[Handball] Thüringer HC with Natsuki Aizawa Narrowly Loses EHF European League Women 2025/26 Final, Misses Back-to-Back Titles
The Japan Handball Association announced that Thüringer HC (Germany), the club of Natsuki Aizawa, finished as runners-up after losing 25-29 to Dijon (France) in the final of the EHF European League Women 2025/26.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 16:59 (2h 28m after Collected)
The Japan Handball Association announces that Thüringer HC (Germany), the club of Natsuki Aizawa, center back for the Japan women's national team "Orihime Japan," finished as the runner-up in the EHF European League Women 2025/26 final held in Dijon, France, on Sunday, May 17 (local time), after losing to Dijon (France) 25-29. Thüringer HC was aiming for its second consecutive title as the defending champion.
■ Match Summary
In the first half, Thüringer dominated the game thanks to Aizawa's game control and fine saves by the Thüringer goalkeeper. However, around the 20-minute mark of the first half, Aizawa suffered a head injury following contact with an opposing player while defending and was forced to leave the court. Despite this, Thüringer continued their stable play and entered halftime with a 15-6 lead.
Entering the second half without Aizawa, Thüringer struggled to score, while Dijon, backed by massive home support, gradually narrowed the gap. After the 20-minute mark of the second half, Thüringer surrendered the lead and ultimately lost 25-29 despite efforts to catch up. Dijon claimed their first-ever tournament title.
Aizawa recorded 2 goals during her time on the court.
■ Tournament Results
Champion: Dijon Handball (France)
Runner-up: Thüringer HC (Germany)
Final Score: Thüringer HC 25 - 29 Dijon Handball
(First Half: 15 - 6 / Second Half: 10 - 23)
Venue: Palais des Sports JM Geoffroy (Dijon, France)
■ Final Highlight Video
The final highlight video is available on the official EHF YouTube channel.
▶ https://youtu.be/yTWMFGYo1SI
The full match archive can be viewed in Japan via DAZN (subscription required).
▶ https://www.dazn.com/ja-JP/competition/Competition:6db8s9jkbxljoou46brvevaue
■ Special Tournament Page
EHF European League Women 2025/26 (Official EHF)
▶ https://ehfel.eurohandball.com/women/2025-26/
■ Future Schedule of the Japan Women's National Team
Orihime Japan plans to hold its first training camp in July of this year in preparation for the Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya) to be held in September 2026.
■ Match Summary
In the first half, Thüringer dominated the game thanks to Aizawa's game control and fine saves by the Thüringer goalkeeper. However, around the 20-minute mark of the first half, Aizawa suffered a head injury following contact with an opposing player while defending and was forced to leave the court. Despite this, Thüringer continued their stable play and entered halftime with a 15-6 lead.
Entering the second half without Aizawa, Thüringer struggled to score, while Dijon, backed by massive home support, gradually narrowed the gap. After the 20-minute mark of the second half, Thüringer surrendered the lead and ultimately lost 25-29 despite efforts to catch up. Dijon claimed their first-ever tournament title.
Aizawa recorded 2 goals during her time on the court.
■ Tournament Results
Champion: Dijon Handball (France)
Runner-up: Thüringer HC (Germany)
Final Score: Thüringer HC 25 - 29 Dijon Handball
(First Half: 15 - 6 / Second Half: 10 - 23)
Venue: Palais des Sports JM Geoffroy (Dijon, France)
■ Final Highlight Video
The final highlight video is available on the official EHF YouTube channel.
▶ https://youtu.be/yTWMFGYo1SI
The full match archive can be viewed in Japan via DAZN (subscription required).
▶ https://www.dazn.com/ja-JP/competition/Competition:6db8s9jkbxljoou46brvevaue
■ Special Tournament Page
EHF European League Women 2025/26 (Official EHF)
▶ https://ehfel.eurohandball.com/women/2025-26/
■ Future Schedule of the Japan Women's National Team
Orihime Japan plans to hold its first training camp in July of this year in preparation for the Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya) to be held in September 2026.
FAQ
What was the result of the EHF European League Women 2025/26 final?
Dijon Handball (France) defeated Thüringer HC (Germany) 29-25 to claim their first title.
Did Natsuki Aizawa play in the final?
Yes, she started the game and scored 2 goals before leaving the court due to an injury around the 20-minute mark of the first half.
What is the next goal for the Japan women's national handball team?
Their next major target is the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in September 2026. A training camp is scheduled for July.