MADRID, 27 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Eight former Spanish players, seven men and one woman, entered this Monday into the first European Handball Hall of Fame, created by the EHF to celebrate its 30th anniversary and honor those who have made this sport great.
The only Spaniard who entered this select club was the Galician Begoña Fernández, who was one of the best pivots in world handball and a key player in the most successful era of the ‘Guerreras’ with continental silver in 2008 and bronzes in the World Cup. 2011 and, above all, at the London Games.
For its part, in the men’s category, the EHF recognized several Spaniards such as Talant Dujshebaev and Enric Masip, considered one of the best central defenders along with other legends such as Ivano Balic, Jackson Richardson and Stefan Lovgren. In addition, wingers like Víctor Tomás and Xavi O’Callaghan, a goalkeeper like Arpad Sterbik, a pivot like Carlos Prieto or a defensive specialist like Andrei Xepkin are also part of this first promotion.
“We are delighted to honor the legends of our game at the culmination of the 30th anniversary of European handball. The presentation of the EHF Excellence Awards and Hall of Fame highlights the best players of the season and pays tribute to those who have left a mark on this sport. Their sporting achievements speak of their greatness and we are proud to recognize the players who have shaped our game,” said EHF President Michael Wiederer.
In addition, the continental organization also presented its awards for the best of the season, where the Spanish role came from goalkeeper Asun Bautista, distinguished as the ‘MVP’ of beach handball. Danish winger Simon Pytlick (Gudme) and Norwegian goalkeeper Katrine Lunde (Vipers Kristiansand) were awarded best of the season for men and women respectively.