The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the #sittingvolleyball “#OnesToWatch” ahead of the 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships set to take place across the Netherlands, between 15 and 22 July.
The Ones to Watch are those players who have the potential to make it to the headlines at the sport’s biggest competition outside the Paralympic Games.
The list includes Paralympic and world champions.
The Ones to Watch for sitting volleyball are:
Cristine Delangelica Lima (BRA)
The opposite spiker has been fundamental in helping Brazil secure their first Paralympic medal at Rio 2016 and in becoming one of the world’s strongest women’s teams.
Elvira Stinissen (NED)
Has been the backbone of the Dutch women’s team for a number of years, including at last year’s European Championships where they took bronze.
Hesham Elshwikh (EGY)
With Hesham Elshwikh’s outstanding leadership, Egypt have repeatedly ended among the top men’s teams at major international competitions in recent times.
Kaleo Kanahele (USA)
Kanahele was a key part of the women’s team that made history on Brazilian soil by claiming their first Paralympic title after defeating China 3-0.
Lijun Zhang (CHN)
Has been a key player of the all-conquering Chinese team that dominated the women’s sitting volleyball circuit over the last decade.
Mirzet Duran (BIH)
Has led the team over the past eight years and is hoping to successfully defend the men’s world title from Elblag 2014 in Netherlands.
Morteza Mehrzadselakjani (IRI)
Thanks to his outstanding performances, Iran returned to the top of the men’s Paralympic podium in Rio after eight years following a 3-1 victory over defending champions Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More information about the 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships is available on the event’s webpage. http://www.worldparavolley.org/2018-world-paravolley-sitting-volleyball-world-championships/
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Notes to the Editor
For further information, please contact Craig Spence, IPC Chief Marketing and Communications Officer on e-mail: craig.spence@paralympic.org. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org.