Germany's goalball hopefuls make impressive start

Germany’s goalball players were told to keep their dreams on hold after getting their campaign off to a flying start at the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul.

The team opened with a 11-3 victory over Lithuania before seeing off hosts Türkiye 23-13 in their second game at the Cebeci Sports Complex.

“We worked hard for the two wins today,” said Head coach Mario Turloff. “The boys were really motivated.

“Turkey played really well and came back at us every time, but from our team I couldn’t say who was the best player. It was team-work. I’m really proud of that.

“It was a good start but I’ve told the players we have not won the tournament yet.

“Every team we face can come back. Hopefully all our players will be okay, nobody will have an injury or illness for the weekend.

“We’ve got two games tomorrow and two games Sunday and we’ll give it our best and maintain these performances.”

Turloff is relishing his role as coach to Germany’s next generation of goalball players.

And he knows these EPYG could be the springboard for them to go on and compete for the senior men’s team at a Paralympic Games.

Turloff, who is also Head Coach with RGC Hansa, added: “It’s every players dream to play at a Paralympic Games, but I tell my boys every day that you must not dream, you must work for it.

“I’ll do my best to find good players with technical and tactical ability, and also the mentality which is just as important, to be part of the national team in the future.”

In the female competition, defending champion Türkiye began with an 11-7 defeat of Germany. The teams will face each other two more times over the weekend.

The record-breaking Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games officially open on 24 July and run until 27 July. They will feature a record 640 athletes with 1,200 competitors, coaches and team staff from 33 countries, also the biggest ever number, competing in Para archery, Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis and Para taekwondo.

Participants will also get to experience the Discovery Programme where they will have the chance to take part in education and experiences in a broad range of topics, including activities designed to immerse the people of Istanbul in EPYG and to get to know Para sport.