[Handball] Thüringer HC with Natsuki Aizawa Narrowly Loses EHF European League Women 2025/26 Final, Misses Back-to-Back Titles

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.