From 14 January to 2 February, the world’s 32 best men’s handball teams will compete to claim the 2025 World Championship. For the first time, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across five venues in five host cities: Zagreb, Varaždin, Poreč, Bærum, and Herning. Denmark, not only a host nation but also the reigning triple world champion, enters the competition aiming to defend their titles from 2019, 2021, and 2023.
In the preliminary round, the 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the main round, while those that do not qualify will compete in the President’s Cup to determine positions 25 to 32. During the main round, the remaining teams will be organised into four groups of six. The top two teams from each group in the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for 2 February in Oslo, Norway.
After the opening days of the tournament, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Egypt are leading their respective groups. However, two groups have yet to play their first matches.
Guinea made history on Wednesday, 15 January, as they played their first-ever match in an IHF Men’s World Championship. The favourites for the title include Denmark, who are seeking their fourth consecutive championship, as well as France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
The leader of the Women´s Park & Pipe overall standings in the World Cup this season is Flora Tabanelli, an Italian freestyle skier who has rapidly risen to prominence in the disciplines of Slopestyle and Big Air. Born in Bologna in 2007, Flora moved to Trentino at a young age to start pursuing a snowboarding career before focusing on freestyle skiing. She receives mentorship and support from Italian sports legend Alberto Tomba.
In January 2025, Flora claimed her first World Cup victory by winning the Women´s Freeski Big Air event in Kreischberg, Austria. This victory was preceded by a second-place finish in the Freeski Big Air World Cup in Klagenfurt, Austria, just one week earlier, earning enough points to top the overall standings in the competition.
In 2023, at the Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand, Flora won gold in Big Air and Silver in Slopestyle. Later that year, she achieved her firs World Cup podium, finishing third in the Big Air event in Beijing. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Flora returned home with tow gold medals in both Slopestyle and Big Air, further demonstrating her potential as a leading talent in freestyle skiing.
As Flora continues to make history, her focus remains firmly on the road ahead. With Milano-Cortina 2026 on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits to see what she will achieve next in her already outstanding career.
At the age of 20 years old, Nasar´s achievement have garnered international attention, with many considering him one of the most promising talents in weightlifting. Bulgaria is a country with a rich weightlifting history, which has been revitalized in recent years through the outstanding performances of this young athlete.
At the age of 16, Karlos earned silver in the snatch and total, and a gold medal in the clean & jerk event in the 2021 European Championship, establishing a European record of 206 kgs in the 81 kg category. In the same year, Nasar won the World Championships in the 81 kg category, setting a new record with a lift of 208 kgs and a total of 374 kg. And just one year later, he clinched the clean & jerk title in the 89 kg category at the World Championships in Bogotá, Colombia, with a world record lift of 220 kg at just 17 years old.
During 2023 European Championships in Yerevan, Armenia, Nasar broke five world records in the 89 kg division, including a 221 kg clean & jerk and a total of 395 kg. With each competition, each lift and kilo by kilo, Nasar was becoming a legend. However, during the same year, Nasar faced a significant leg injury that required surgery. He underwent rehabilitation under the guidance of his coach and returned to training, maintaining his competitive edge and continuing to break records port-recovery.
Less than a year later, the Bulgarian claimed the first medals of a golden year. During the European Weightlifting Championships, held in February in Sofia, Karlos secured three gold medals: snatch, setting a new World Junior Record with 176 kg, clean and & jerk and total.
In the same year, in his Olympic debut in Paris, Nasar won gold in the men´s -89kg event, breaking multiple world and Olympic records. Karlos Nasar lifted 180 kg in the snatch and a world record clean and jerk of 224 kg for a total of 404 kg, also a new world record.
And this was not all. In his final competition of 2024, World Championship in Manama, Bahrein, held in December, Nasar became the only male weightlifter to hold world records in two different categories. He set two world records at this tournament: 183 kg in the snatch and a total of 405 kg.
The next European Championships will take place in April 2025 in Chisinau, Moldova. Karlos Nasar will have a new chance to break again his own records.
Daniel Tschofenig, born on March 28, 2002, in Austria, has rapidly ascended the ranks in the world of ski jumping. Known for his remarkable talent and dedication, Tschofenig has achieved numerous milestones in his career. He became the first ski jumper born in the 21st century to stand on a World Cup podium, win a competition, and triumph in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. His journey in ski jumping began at a young age, and he has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the slopes.
Daniel competed in the 2019 Winter EYOF in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, and more recently in the 2023 European Games in Krakow-Malopolska, where he contributed to Austria’s success in ski jumping by winning two gold medals.
The Four Hills Championship Victory
Daniel Tschofenig’s victory in the 2024/25 Four Hills Tournament marked a significant milestone for Austrian ski jumping. The tournament, held annually across four venues in Germany and Austria, is one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Tschofenig’s triumph ended a 10-year wait for an Austrian winner, making his victory even more special for his home country.
The final leg of the tournament took place in Bischofshofen, Austria, where Tschofenig delivered a stunning performance. After three events, he was in third place, trailing behind his compatriots Stefan Kraft and Jan Hoerl. However, Tschofenig’s spectacular second-round jump of 140 meters earned him 159.0 points, propelling him from fifth to first place with a combined score of 308.6 points.
A Historic Achievement
This victory is not only a personal triumph for Daniel, but also a historic achievement for Austrian ski jumping. It is only the third time in the 73-year history of the Four Hills Tournament that Austria has achieved a clean sweep of the podium. This victory positions Tschofenig and his teammates as strong contenders for future competitions, including the 2025 World Championships and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
In his own words, Tschofenig expressed his disbelief and joy at winning the tournament: “It is freaking unbelievable! I really don’t know what to say. The competition came and I just knew what I needed to do”. His determination and skill have undoubtedly made him a rising star in the world of ski jumping.
Upcoming Competitions
Following his triumph in the Four Hills Tournament, Daniel Tschofenig is set to compete in several key events. The next major competition for him is the Bergiselspringen in Innsbruck, Austria, which is part of the ongoing 2025 Vierschanzentournee. This event is crucial as it traditionally influences the outcomes for the overall competition. Additionally, Tschofenig will be preparing for the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games, where he aims to continue his impressive performances and bring more glory to Austrian ski jumping.
The Four Hills Tournamentis a prestigious ski jumping competition held annually since 1952. It consists of four events taking place on ski jumping hills located in Germany and Austria: Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen.
The initial idea to organise this tournament arose in the summer of 1949 at the “Maler” house in Partenkirchen, Germany. The tournament takes place during the holiday season, starting in late December and concluding in early January. Each venue hosts two days of events, with a qualifying day followed by the final. The most prominent event is the New Year’s Day ski jumping contest, held on January 1st in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, attracting a vast international audience.
Throughout its history, the tournament has seen numerous champions. Finnish jumper Janne Ahonen holds the record for the most wins, with five victories. The trophy awarded to the winner is a golden eagle, weighing nearly 20 kilograms and with a wingspan of half a meter. This trophy has been awarded since 2012.
The 2024/2025 Four Hills Tournament is currently underway, with two of the four events completed. Stefan Kraft (AUT) finished first in the first event held in Oberstdorf (GER). And Daniel Tschofenig’s (AUT) victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen propelled him to the top of the overall standings, continuing Austria’s strong performance in the tournament.
The tournament now moves to Austria for the final two events: Innsbruck on January 4 and Bischofshofen on January 6.
The Two Nights Tour is a women´s ski jumping competition held annually in Germany as a smaller counterpart to the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. Introduced in the 2023/2024 season, it consists of two consecutive night events under floodlights, creating a unique and exciting nighttime atmosphere for both competitors and spectators. While exact founding dates vary depending on recent changes, it was designed to bring a fresh perspective to ski jumping events with a focus on night-time excitement and shorter duration.
The Two Nights Tour for the 2024/2025 season concluded with Slovenian ski jumper Nika Prevc successfully defending her title by securing victories in both events.
Ice Hockey World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Canada, began on 26 December with ten teams divided into two groups battling in the Preliminary Round. The top four teams from each group will advance to the Playoff Round, while the fifth-placed team in each group moves to the Relegation Round.
During the first four days of matches at TD Place and the Canadian Tire Center, Canada, USA, Czechia and Sweden showcased why they are favourites to win the tournament this year, securing the top sports in the standings.
Czechia´s victory against Slovakia moved the Czechs into a first-place tie with Sweden in Group B. Both teams have a perfect 3-0-0 record and will play on New Year´s Eve to determine who claims top seeding heading into the quarterfinals.
Slovakia dropped to fourth place with three points, sitting only ahead of Kazakhstan and Switzerland, both yet to earn any points. Slovakia and Kazakhstan will meet on 30 December in a crucial match for both teams, as they strive to avoid the bottom position and the relegation game.
Sweden defeated Switzerland 7-5, a victory that secured Swedish place at the top of Group B and guaranteed them a spot in the quarter finals.
Canada´s win over Germany provided some relief after their earlier lost to Latvia. However, the real test for the for the Canadians will come on New Year´s Eve with the game against USA. Both teams have seven points in the standings, while Finland follows closely with five.
Finland edged out the USA 4-3 in the overtime, handing the Americans their first loss at the tournament. Team USA, the defending champions from 2024 (Gothenburg) are aiming to secure a medal for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Finland is striving to end a small drought, having not won fold since 2019 (Vancouver) or any medal since 2022.
Quarterfinals matches will take place on 2 January, with the Finals scheduled for 5 January.
A sublime performance in Bakuriani (Georgia) last Friday, 20th December, earned Benjamin Cavet 84.08 points to top the podium in the Men’s Moguls competition, securing his first medal of the weekend and his first World Cup win in four years – but not the last. The Frenchman also claimed second place the next day in the Men’s Dual Moguls competition. For Cavet, Bakuriani will undoubtedly be a cherished memory of the 2024–2025 season.
Ten years earlier, 2014 was a standout year for a young Ben Cavet. He won a gold medal in Dual Moguls and a silver medal in Moguls at the FIS Junior World Championships. That same year, he participated in his first Winter Olympics, Sochi 2014, where he finished in eighth place. He also competed in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Photo: FIS FREESTYLE SKI
In 2016, Cavet stood on the podium three times and finished third overall in the FIS World Cup series. The 2016–17 season was his most successful yet; he achieved six podium finishes in World Cup Moguls and finished second overall. Cavet was Vice World Champion in both 2017 and 2021.
However, since the FIS World Cup in Idre Fjäll (Sweden) in 2020, victory had eluded him – until now. Cavet is a veteran and one of the most experienced mogulists still competing. His hard work and dedication paid off in Bakuriani, and he will be one to watch for the rest of the season, including the qualification rounds for Milano-Cortina 2026.
The World Cup season will now take a short break over the holidays. The circuit will resume in the new year with the Moguls World Cup in Waterville on 24th–25th January 2025.
The World Championship Breaking 2024 took place in Chengdu, China, on December 20 and 21, uniting the finest B-Boys and B-Girls globally for a thrilling exhibition of talent and creativity. The Chengbei Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement as over 170 competitors from 31 countries vied for the prestigious titles.
European Athletes Shine
European athletes made a significant impact at the championship, particularly in the B-Girls category. Among the standout performers were:
Pauline (Germany): Advanced to the Top 16 in the B-Girls category.
Anti (Italy): Competed fiercely against Ayane from Japan in the B-Girls Top 16.
Stefani (Ukraine): Showcased her skills against Syssy from France, making it to the Top 16.
In the B-Boys category, notable European athletes included:
Menno (Netherlands): A three-time Red Bull BC One champion known for his fluid transitions and unique style.
Lee (Netherlands): A member of The Ruggeds and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, known for his exceptional techniques.
Results
The finals were a thrilling conclusion to the championship. In the B-Girls category:
First Place: India from the Netherlands
Second Place: 671 from China
Third Place: Nicka from Lithuania
In the B-Boys category:
First Place: B-Boy Issin from Japan
Second Place: Shigekix from Japan
Third Place: MonkeyZ from China
India outstanding triumph
Photo: B-Girl India’s performance (Lawksam, 2024)
B-Girl India, whose real name is India Sardjoe, hails from the Netherlands and has been a prominent figure in the breaking scene. Her victory in Chengdu adds to her impressive list of achievements. India previously competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where breaking made its debut. She advanced to the semi-finals and ultimately finished in fourth place.
Despite missing out on a medal, her performance at the Olympics showcased her exceptional talent and determination.
India’s journey in breaking began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence by winning the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2022. Her success continued as she secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Games in 2023.
India’s unique style and creativity have made her a standout performer, and her triumph in Chengdu solidifies her status as one of the top B-Girls in the world.
Nicka remarkable performance
B-Girl Nicka, whose real name is Dominika Banevič, had a remarkable year. Representing Lithuania, she secured third place in Chengdu, adding to her impressive achievements, including a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nicka’s dedication and skill have made her a prominent figure in the breaking community.
Coming up in the Breaking horizon
The World Championship Breaking 2024 set the stage for future competitions, with Chengdu set to host the DanceSport events during The World Games in August 2025. The remarkable talent and dedication displayed by the athletes promise an exciting future for the sport.
In an era where digital innovation is transforming how fans engage with their passions, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) is proud to unveil Sport Europe, an exciting new digital ecosystem designed to bring fans closer than ever before to the heart of European sports. Through a dynamic platform that integrates a cutting-edge website, interactive social media channels, and an array of digital technologies, Sport Europe is set to redefine the sports experience for enthusiasts across the continent.
Connecting Fans with the Thrill of European Sports
At its core, Sport Europe is more than just a digital platform—it is a hub of excitement, engagement, and exclusive content, created to unite the European sports community. Born from the EOC’s commitment to celebrating the power and passion of sport, Sport Europe was developed with one clear mission: to bring sport and athletes closer to the fans.
This innovative platform provides users with a wealth of content, from exclusive athlete interviews to the latest updates on European sport, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience. Fans can access detailed coverage on European athletes’ performances on the global stage, track key events, and stay updated on the sport challenges and competitions across Europe.
Whether you’re a passionate follower of football, athletics, winter sports, or any of the diverse range of disciplines, Sport Europe has something for everyone. It’s an all-encompassing space that showcases the exceptional talent of European athletes while empowering fans to experience the thrill of sporting events in real-time.
A Seamless Digital Experience
Designed with modern sports fans in mind, Sport Europe offers an immersive experience across multiple digital touchpoints. From the moment fans visit the Sport Europe website, they are greeted with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The site is rich with high-quality content, providing both real-time updates and in-depth features on athletes, events, and news from across Europe. Fans can easily navigate through sections dedicated to exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, athlete stories, and much more.
But that’s not all. Sport Europe goes beyond the website, with a strong presence across leading social media platforms. Through Instagram, TikTok, and more, the platform provides fans with constant access to exciting content, including live event updates, short-form videos, athlete highlights, and interactive features such as polls, Q&A sessions, and challenges. The social media channels are designed to foster interaction, encouraging fans to actively engage with the content, share their thoughts, and connect with the global sports community.
A World of Exclusive Content
Sport Europe is committed to providing sports fans with access to premium content that can’t be found anywhere else. The platform delivers exclusive interviews with athletes, offering fans an inside look into the lives and careers of some of Europe’s top sporting stars. These intimate features showcase the drive, determination, and passion that propel these athletes to greatness.
In addition, Sport Europe keeps fans informed with the latest news and updates from the world of European sport. From updates on upcoming competitions and events to real-time performance tracking for athletes competing on the international stage, fans will never miss a beat. Whether it’s breaking news on a major sporting event or detailed analysis of an athlete’s achievements, Sport Europe ensures fans are always at the forefront of the action.
Celebrating European Sporting Excellence
The launch of Sport Europe underscores the European Olympic Committees’ commitment to not just promoting sport, but actively celebrating the incredible achievements of European athletes. The platform is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Europe’s diverse sporting landscape, from global Olympic champions to emerging stars in various disciplines. It highlights the talent, resilience, and spirit of European athletes, giving fans the opportunity to witness their journeys and share in their triumphs.
A Hub for Engagement and Interaction
One of the standout features of Sport Europe is its focus on fan engagement. Through its interactive tools and features, the platform aims to create an environment where fans feel like they are part of the action. Through live discussions, fan polls, virtual challenges, and fan-submitted content, Sport Europe fosters a sense of belonging within the digital sports community. It’s not just about consuming content—it’s about participating in the conversation and becoming a vital part of Europe’s vibrant sports culture.
A Dream Come True for Sports Enthusiasts
For fans, Sport Europe is the ultimate destination—a one-stop digital ecosystem where they can access everything they’ve ever dreamed of in relation to sport. From real-time event coverage to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, from athlete insights to fan engagement opportunities, the platform is packed with features designed to delight and inspire. Whether it’s discovering the latest up-and-coming stars or diving deep into a sport’s history, Sport Europe offers an unparalleled experience for all sports lovers.
As the platform evolves and expands, fans can expect even more interactive features, exclusive content, and global sports coverage. Sport Europe is destined to be a game-changer in how fans connect with the world of European sport, offering a dynamic, engaging, and constantly evolving experience that celebrates the power of sport across the continent.
Sport Europe is not just a platform—it is the future of fan engagement in European sport. With its combination of exclusive content, real-time updates, and interactive features, Sport Europe is set to transform the sports landscape and deliver an unparalleled experience to sports enthusiasts across Europe. Welcome to the new digital age of European sport!
The official website for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 has been launched, offering a comprehensive resource for fans, athletes, coaches and media. The website is now live and accessible here.
The Winter EYOF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18. It serves as a platform for Europe’s best young sports talents to compete and showcase their skills on an international stage. The 2025 edition will take place from February 9 to 16, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in Bakuriani, Georgia.
Bakuriani, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class winter sports facilities, is set to provide a stunning backdrop for the Festival as participating young athletes compete in eight sports.
The newly-launched Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website will enhance the event by providing an interactive and user-friendly experience. It offers a wealth of information, including detailed event schedules, the latest news updates, venue details, participant profiles and a rich collection of multimedia content.
Key Features of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Website
News and updates: Latest news, announcements and stories from Bakuriani.
Venue information: Maps and details of all event locations.
Participant information: Profiles and information about the athletes.
Multimedia content: Photo galleries and videos showcasing preparation and highlights.
Event schedule: Detailed information on all competitions and activities (available soon).
The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises to be an exciting event, celebrating the sporting achievements of Europe’s young athletes. The official website will be instrumental in connecting audiences to the spirit and excitement of the Festival. For more information, please visit the official Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website here.