Defending Champions Look to Reclaim Title at EHF Olympiad

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Sat, 02 Aug 2025

The highly anticipated EHF olympiad is just around the corner, with the world’s top handball teams preparing to do battle for the coveted championship title. For the past year, reigning champions Germany have been holding on to their top spot, but this year’s tournament promises to be a grueling challenge for the current titleholders.

Germany, led by captain and talisman Julian Koster, will be looking to add another crown to their cabinet after defeating Sweden in a thrilling finale last year. The European powerhouse has undergone some tweaks to their roster, welcoming in some fresh faces while also retaining some of the stalwarts that helped them claim the title in the first place. Their determination to reclaim their title will be tested to the maximum as they take on an array of skilled opponents from around the world.

France, the team that was runner-up at the EHF olympiad last year, will undoubtedly be breathing down Germany’s neck, looking to secure their place in the spotlight. Having gained valuable experience from last year’s disappointment, France has bolstered their team with some promising young talents and veteran presence. Captain Vincent Gerard has been impressing fans and pundits alike with his all-action display, and they will certainly be looking to upset Germany’s chances and claim the top spot this year.

Meanwhile, in the blue corner, lies the talented team from Serbia. Spearheaded by explosive playmaker Milos Lazovic, the Serbs have an explosive offense, which makes them a dark horse to win the championship. Although they may lack the level of experience, their flair for the spectacular will always make them an attractive and formidable opponent to face off against.

EHF olympiad newcomers Russia and Portugal are also setting their sights on the podium, seeking to make their mark in their first participation. Led by the unstoppable duo of Danil Kocherikov and Eduard Sukhorukov, the Russians are well-equipped to handle the heat, and with their pacy build-up play and clinical finishing, they should not be underestimated. Similarly, the Portuguese have gained a significant boost with the inclusion of former Bundesliga top scorer Filip Jelen. With Jelen’s lethal goal-scoring ability up front and the ever-consistent Guilherme de Souza leading the line, the Portuguese have put together a team that has the credentials to make it a tight and thrilling contest.

It is, indeed, anyone’s title at this point, with top-notch defenses, electrifying offenses, and exceptional midfielders to name a few of the attributes that these teams have showcased so far. To predict a single winner based on the EHF olympiad‘s 20 years of history might be unwise, and that makes the upcoming EHF olympiad an unpredictable and action-packed event like no other.

In an interview ahead of the event, Captain Koster hinted at a sense of motivation to push their limits in this competition: "For us, the EHF olympiad is a highlight of our handball careers. With our experience gained from winning the title in the previous edition, we know we can rely on our determination to get over the hurdles that lie ahead. There is no bigger challenge in handball for us at this moment. We cannot wait to demonstrate our teamwork, resilience, and ambition."

The build-up and excitement surrounding this year’s EHF olympiad continues to grow by the minute, and what can we expect from these 14-day, thrill-packed competitions? Will we see history repeated with another German win, or might a team like France or Serbia defy the odds? Can new comers Portugal and Russia spring a few surprises to send shockwaves through the tournament? Join us this month as the world unites to answer these and many more thrilling questions about the EHF olympiad!