The Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Handball Federation of Russia Sergey Shishkarev recalled the victory of the women’s national team of Russia at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro ten year ago in his Telegram channel.
— In retrospective, it was like yesterday. I can hardly believe so much time has flown because the experienced emotions are so alive and fresh. Thrilling struggle with Norway, roller coaster with France… But all’s well what ends well. The classic told the truth: a lot is seen in the distance. Today I understand better what miracle was made by girls, who had made happy not only themselves, but the whole country, — Shishkarev wrote.
— Photos are like a reminder and a bridge to the future. Last week I held a working meeting with the general director of the Handball Federation of Russia Lev Voronin. We discussed the actual agenda related with a return of the national teams of Russia to the competitive process under the auspices of the IHF and the EHF, — the Head of the HFR added.
— The IHF Nations Trophy among women’s national teams will be held in November-December 2026. There is a possibility that the teams of Russia and Belarus will be provided with a wild-card to the tournament. Much will depend on the position of the Europeans. We have no illusions but do not lose hope.
The Handball Federation of Russia also confirmed that it is ready to delegate a women’s junior national team of Russia (players born after 2010) to the World Cup W16 which will be held from 15 to 24 of October in Morocco. The 2026 Olympic champion Irina Bliznova headed the national team in this age category.
It’s clear that the full return of Russian national teams to the international arena will not be simple, but, as the saying goes, it’s necessary to keep going forward. And few believed in our girls before the Olympic Games in Rio ten years ago, except themselves, coaches and the HFR leadership. But it worked out!— Shishkarev emphasized.
Photo: t.me/serezhasmotrishishka
