Test hit from Kiel

The superstars are coming to Graz again!

Andreas Wolff, currently probably the best handball goalkeeper in the world, is also coming to Graz.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

This training camp has already become a tradition! For the sixth time in a row, the German record champions THW Kiel are setting up their preparation camp in Styria. In their luggage: the superstars of the handball scene! Andreas Wolff, currently still in action with Germany at the Olympic Games, will also be there.

Handball fans can already tie their napkins around their necks: They are in for a treat when Kiel fine-tunes for the new season from August 17 to 23 at the Graz Sportpark. The Überdrüber team is coming with all its stars: Austria's national team captain Niko Bilyk is on board, as are new signings Emil Wernsdorf Madsen, Lukas Zerbe and Bence Imre. And, of course, Andreas Wolff, currently considered by many to be the best handball goalkeeper in the world.

Didi Peißl, regional coordinator at the Styrian association, is visibly proud of the new Kiel camp: "In Germany there is never a public training session with Kiel, but here we do. On August 19, you can watch the stars at the Sportpark, and afterwards there will also be opportunities for autographs as part of the meet and greet." One treat follows the next. Because two days later, a test match that Handball Steiermark has never seen before is on the program: THW Kiel clashes with RK Zagreb in the Sportpark. A duel between two record champions! More is not possible.

Austria's team captain Niko Bilyk returns to the Green Mark with Kiel.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

There will also be a premiere as part of this year's training camp for the world club: for the first time, Kiel is organizing a three-day camp for children aged 10 to 14 in cooperation with the Styrian association. "Kiel has its own agency that organizes around 150 camps for kids throughout Europe every year. Two of the club's top coaches will be working with the youngsters in Graz," explains Peißl, who will not only be welcoming the Kiel stars. Marc Weinstock, chairman of the supervisory board of the four-time Champions League winners, is also traveling to Graz to get a first-hand impression.