Warsaw, 26 February (HS): The Polish Handball Association (ZPRP) has terminated its contract with Marcin Lijewski, the head coach of the national men's handball team. Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the ZPRP said that the step was taken after a thorough review of the team's recent performance.

Lijewski took over on March 29, 2023, when he replaced Patrick Rombel. Under his leadership, the team played 28 matches, winning 15, losing 10 and drawing 3. However, the team's 25th-place finish at the IHF Men's World Championship held in January 2025 was seen as a major disappointment in the country, raising questions about their future.

ZPRP said in its official statement, The decision to end cooperation with coach Marcin Lijewski has been taken after a detailed analysis of his coaching. The command of the team will be handed over to the current assistant coach Michael Skorski in the upcoming qualifying matches.

Poland has to play two important matches against Portugal in the qualifiers of the 2026 European Men's Handball Championship in March. Now under the leadership of Skorski, the team will try to make a strong claim for the upcoming tournament.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar