SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 15, 2024 – The European Handball Federation (EHF) has announced Norwegian center back Stine Oftedal Dahmke and Danish goalkeeper Emil Nielsen as the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of the 2023/24 season at the EHF Excellence Awards 2024 held in Vienna.
Celebrating Handball Excellence
The EHF Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in handball, honoring both current players and legends of the sport. Oftedal Dahmke and Nielsen were selected from a shortlist of top contenders, including Chloé Valentini, Line Haugsted, Dika Mem, and Magnus Saugstrup. Their selection as MVPs follows their recognition in the 2023/24 "Team of the Season," where they were voted best center back and best goalkeeper, respectively.
Stine Oftedal Dahmke: A Champion's Farewell
Stine Oftedal Dahmke, one of Norway's most decorated handball players, retired from the sport after a remarkable career culminating in an Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games.
"The 2023/24 season was the last one for Oftedal Dahmke, who finished her club career on a high after winning her third EHF Champions League title with Györi Audi ETO KC," states the official press release. Her exceptional performance at the EHF FINAL4 in Budapest, including crucial assists and goals, earned her the MVP award for the tournament.
Oftedal Dahmke's international career boasts an impressive collection of titles, including five EHF EURO titles and three IHF World Championship trophies. Her final international appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics saw her add an Olympic gold medal to her already impressive list of achievements.
Emil Nielsen: A Goalkeeping Prodigy
At 27 years old, Emil Nielsen has established himself as a leading goalkeeper in handball, playing a pivotal role in both his club and national team's successes.
"In January, at the Men's EHF EURO 2024, Nielsen ended the tournament with an overall 39.5 per cent save efficiency, including a stunning performance in the final against France," highlights the press release. Despite Denmark's loss in the final, Nielsen's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Nielsen continued his winning streak by securing an Olympic gold medal with Denmark at the 2024 Games. On the club level, he plays for Barça, one of the most successful teams in handball history, and won his first EHF Champions League title in the 2023/24 season.
Honoring Handball Legends
The EHF Excellence Awards also celebrated the induction of 21 new members into the EHF Hall of Fame, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the sport. The inductees include legendary goalkeepers, wingers, backs, line players, and defenders from various countries who have left an indelible mark on handball history.
Other Award Categories
In addition to the MVP awards and Hall of Fame inductions, the EHF Excellence Awards recognized outstanding achievements in other categories:
- Beach Handball MVPs: Awarded to Ricardo Castro and Meike Kruijer.
- Young Players of the Season: Petra Simon and Martim Costa received this award for their exceptional potential and performance.
- European Olympic Excellence Award: This newly introduced category recognized Mathias Gidsel and Katrine Lunde for their outstanding performances at the 2024 Olympic Games.
A Celebration of Handball's Finest
The EHF Excellence Awards 2024 provided a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of handball players across different generations and disciplines. The event highlighted the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that define the sport of handball, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike.