Statement from the HFR President regarding the measures against COVID-19
Dear athletes, coaches, administrators, managers and, of course, fans!
Like all of you, I already miss handball. In case of a normal situation, today we would assess the performance of the Russian women’s national team at the Olympic Qualification Tournament. I am confident that it would make us feel proud for our team. In several days the qualification match of the Women’s EHF EURO 2020 was supposed to take place in the city of Krasnodar, the new Head Coach of the Russian men’s national team Velimir Petkovic would start to work…
Unfortunately, at the moment we cannot follow these events, support our favorite teams, discuss the matches and even practice. But this pause is necessary. Any of us can stop the spread of coronavirus showing discipline and consciousness. The Handball Federation of Russia understands the seriousness of the situation. This is why, according to the recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Sports and the Russian Government, we postponed all the events, first of all children’s competitions, where we had to make a decision really quick bearing in mind the sport calendar. Then we also stopped the senior tournaments, including Parimatch Super League.
At the same time we don’t panic. The training camp of the women’s senior national team in Novogorsk was held as scheduled. The women’s junior team continues to work in Rostov-on-Don. The players don’t lose optimism and share it in social networks with the fans. The HFR is monitoring the situation thoroughly, all players have medical examinations on a regular basis.
We constantly stay in touch with our colleagues in the European and International Handball Federations. The taken measures significantly changed the international calendar, and the postponement of international events will undoubtedly have an effect on national competitions. We will make amendments in our calendar in the way of respecting the interests of clubs and national teams. But I hope that the crisis will not last long, and we will be able to get back to work soon.
In the current difficult situation the Handball Federation of Russia bears huge responsibility and takes serious decisions. We kindly ask everybody to abstain from expressing inappropriate wishes, advices and recommendations on how we should act. I would like to stress it once again that we realize our responsibility for health and security of the athletes, coaches and fans and will take all necessary measures to stop the coronavirus from further spreading.
The people’s health is the top priority. Please, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Pay attention to hygiene, avoid huge crowds of people and stay at home. Together we can overcome all troubles. Stay with us and love handball!
Source - HFR