Ukrainian handball champions getting ready for the upcoming season in the second tier of Germany
The handball winners from Ukraine, HC Motor Zaporizhzhia, have found asylum in Dusseldorf and are now playing in Germany’s second tier.
They reached an arrangement with the second division of the Handball Bundesliga to compete as a guest team for the upcoming season after it became evident that Ukraine’s top handball league wouldn’t be able to resume.
As much as it can, the setup conveys a sense of normality to the players.
“Of course, the guys are always in contact with their families and they know what’s going on around in the country, and they are worried about it,” says Lithuanian Gintaras Savukynas, Zaporizhzhia’s head coach.
Zaporizhzhia has won the title of Ukrainian champion for 9 years running. However, as the conflict between the Ukrainian and Russian military threatens to shut down Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, the city has gained national attention.
“For me, sports help at this moment because you focus on your practice,” says Oleksandr Kasai, a Zaporizhzhia player.
“Sometimes your mind relaxes, some days. But, unfortunately, we have situations when you can’t (not) think about your home.”
In their new home, Zaporizhzhia will play Bayer Dormagen on Wednesday, with all Ukrainian migrants receiving free admission.
