MATHIAS GIDSEL VOICES CONCERNS OVER HANDLING OF HANDBALL IN DENMARK
Mathias Gidsel, the acclaimed World Handballer of the Year and a notable figure in the Danish national team, has expressed his apprehensions regarding the centralization of handball events in Copenhagen. His comments come in the light of the Danish Handball Federation’s recent announcement prioritizing the capital over Jutland for hosting matches during international tournaments scheduled for 2031 and 2032, where Denmark will be one of the key host nations.
A CALL FOR BALANCE BETWEEN CITIES
In his statement to TV 2 Midtvest, Gidsel underscored the necessity of maintaining a balanced approach instead of focusing solely on Copenhagen. He emphasized that while the capital is a vital hub for the sport, it should not monopolize hosting responsibilities. “My opinion is that you have to be careful about centralizing everything in Copenhagen because it is the capital,” he said. “It shouldn’t be reserved for Herning, but it shouldn’t be reserved for Copenhagen either.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFYING LOCATIONS
Gidsel pointed out the significance of ensuring venues like Boxen in Herning remain integral to the development of handball in Denmark. He firmly believes that removing matches from Herning in favor of Copenhagen could hinder the growth of the sport. “I agree that you should have a final round in Copenhagen, but you must never remove what we have in Boxen. We must not be closed in reference to developing handball and, for example, move a few matches to Copenhagen,” Gidsel explained. “It is not because we cannot travel to Herning or Copenhagen during the final round; it’s not such a long journey,” he concluded.
FOSTERING A BROAD BASE FOR HANDBALL
The debate surrounding the location for Denmark’s handball matches highlights the broader implications of location centralization in sports. As the Danish national team aims for glory, the management of match venues could play a crucial role in fostering local communities and promoting the sport across different regions.
