17.07.2013, 10:49
János Hajdu steers Hungary's women's team towards World Championship

Experienced coach will take Karl Erik Bøhn's place at the sideline until December 2013

János Hajdu steers Hungary's women's team towards World Championship

János Hajdu will be at the helm of the Hungarian women's national team in the months leading up to the 2013 Women’s World Championship in December in Serbia.

For the coming months he will replace Karl Erik Bøhn who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier in the year and is currently recovering from the treatment.

Hajdu's contract runs until 31 December 2013. According to the Hungarian Handball Federation before a possible extension will be discussed, Karl Erik Bøhn's condition and his possibility to return to the bench will always be taken into consideration.

Hungary co-host, together with Croatia, the Women's EHF EURO in December 2014.

János Hajdu was already leading Hungary in 2008 when they qualified for the Olympic Games and finished 4th at the event in Beijing.

After that he went on to become the coach of Hungary's men's national team with which he reached 6th place at the 2009 World Championship and also qualified for the EHF EURO 2010 in Austria.

Women's national team assistant coach, Beáta Siti, as well as other technical staff will continue to work for the women's national team and support Hajdu.

Hoping for a quick recovery

"We managed to find a professional coach who has experience, achieved some great results and was also willing to take on the job for this shorter period of time," said Iván Vetési, President of the Hungarian Handball Federation.

Hajdu is currently preparing with the Hungarian Women's 19 squad for the upcoming European Championship in Denmark (1 to 11 August) and is also working for the National Handball Academy.

"I have accepted the job for this temporary period as I also really hope to see Karl Erik Bøhn return.

"Being asked is a big honour for me and I feel I must accept it in this hard situation.

"I hope this team will continue the work that gained them bronze at the EHF EURO 2012,” said  Hajdu.

The Hungarian team will play strong a four-nation tournament between 25 and 27 of October when they will face the teams from Croatia, Brazil and Norway.

TEXT: Ildiko Balogh / ts