Handball World Cup
From Judo to Handball: The Inspiring Journey of Mehdi Ben Romdhane
Mehdi Ben Romdhane has made waves at the Handball World Cup, leading his team to the main round.As they prepare to face tunisia on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., the match holds personal significance for mehdi, whose father hails from the North African nation and once advised him against pursuing handball.
“Stick to judo if you want a successful career,” Mehdi’s father once told him. “You’re more skilled in that than handball.” Now, as a national handball player, Mehdi chuckles at this memory while sipping coffee in Silkeborg, where his team is stationed for the World Cup. the irony isn’t lost on him, especially since his father was a handball player and remains an active referee.
A Rising Star: Mehdi ben Romdhane’s Handball Prowess
Mehdi’s athletic journey has been diverse,spanning football,basketball,and judo. His physical advantage—being taller and stronger than his peers—made him excel in judo.However, his love for the ball ultimately drew him to handball, where he found his true calling.
The Unconventional Path to Victory
Ahead of the World Cup, national coach Andy Schmid dubbed Mehdi a “street handball player.” While some might take offence, Mehdi embraced the label. “Being different from the rest is an advantage,” he asserts. His unique style has proven effective, especially in crucial matches like the one against Poland, where his performance was pivotal to the team’s success.
Switzerland’s thrilling 30:28 victory over poland in the World Cup was a testament to their resilience and strategic brilliance, with one backcourt player emerging as a pivotal figure. Despite being sidelined for the majority of the match, his late-game entry proved decisive. After underperforming in the earlier stages of the tournament and spending much of the crucial game on the bench, he showcased his street handball roots by leveraging his agility and unorthodox style. His unpredictable moves left the Polish defense scrambling, unable to contain his explosive energy.
Mehdi Ben romdhane celebrates the win against Poland with his teammates.
Ben romdhane Reflects on His Dual Heritage: “I’m Proud to Be Tunisian”
In a heartfelt moment following the match, Ben Romdhane opened up about his dual identity, emphasizing his Tunisian roots. “I’m also Tunisian,” he stated, highlighting the pride he feels in representing both his heritage and his adopted nation. This declaration resonated deeply with fans,showcasing the cultural diversity that enriches the sport. His performance not only secured Switzerland’s advancement to the main round but also served as a powerful reminder of the global nature of handball, where players often carry the spirit of multiple nations onto the court.
As the main round approaches,Switzerland faces off against world champions Denmark,italy,and Tunisia—a nation that holds a special place in Mehdi ben Romdhane’s heart. Born to a Tunisian father and a Swiss mother, Ben Romdhane’s roots trace back to North Africa. His parents met during his mother’s vacation in Tunisia, and after much deliberation, they chose to settle in switzerland. Ben Romdhane, along with his three siblings, was raised in Lausanne, where he developed his passion for handball.
This will be Ben Romdhane’s third encounter with Tunisia on the court, but the match carries a unique emotional weight for him. “I’m also Tunisian,” he acknowledges. Fluent in Arabic, he visits Tunisia every summer to reconnect with his father’s family, who still reside there. Despite his deep ties to the contry, representing Tunisia was never a consideration for him. As a dual citizen, he has always proudly sung the swiss national anthem and plans to do so again when facing Tunisia. However, he admits that hearing the Tunisian anthem stirs something within him, as it symbolizes a part of his heritage.
Coach’s Acclaim and the Drive to Lead
Following a standout performance against Poland, Swiss national coach Andy Schmid lauded Ben Romdhane’s contributions. “He showed incredible courage and turned the game around for us. His performance was a testament to why he’s among our top players,” Schmid remarked.The young athlete’s ability to step up under pressure has made him a key figure in the team’s strategy.
watch as Andy Schmid highlights Mehdi Ben romdhane’s impact on the team.
At just 23, Ben Romdhane has already carved out a promising career. His journey began at the age of 16 when he moved to the handball academy in Schaffhausen,despite not speaking German at the time. Today, he is considering opportunities abroad, with potential transfers on the horizon. Whether the move happens this summer or in the coming years, Ben Romdhane remains focused on his growth as a player.
Ben Romdhane is steadfast to continue evolving, seeking out pivotal moments to take charge and lead his team. His immediate goal is to secure a victory against tunisia in their upcoming match on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Coach Schmid is grateful to have such a dynamic player on his roster, reflecting on how Ben Romdhane’s decision to pursue handball in Switzerland has paid off.
