, Vice President Kenan Gökmen, and Executive Board Member Barış Orhonlu.

Çebi's election gives Turkish handball a stronger voice in European decision-making and is seen as an important step for the future of the sport in Türkiye.

'I believe this is a fantastic organization. Above all, the children gain new experiences through this initiative. Coaches coming from different regions have the opportunity to work together, exchange knowledge, and acquire new insights. This is highly valuable both for the children's development and for the growth of handball as a sport. The European Handball Federation places great importance on such projects and fully supports them. This support is crucial for taking handball to higher levels.'

During the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Celal Gençoğlu, Chairman of the THF Education Board, emphasized the Federation's commitment to advancing coach education:

'The Turkish Handball Federation prioritizes coach education. Through our protocol with the European Handball Federation, we provide training aligned with international standards. In this seminar, expert instructors are sharing their knowledge and experience. Our goal is to guide coaches in ensuring long-term athlete development, from grassroots to elite levels, while also nurturing athletes' emotional intelligence. The strong participation in this program makes us very proud.'

The International Mini Handball Seminar not only equips coaches with modern tools but also strengthens the foundations of youth handball development in Türkiye. By uniting expertise from both THF and EHF, the program underscores the growing collaboration aimed at elevating the sport nationally and internationally.

The sponsorship agreement will be signed on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM in a ceremony attended by THF President Mesut Çebi and Ard Grup Holding Chairman Arda Ödemiş.

This partnership marks a significant step forward for Turkish handball, strengthening the visibility of the sport while providing financial backing for its continued growth. The rebranding of the league is expected to increase both domestic and international attention, aligning with THF's long-term strategy to elevate handball's profile in Türkiye.

The meeting was also attended by IHF Secretary General Amal Khalifa, highlighting the importance of the diplomatic engagement between the two federations.

During the visit, the parties exchanged ideas on strengthening the presence and influence of Turkish handball on the international stage. This high-level meeting is considered a meaningful step toward enhancing Türkiye's role in the global handball community.

The initiative reflects THF's ongoing efforts to establish strong international partnerships and promote Turkish handball worldwide.

As part of its preparations for the new season, Beşiktaş has made several key changes to the team lineup. Four players from the championship-winning roster—Khaled Walid, Tobias Cvetko, Oğulcan Güney, and Oleksandr Tilte—have parted ways with the club.

With a strong emphasis on integrating new signings and promising young talents, the technical staff is actively working on team cohesion and preparation. The club management has declared that winning the Süper Lig title remains the top priority for the season.

Beşiktaş 2025–26 Squad

Goalkeepers:

Matej Asanin

Enis Yatkın

Players:

Koray Ayar

Cedric Sorhaindo

Alper Aydın

Ali Emre Babacan

Alperen Arabacı

Baran Nalbantoğlu

Buğra Olgun

Danyel Kaya

Enis Harun Hacıoğlu

Eyüp Arda Yıldız

Eduardo Gurbindo Martínez

Francisco J. Castro Pena

Joan Amigo Boada

Halil İbrahim Öztürk

Şevket Yağmuroğlu

Beşiktaş is expected to begin pre-season training in the coming days as it looks to build on last season's success and make a strong start to the new campaign.

In his statement, President Çebi emphasized the significance of this move not just as a personal milestone, but as a strategic step forward for Turkish handball on the European stage:

'With the motto 'New Path, New Handball', I am honored to announce my candidacy for the European Handball Federation Executive Committee as the President of the Turkish Handball Federation. This candidacy is not merely about representation — it is a commitment to expand the influence of Turkish handball internationally.'

Çebi highlighted that this candidacy aims to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of Turkish athletes, clubs, referees, and officials within the European handball family:

'Our goal is to bring Turkey's potential, energy, and experience to the heart of European handball, contributing to its development while creating stronger partnerships, more joint projects, and a brighter future for the sport.'

He concluded by calling for unity and support from the Turkish sports community:

'I believe that with your support and shared enthusiasm, we will achieve great success together. I extend my sincere respect to the entire Turkish sports community.'

A pre-match press conference was held at Ramada By Wyndham Hotel, where Türkiye Handball Federation President Mesut Çebi, Head Coach Oliver Roy Camino, and national team players Yunus Özmusul and Baran Nalbantoğlu shared their insights on the upcoming game.

Türkiye Handball Federation President Mesut Çebi emphasized the importance of the match and acknowledged the challenges ahead:

'We have a tough road ahead, and unfortunately, we lost our first two matches. However, we are determined to fight for victory in front of our home crowd. I sincerely thank Diyarbakır's local authorities, security forces, the Ceylan family, and the people of Diyarbakır for their warm hospitality and support.'

Çebi also highlighted the historical significance of hosting a national handball match in Diyarbakır after 26 years, recalling the city's strong handball heritage, especially during the tenure of the late Police Chief Gaffar Okkan, who played a significant role in promoting the sport in the region.

'We want to honor that legacy and achieve a historic victory here. The support of our fans will be crucial, as the crowd acts as an extra player in every sport. I am confident that the people of Diyarbakır will fill the stands and proudly wave our national flag.'

Türkiye's Head Coach Oliver Roy Camino acknowledged the strength of their opponents:

'Switzerland is a very strong team. They proved their quality by reaching the main group in the last World Championship. Their squad consists of top players competing in Europe's elite leagues, and they have an excellent coach.'

Despite the limited preparation time, Camino remains optimistic:

'I would have liked to work with my team for a longer period, but we only had three training sessions. Nevertheless, I believe in my players. They have shown great effort in training, and I trust them to put on a strong performance. This match will be an opportunity to assess the team's progress, and we will continue working towards achieving the best results in our remaining matches.'

National team player Baran Nalbantoğlu expressed his excitement for the game and invited fans to support them:

'Switzerland has experienced players competing in top European leagues. However, we will give our best on the court. Diyarbakır is a beautiful city, and we hope the fans will come and support us in this crucial match.'

Goalkeeper Yunus Özmusul emphasized that Turkey has been playing quality handball despite the challenging group:

'We may not have earned any points yet, but we are improving with our coach's guidance. The teams in our group are strong, but we aim to compete at their level. Tomorrow's match will be difficult, but not impossible. We are here to fight and achieve success.'

Özmusul also highlighted the significance of playing in Diyarbakır after 26 years and acknowledged the warm reception from the local community:

'We feel at home here. The support of the Diyarbakır crowd will be vital in securing a positive result. We invite all handball fans to the game, and hopefully, we will celebrate a great victory together.'

Date: March 12, Wednesday
Kick-off Time: 20:30 (Turkey Time)
Venue: Diyarbakır Seyrantepe Sports Hall
Live Broadcast: TRT Spor Yıldız

Türkiye aims to secure its first points in the 2026 European Men's Handball Championship Qualifiers with a strong performance against Switzerland. Fans are encouraged to fill the stands and support the national team in this crucial encounter. ????????????????

Under the guidance of Head Coach Oliver Roy Camino, the national team will commence a training camp in Diyarbakır on March 9. The 20-player squad includes:

Goalkeepers:

Left Wings:

Left Backs:

Center Backs:

Right Backs:

Right Wings:

Line Players:

As one of Turkey's premier winter tourism hubs, Erciyes has introduced yet another innovation to the country's sports scene. Organized in collaboration with Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, Erciyes Inc., and the Turkish Handball Federation, the championship took place at Tekir Kapı and featured 180 athletes competing in an exhilarating series of handball matches on snow.

With this event, sports enthusiasts, athletes, and participants experienced the breathtaking atmosphere of Erciyes while witnessing the introduction of snow handball to Turkey.

'We believe that the experienced coach, who has worked with various clubs, including FC Barcelona, and has won the EHF Champions League twice, will make significant contributions to our National Team.'

Oliver Roy Camino's achievements include:

Starting his coaching career in 2002, Spanish coach Oliver Roy Camino has worked with various teams over the years. Between 2009 and 2016, he served as an assistant coach for FC Barcelona, and from 2016 to 2019, he took on the role of second coach for the team. In 2020, he became the head coach of the Catalonia National Team, and in the 2021-2022 season, he led Zamalek SC as their head coach.

Currently, he is coaching Beşiktaş, a team competing in Turkey's Men's Super League.

"We earned the right to participate in the European Championship by finishing among the best third-placed teams in our group. In the finals, we will face strong opponents such as Hungary, Sweden, and North Macedonia. Our goal is to achieve the best possible results."

Buceschi highlighted the importance of this historic milestone for Turkish handball:
"The success we achieve here will set the stage for an even better performance when we host the European Championship in Antalya in 2026. Since we are exempt from the qualification rounds for 2026, we will have the opportunity to compete in the European Cup against top-tier nations. This will allow us to gain valuable experience, aiming for greater success in 2026.

Furthermore, our ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Championship by building on the achievements here."

As Türkiye's first appearance on the European handball stage approaches, Buceschi and his team are determined to make the most of this moment and pave the way for the future of Turkish handball.

“We've been dreaming about participating in a European Championship for a long time, and now we've finally made it. All of us are incredibly proud of this achievement.

We are also excited about the tournament, with just eight days left. We'll open the tournament against the host nation, Hungary, which makes it even more special. Starting the championship with a memorable and top-level performance is our goal. After that, we will face Sweden. Our aim is to achieve maximum success and progress from the group, if not as the leaders, then as the runners-up.

Our preparations are now in their final stages. We've waited a long time for this dream to come true, and we're not ready to give up. We want to finish the tournament with maximum success.”

Betül Yılmaz and the team are set to carry the hopes of Turkish handball fans as they embark on this historic journey, determined to make their mark on the European stage.

"This is our first participation in a European Championship, and we are excited about it. We want to show Turkish and European handball fans what this team is capable of. We have a long road ahead, but I firmly believe that we will represent our country with the pride and determination befitting Turkish youth. I wish our athletes the best of luck."

Stressing that the quality of their opponents in the tournament does not matter, Çebi added:
"I believe we will surprise everyone with the dedication of our athletes. Of course, it won't be easy, but why not? I never think of any match as 'easy' or 'difficult.' We will fight like lions in every single game."

Çebi emphasized that Turkish handball is on a historic journey:
"This is just the beginning. Next, we must also bring our men's team to a European Championship. Hopefully, we will see quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, raising Turkish handball to new heights. We are committed to making history, step by step."

He also recalled hosting the U-17 Women's European Championship group qualifiers in Ankara: "The more competitive our youth national teams are, the better they will perform when they join the senior team. We recently advanced from the B Division to the A Division. Hopefully, we will play in finals and win championships there as well. We are taking every necessary step to achieve this."

Çebi stated that the ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics and eventually compete in the finals: "This is not an easy process. First, we need to develop a handball culture and awareness in our country, and we must change the perception of the sport. We need to recreate an exciting atmosphere for the game. In our match against Germany, this arena was perhaps the fullest it has ever been. The sounds of children, drums, their joy, and laughter motivated us greatly. In the future, we want to create this same atmosphere not just in 2,000-seat arenas but in venues with 5,000 to 10,000 seats."

Cedric Sorhaindo summarized his career achievements and experiences: “Throughout my career, I have achieved many titles. In this process, I valued the journeys and experiences of reaching both individual and team goals. The values I have gained are also very important to me.”

Sorhaindo explained that his decision to join Beşiktaş was not merely personal: “Choosing Beşiktaş was not just a personal decision. It was a decision made together with my family. As I embarked on this new adventure, I received encouragement from many people, and everyone who knows me, both professionally and personally, was happy with this decision.”

Sorhaindo expressed his satisfaction with life in Istanbul: “The adventure in Istanbul is a new and enriching experience for my family and me. We feel very good here, and this shows that our decision was correct. People here are very kind, and I appreciate the culture very much.”

Cedric Sorhaindo described his adaptation process and the club's goals: “As soon as I arrived, I was able to adapt very quickly. For this, I would like to thank the Beşiktaş family for their warm welcome, our handball director Mesut Çebi, and our coach. They are a club that does their best and has big ambitions. This new adventure is full of big goals, and I hope we can complete the season in the best way possible.”

Sorhaindo also thanked the Beşiktaş supporters: “I would like to thank the fans for their support. Since I first stepped into the club, I have been grateful for the warm welcome I received. Our fans are amazing people and are like an extra teammate during the matches. They mean a lot to us. I hope we can make them proud by becoming champions.”

I am striving to give my best

Cedric Sorhaindo shared his goals for the next season: “Regarding the next season, I just want to keep playing, enjoy myself, and give my best on the field to repay the trust that has been placed in me. The Turkish league is showing great promise. There are good players and good coaches, so the importance of this league will increase. I think it will draw even more attention with the arrival of new players.”

Who is Cédric Sorhaindo?

The 192 cm tall line-player has previously played for PSG, Barcelona, and Dinamo Bucharest clubs. Cedric Sorhaindo boasts one Olympic, four World, two European, and three Champions League championships throughout his career."

Winning the match 36-23, the home team pushed Yenimahalle Belediyespor out of the competition. Armada Praxis Yalıkavak Sports Club had previously won the first leg of the EHF European Cup Round of 16 against Yenimahalle Belediyespor with a score of 23-27.

With this result, in the EHF European Cup where two Turkish teams were competing, Armada Praxis Yalıkavak Sports Club has secured a place in the quarterfinals."

The reasons behind this 4% decrease in long-range shot percentage can be attributed to several factors:

Another notable observation from the tournament analyses is the increase in shots from wider angles, particularly in wing shots. The active and aggressive defense, coupled with increased responsibilities for wing defenders, has provided more opportunities for offensive players in the wing to take shots from wider angles.

After 36 matches, goalkeeper achievements based on the number of saves are ranked as follows:

This ranking underscores the success of the Scandinavian Goalkeeper School and training models. We have examined the goalkeeper performance in Euro 2024's group matches through both numerical analyses and observational assessments.

Until our next articles, farewell and take care.

Photo: Eurohandball.Com

Born in 1993 and standing at 190 cm, Joan Amigo Boada plays as a left playmaker. The talented player began his career with Barça in the 2016-17 season and has been part of Spain's Fraikin BM. Granollers club in the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons.

The experienced Spanish player, now part of Beşiktaş, brings significant potential to contribute to the team's success.

As part of the mid-season transfer activities for the 2023-24 season, Beşiktaş Safi Çimento Handball Team has successfully secured the addition of Ukrainian national team player and center back Oleksandr Tilte to its roster.

In a statement released by Beşiktaş, they expressed a warm welcome to Oleksandr Tilte and conveyed their best wishes for his success in the distinguished black and white jersey.

About Oleksandr Tilte:

Born in Ukraine in 1995, Oleksandr Tilte stands at 198 cm and plays as a center back. He most recently represented KGHM Chrobry Glogow in Poland before joining Beşiktaş Safi Çimento.

The remaining schedule for A National Women's Handball Team in EHF EURO 2024 Qualification Group 6 is as follows:

A National Women's Handball Team Training Camp Roster:

A2 National Women's Handball Team Training Camp Roster:

Technical Staff:

Emil Nielsen, the talented goalkeeper from Denmark, stood out as one of the defining figures of the night. According to statistics determining the top 3 performances of the night, Nielsen achieved a remarkable success with 13 successful saves out of 18 attempts, boasting a success rate of 72.2%. Particularly noteworthy was his second-half display, conceding only 5 goals and making 13 crucial saves, earning him the title of the match's outstanding player. Nielsen's superior performance in the 2nd 30 minutes of the game played a pivotal role in carrying his team through a 9-9 draw.

Another standout performer of the night was Torbjorn Bergerud, the goalkeeper for Norway. On the second day of the tournament, Bergerud secured a success rate of 37.5% with 9 successful saves out of 24 attempts, earning him the title of the match's player. Bergerud's performance proved to be a key factor in Norway's victory.

As the tournament progresses, the frequency of goalkeepers being selected as the player of the match remains a point of curiosity. Following Andreas Wolff's recognition on the first day, the spotlight shifted to Emil Nielsen and Torbjorn Bergerud on the second day. With their exceptional displays, the question arises of how many times goalkeepers will claim this special title until the conclusion of the tournament. The anticipation for this unfolds as the competition unfolds.

In the first half of the league, Konyaaltı Belediyespor managed to secure a 32-28 victory. On the Armada Praxis Yalıkavak side, the management and coaching staff are aiming for an absolute win in this match.

The match will take place on Sunday, January 7th, at 5:00 PM local time at Bodrum Binnaz Karakaya Sports Hall. Refereeing this game will be Hasan Kılıç and Kaan Çınar from the Giresun and Van regions, respectively.

Türkiye Handball Federation introduced Spanish Coach Daniel Gordo Rios at the signing ceremony held at the THF Prof. Dr. Yaşar Sevim Handball Hall

Will the Head Coach of the National Men's Handball Team be Spanish?

The name being circulated in the backstage discussions as the potential coach is Daniel Gordo Ríos. Born in 1981, the coach is currently in charge of the Spanish team Ademar Leon. Throughout his career, he has been associated with coaching roles in the Faroe Islands, served as the Head Coach of the Brazilian National Team, and was at the helm of the Egyptian team Al Ahly SC

This transfer will be the first experience for both players to play in Kosova.

Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK, the local women's handball team, is at the top of Turkey's handball scene, having completed the 2020-21 season with two trophies, the league and the cup. Kastamonu is also no stranger to European level handball, having played the final in the EHF Challenge Cup in 2015-2016, reaching the semi final of the EHF Cup in 2017-18 and the quarterfinals of the same competition in 2019-20. For the 2021-22 season, they have earned a spot in DELO Women's EHF Champions League, becoming the first Turkish women's club team to compete in Europe's top-tier competition.

Past performance, both at the local and the international level, justifies Kastamonu's place in the highest echelon of European handball, yet there are at least 5 reasons why Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK belongs in the Champions' League.

Amanda Kurtovic

First of all, it is about players. We are talking here about a team that can field local talents together with international stars in its lineup. Last year, Turkish national players such as Serpil İskenderoğlu, Beyza İrem Türkoğlu, Merve Durdu, Elif Aydın Sıla and Ceren Coşkun were joined by international names such as Norway's Amanda Kurtović, Sweden's Julia Erikson, and Russia's Alena Ikhneva to create a powerhouse that was coached by none other than Helle Thomsen, one of the best women's handball coaches produced by Denmark. For the upcoming season, new players that have signed up for the club includes Jovanka Radičević, Majda Mehmedović, Milena Raičević, and Marina Rajčić. In short, when Kastamonu plays in the Champions' League, spectators will have the chance to watch some of the finest players of Europe in action.

And there will be spectators, plenty of them, watching this team. Last year, no audience was allowed into the hall due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, this year they are likely to be back, considering the significant progress Turkey has achieved in vaccination. Taking the pre-pandemic levels of attendance into consideration, the club expects to play next season's games in front of an average of 3,500 spectators. Being the team of a smaller town in Turkey is an advantage in this respect. Teams from metropolises like Istanbul and Ankara find it difficult to attract spectators to handball games, as they have to compete with much more popular football and basketball teams, and most often people of such cities identify themselves only with the football team they are supporting, ignoring all the others. In Kastamonu, however, it is different. The women's handball team gets much more publicity, it is the most successful team that the province has produced, and it is the team that puts Kastamonu on European sports map. So when Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK plays in the Champions' League, it will be much more than handball for the local people. It will be about witnessing history, showing their allegiance to a club of their own, and supporting the noble cause of the town where they were born.

Thirdly, and related to the issue of spectators, Kastamonu belongs in the Champions' League also from a physical infrastructure perspective. The club has built a new handball hall at the center of the town, and unlike the majority of venues in Turkey where handball is played, this new hall has spectator stands on all four sides of the pitch and it can host 4,000 fans. Needless to say, the new hall in Kastamonu is in perfect compliance with the requirements of the DELO Women's EHF Champions' League.

Sustainable finance is a must-have condition for the success of a handball club, and Kastamonu has come a long way in this respect. They have signed a sponsorship deal with Vestel, a Turkish home and professional appliances manufacturing company which is also very well known in the European market of consumer electronics. Moreover, the club has also extended its deal its other major sponsor, TEB Bank. The key here is to establish a virtuous cycle: Long term sponsorships can enable the club to invest more; greater investment can bring more success on the field; and greater sportive success can attract even more and better sponsorship deals.

Finally, Kastamonu's participation in the Champions' League is important not only for the club itself or for Turkish handball, it is also an important step for European handball. Kastamonu's success and longevity in the Champions' League can open up a new frontier in European handball, extending the vision of our sports in the continent, and creating a source of inspiration for teams and clubs from parts of Europe that have hitherto remained under the shadow of the powerful blocs of Scandinavia, Western Europe and ex-Yugoslavia.

EHF has made a correct and very wise decision to include Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK in DELO Women's EHF Champions League. In coming September, when the team plays its first match in their new sports hall, handball fans all around Europe will see the value of this decision themselves.

The story of the Turkish Women's National Team in this qualifying round, in a nutshell, could be 'injury'. Extended selection for the national team, which was announced as 18 players, fell to 15 before the training camp.

Aslı İskit, Beyza İrem Türkoğlu and Kübra Sarıkaya got seriously injured.

The 27-year-old Left Back Aslı İskit, who playes for Thüringer HC, could have been the most important weapon of the Turkish National Team against Russia.

Right Wing Beyza İrem Türkoğlu and Left Wing Kübra Sarıkaya, coached by Helle Thomsen for about a year at Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK, are also very important losses for the Turkish National Team.

Fatma Atalar, who's invited to national team after 4 years, injured at the training camp. The experienced Centre Back of Yenimahalle Belediyesi SK, was the last shock for head coach Birol Ünsal.

On the other hand, stars like Yasemin Şahin and Sevilay İmamoğlu is not on the squad.

A reduced team squad due to injuries can be a great challenge for Turks. Under these circumstances, some players may need to play 60 minutes. Plus, absence of talented and experienced players is a real stretch.

Turkish National Team's average age is 24. Left Winger Elif Sıla Aydın from Kastamonu and Yenimahalle Belediye SK’s Line Player Nurceren Akgün Göktepe are prominent players of the squad.

Captain Nurceren Akgün Göktepe, calm and realistic, said; 'Unfortunately, one third of the players couldn’t attend to national team squad due to injury. I must admit, Russia is a very strong team; an Olympic champion. We will do our best, fight in the best way possible.'
Nurceren played 58 matches for national team.

Elif Sıla Aydın also highligted Russia's achievements; 'We paired with a strong team like Russia in the World Championship qualifiers. We know it will be a difficult competition and we will fight with all our strength. We would very much like to see spectators at halls. I hope pandemic ends in a short time.'

Miss Aydın said, they will enjoy the game, regardless of the score.

Head Coach Birol Ünsal: 'Russia is an important handball country and they are ahead of us in every way. We had a good preparation period. Against a powerful opponent like Russia, we will see the level of Turkish women’s handball. These two matches will be great test for future. I trust my players, especially the young ones.'

Ünsal also said, despite everything, they will do the best they can do. He underlined that, first and foremost, they will enjoy playing handball against a high caliber team, Russia.

The first leg, which was supposed to be hosted by Yalıkavak SK, has been cancelled due to positive tests, and as per EHF’s new procedure, the second leg has become a “Double Game Weekend”.

However, it will be impossible for Yalıkavak SK to play the “Double Game Weekend” since the 10-day quarantine will take effect after March 23 and will end on April 3. This makes it impossible for Yalıkavak to make it to Zagreb. The EHF rule will likely impact other teams whose players test positive, making it impossible for them to participate.

“The club just wants to be able to play the second leg in Zagreb with the full squad. EHF stated that they won’t be allowing any games to be played after April 4 but in these extraordinary circumstances, we hope and expect the EHF to be more reasonable about the situation. We do not want to be just excluded, we want to be able to play.”

The club has reached out to EHF officially and waiting for their answer.

After the training, head coach is Helle Thomsen said to reporters, “At first, thank you. I'm glad to be here now. It was my first day. It was very long travelling yesterday. Now I have the first training with the girls. I think they are good. We don't have so many players. We need more players. I think level is good about club and the city. Of course, I've seen the club playing games last year. I hope we can build a good team. Not in one day, one week or one month… We can build it in longer time. I've been in city for one day, for signing contract. I like the city, I like the people here.

I must have some more training with the girls to see how good we can be. Than we have a lot of weeks, days before the tournament. Of course I hope we can win the tournament and I hope we can have a good team to play in Europe. But I think it's important that we take step by step and we are not so many players. We must cross our finger to not get any injured”

He was a member of Beşiktaş Aygaz.

Özgür put attention on himself with some very good matches in Turkish League and National Cup this season in Beşiktaş's jersey.

Özgür Sarak's history in European Cups and National Matches.

He was a member of Beşiktaş Aygaz.

Onur put attention on himself with some very good matches in Turkish League and National Cup this season in Beşiktaş's jersey.

Onur Ersin’s history in European Cups

She was a member of Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK.

Aslı put attention on herself with some very good matches in EHF Cup this season in Kastamonu’s jersey.

Aslı İskit has also played for Swedish Handball League team is The Kristianstad Handball Klubb

The coach of the FC Porto Sofarma is Magnus Andersson will be on Hentbolhaber.Net's live chat.

Magnus Andersson will be guests of Face to Face Handball on Monday, May 25, at 15.00 (CEST)

Hentbolhaber contributors Fırat Beyde, Görkem Erim and Socrates Magazine's Ozan Can Sülüm will ask questions.

Viewers will be able to ask questions in last 15 minutes via the live chat.

The coach of the Telekom Veszprém HC is David Davis Camara will be on Hentbolhaber.Net's live chat.

David Davis Camara will be guests of Face to Face Handball on Tuesday, May 18, at 15.00 (CEST)

Hentbolhaber contributors Fırat Beyde, Görkem Erim and Socrates Magazine's Ozan Can Sülüm will ask questions.  

Viewers will be able to ask questions in last 15 minutes via the live chat.

The coach of the PGE Vive Kielce is The legendary Talant Dujshebaev and Turkish National Team Player Doruk Pehlivan will be on Hentbolhaber.Net’s live chat.

Talant Dujshebaev and Doruk Pehlivan will be guests of Face to Face Handball on Tuesday, May 12, at 15.00 (CEST)

Hentbolhaber contributors Fırat Beyde, Görkem Erim and Socrates Magazine’s Ozan Can Sülüm will ask questions.  

Whilst the first part of live with Talant is in English, second part of the brodcast with Doruk Pehlivan will be in Turkish. Viewers will be able to ask questions in last 10 minutes via the live chat.