With the spectacular finish of the eighth SEHA – Gazprom League season in Brest, reigning champions Vardar climbed on top of the SEHA podium and lifted the biggest trophy in Sport hall Victoria. Macedonian champions won the title for the third time in a row and set the new record in SEHA history. This year’s final between was almost a repeat of the Final 4 in Skopje one year ago. PPD Zagreb won the silver medal, once again, and the final result was almost identical.

It was a near perfect farewell for brilliant Igor Karacic, who together with the legendary captain Stojanche Stoilov, won the 5th SEHA trophy. From Vardar squad, we also have a new MVP, the Latvian giant Dainis Kristopans, who brings the award to the country of the rising Sun, to the fans in Skopje, after he played a marvellous tournament, both offensively and defensively. 

Another SEHA season has come to an end and “Red and black“ re-established their dominance in regional handball. Final 4 was more than a sport competition. This amazing event once again brought excitement among the fans, volunteers, staff and everyone involved in organising the 8th SEHA Final 4. We started the tournament traditionally with Handball Discussion, as experts discussed the present and future of digital platforms, coming to a conclusion that SEHA – Gazprom League made significant steps forward in that regards. Another tradition continued, as SEHA representatives visited the Veda’s children’s home in Brest, providing many necessary things for the institution. 

This Final 4 and the entire season will be remembered by Nexe players who experienced playing at the spectacular event, and the Nasice team ended their season in the 4thposition. In the big Croatian derby, rising stars Marin Sipic, Halil Jaganjac and company provided great resistance against PPD Zagreb and showed that the future is bright. In the third-place match, Hrvoje Horvat’s team was beaten by the hosts Meshkov Brest. Belarusian champions again won the bronze medal in front of their fans. 

As a cherry on top of the incredible tournament, Vardar and PPD Zagreb clashed for the SEHA title. We witnessed excellent action on the court, terrific goals and saves, but also enjoyed the fantastic entertainment programme. Vardar star and their main solution from the right back position, Dainis Kristopans carried the team towards the gold. Large contribution was also made by Stojanche Stoilov and Slovenian Stas Skube, who played at his premiere SEHA Final 4. 

The organisation of the event was again at the top level. From all artists and performers, amazing light shows, to unbelievable photos and videos. The fans were entertained at the Be8player corner, writing messages to players, answering questions and winning excellent prizes from hummel and SEHA – Gazprom League. 

In the end, SEHA Final 4 once again set new standards for handball and sport tournaments. New memories, new experience for everyone, especially for Vardar players, who will proudly wear the SEHA crown for another year, returning to the Macedonian capital and SC Jane Sandanski with a gold medal around their necks! Congratulations to everyone!

Photo credit: Kolektiff Images