Tokyo, February 14 th, 2023: Zeekstar Sports Entertainment, Inc. announces retirement of Luc Abalo from professional handball currently playing for Zeekstar Tokyo under Japan Handball League (JHL).
Retirement ceremony for Abalo will be held on February 25th, 2023, at Zeekstar Tokyo’s last home game of the season.
In 2002, Abalo made his debut on French 1st Division League and played at various prestigious European club teams including BM Ciudad Real (Spain), Paris Saint-Germain Handball (France), and Elverum (Norway). In 2005, Abalo became a member of the French National Team, becoming a three-time World Champion (’09, ’11, ’17), a three-time European Champion (’06, ’10, ’14), a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist (’08, ’12, ’21), and one-time Olympic Silver Medalist (’16). After joining Zeekstar Tokyo in October 2021, Abalo has contributed to the team both on and off the court with his world class experience.
With Abalo, Zeekstar Tokyo will continue to aim for this season’s play-off tournament and win the Champion’s title. To create a stronger team and deliver the allure of handball to our fans, we plan to continue our relationship with Abalo after his retirement, hoping to gain his kind support and receive advice from his experience.
●The Retirement Ceremony of Luc Abalo
Date: February 25th, 2023 (After the match around 16h30~)
Venue: Sumida City Gymnasium (Tokyo)
Opponent Team: Ryuku Corazon
*This season’s home games will be on 2/18, 2/25
For more detail, please check: https://www.zeekstar.tokyo/
●LUC ABALO
Position: RW (Right Wing)
Height/Weight: 183cm/86kg
DOB: September 6th, 1984 (38 years old)
Nationality: France
Career:’02-’08 US Ivry Handball (France), ’08-’12 BM Ciudad Real (Spain), ’12-’20 Paris Saint-Germain Handball (France), ’20-’21 Elverum (Norway), ’21- Zeekstar Tokyo (Japan)
■Awards and Titles:
Club Teams:
Champion, EHF Champions League ’09
Champion, French National League ’07, ’13, ’15-’20
Champion, Spanish National League Championship ’09, ’10
Champion, Norwegian National League ’21
French National Team:
Champion, European League ’06, ’10, ’14
Champion, World Handball Championship, ’09, ’11, ’17
Gold Medalist, Olympic Games ’08 (Beijing), ’12 (London), ’21 (Tokyo)
Silver Medalist, Olympic Games ’16 (Rio de Janeiro)
Individual Awards:
Chevalier, Legion of Honor (Légion d‘honneur)
Officier, Ordre national du Mérite
MVP, French National League ’07, ’13
Best RW Player, European League ’10, ’14
Best RW Player, EHF Champions League ’12, ’14
■Comment
La première chose qui me vient à l’esprit quand on me demande de dire un mot aux supporters et aux fans, c’est de les remercier. Et que c’est vraiment une chance dans une vie de savoir que grâce à notre passion pour notre sport on a pu procurer des émotions aux gens donc ça a été vraiment un honneur d’avoir eu votre soutient. Je souhaite le meilleur à tout ceux qui liront ces mots. Que la force soit avec vous. LUC
The first thing that comes to my mind when I am asked to say a word to my supporters and fans, is ‘’thank you.” It was a lifetime experience for me to be able inspire people through our passion for handball. It has been truly an honor to have your support, and I wish happiness to all who read these words. May the force be with you.
Luc