Newsletter

Two years after his retirement from sports, Loui Sand becomes the first trans player in Swedish handball

Loui Sand, an international who played in France until 2018, has just signed with the club of Kärra HF, where he made his debut two decades ago in the women’s section.

Loui Sand makes history. This Friday he became the first trans player in Swedish men’s handball. This 28-year-old sportsman, native of Sri Lanka and raised in Sweden, played until 2018 in the French women’s team of Fleury Loiret handball after a stint in Brest. After announcing his retirement from sports in early 2019, he signed with the men’s club Kärra, in the Swedish second division, his club announced. The “evidence” that it is possible for trans people “To have a place in sport”, rejoices the player in an interview with the tabloid Aftonbladet. A return that he would not have “never” imagined when he left.

The northern Gothenburg club recalls on its website that this recruitment is a homecoming for the left-back: “17 years ago Loui left Kärra HF for a fantastic career on the international handball scene. Today he fought for a contract in Team A. ” Back on the pitch this summer after more than two years of absence, Loui Sand first resumed training with the men’s team. She then had to submit a request to the Swedish Handball Federation so that her player could join their ranks for good. “After abruptly stopping handball, I slowly found my way back. I don’t think I’ve ever struggled so physically in my life ”, testifies the player.

“Happy and proud”

In 2019, he suddenly ended his career at 26 “For personal reasons”, affirming in an official statement wanting “to take care” of him and himself “Focus on a new life”. On social networks, the left rear explained: “I have been doing very badly for some time and I have always known why: I was born in the wrong body!” He then received significant support from the LGBT + community, but also in the sports world, starting with that of the national team, where he recorded 105 selections in the women’s section.

“I am incredibly happy and proud that Kärra believes in me and that I have been truly shown interest. Thank you to all my team colleagues who help and support me ”, wrote the new recruit on Instagram. Kärra HF will start their new season on September 19 against Amo HK. In the world of professional sport, still marked by the weight of a homophobic and transphobic heritage, the LGBT + cause is gradually gaining ground. Laurel Hubbard became the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics this summer in Tokyo. A participation which, however, divided, both among fans and among athletes.

.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending