Pµlva: The Cyprus men's national handball team is set to return to Cyprus on Monday after a bus accident in Estonia, according to Cyprus Handball Federation (CHF) President Constantinos Filaretou. The accident, which occurred early Saturday, led to the postponement of their scheduled match against Estonia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, several members of the team sustained injuries, though none were deemed serious. Filaretou noted that the accident had a significant psychological impact on the players. Two members were hospitalized immediately, while others received medical attention throughout the day.
The psychological effect of the incident was communicated to the European Handball Federation (EHF) from the beginning. Filaretou mentioned that the team's mental state has improved after rest. The accident was attributed to difficult weather conditions, with the bus traveling on icy roads amid heavy snowfall.
Responsibility for hosting and transportation lies with the host federation, as per EHF regulations. The CHF's priority is ensuring the safety and physical integrity of the delegation. Filaretou reassured families that all necessary measures have been taken for medical care and a safe return to Cyprus.
The match postponement was decided during a Technical Meeting on Sunday. The future of the game will be discussed later by the Cypriot and Estonian federations and the EHF. The team moved to Tallinn on Sunday, opting to travel during daylight hours for safety. They are expected to fly back to Cyprus on Monday, pending medical clearance for all members.