Handball Federation Extends Coach David Pisonero's Contract

The Israeli Handball Association held its season opening gala and awards ceremony for the previous season in Rishon LeZion, attended by over 300 representatives from clubs, sponsors, players, and coaches. During the event, Association Chairman Idan Mizrahi announced that Spanish national team coach David Pisonero will continue for another campaign, with a video of Pisonero thanking the association for its trust being shown.

Ram Torkenitz of AS Ramat Hasharon and Shir Veker of Bnot Herzeliya were named outstanding players of the season for leading their teams to a double championship win. The "Team of the Season" selections for men and women were also announced, featuring players from various clubs including AS Ramat Hasharon, Maccabi Rishon LeZion, Ironi Herzeliya, and Maccabi Ha'arzim Rishon LeZion. The coach of the season was Idan Maimon, and Adi Cohen was named the breakthrough player.

Prior to the awards, a special ceremony honored the youth and junior national teams for their promotion to the World Championship. Yonatan Pelach received a special award for being the top scorer in the European Junior Championship, breaking the all-time scoring record. The association also held a surprise retirement ceremony for former national team player Tali Baral Torkenitz.

Chairman Mizrahi also announced new initiatives, including a cash prize and European competition spot for the winner of the pre-season cup, and the implementation of a Final Four format for both men's and women's league championships during Sukkot. He emphasized the goal of the senior national team to qualify for the upcoming European Championship after a long absence.

Mizrahi highlighted the association's achievements over the past year, including record broadcasts and digital exposure. He also detailed plans for a new women's handball project expected to generate significant revenue and announced that a foreign coach will soon be appointed for the women's national team to lead a reform in women's handball.