Austria’s handball euphoria has hit a brake: “Clubs have to send children away”

“Do you want to play handball like Mykola Bilyk?” With slogans like this, the Austrian Handball Association (ÖHB) will soon be launching a campaign to attract more children after the successful European Championships in Germany.

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“We want to take advantage of the media boom”said Secretary General Bernd Rabenseifner after a superlative tournament. Not only was the best European Championship result (2020) equalized with eighth place, the media response was unique in this country. Multiple TV records with the highlight of the 22:22 against Germany (570,000 at the top), interviews in ZIB 2, DJ appearances on Ö3 and greatly increased reach on social media.

The surprisingly strong performances against top opponents have brought the national team far more attention than was expected before the start of the tournament. “These are great advertising assets for existing customers”said Rabenseifner happily. Even if the search for further sponsors is not a sure-fire success.

The Corona kink in the acquisition of young talent had already been overcome before the European Championships. This should be strengthened. Rabenseifner: “We have the most growth among children, which is a good sign.” According to the Sport Austria database, Austria’s clubs currently have around 20,000 members. “We are aiming for an increase of a third within the next three years”said the Secretary General.

Horsefoot is and remains the indoor situation. Rabenseifner: “Clubs have to send children away.” Those responsible at HC Linz AG confirmed that this is also the case in Upper Austria. In terms of sport, the next ÖHB highlight could follow in March with participation in an Olympic qualification tournament. To do this, however, Egypt must win the final of the Africa Cup of Nations this weekend.

Home European Championship awaits in November

A big “Springboard” What awaits the ÖHB at the end of the year is the women’s home European Championship, which will be held jointly with Hungary and Switzerland.

The successor to team boss Herbert Müller is not yet known. It’s different for the men: Ales Pajovic’s contract was extended early last March until 2025.