Estavana Polman’s Final Chapter: A Home World Championship to Remember

A Perfect Start in the Group Stage

The Dutch national team opened the tournament with confidence and control. The group stage was flawless. Match after match, the Netherlands showed tactical discipline, physical intensity and collective belief.

Estavana Polman played a key role in guiding the team through this phase. Her experience, vision and calmness in decisive moments proved invaluable. Whether it was creating space for teammates, dictating tempo or taking responsibility when needed, Polman demonstrated why she has been a cornerstone of Dutch handball for more than a decade.

A faultless group stage not only secured qualification for the knockout rounds but also strengthened the belief that something special could happen on home soil.

A Quarterfinal for the Ages Against Hungary

The quarterfinal against Hungary will be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament. It was a match full of intensity, momentum swings and high-level handball from both sides.

In a sold-out Ahoy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands rose to the occasion. After a commanding and composed performance, the Dutch secured a convincing 28–23 victory over Hungary. Polman led by example, combining creativity with grit and determination. The Dutch attack flowed, the defense stood firm when it mattered most, and the electric atmosphere lifted the team to another level.

The win sent the Netherlands into the semifinals and reignited memories of past successes. Among them, the ultimate high point of Polman’s international career. The world title the Netherlands captured in 2019 remains the pinnacle of her journey in orange, a historic achievement that changed Dutch handball forever and cemented her status as one of the game’s greats.

Defeat Against Future Champions Norway

The semifinal brought one of the toughest possible opponents. Norway, a powerhouse in international women’s handball and eventual gold medal winners, stood in the way.

Despite a courageous effort in front of the home crowd at Ahoy, the Netherlands were unable to stop the Scandinavian machine. Norway’s experience and clinical efficiency proved decisive, resulting in a 35–25 defeat for the Dutch side. While the scoreline was clear, it did not fully reflect the fight and determination shown on court.

For Estavana Polman, the loss was painful but also symbolic. Facing the very best on the biggest stage, she gave everything once more for the national jersey. Her leadership remained visible until the final whistle, encouraging teammates and fighting for every possession.

A Heartbreaking Bronze Medal Match Against France

After the emotional blow of the semifinal, the Netherlands faced France in the bronze medal match. Once again, Ahoy in Rotterdam provided a powerful backdrop, filled with belief and unwavering support.

The match turned into a tense and thrilling battle. The Dutch fought until the very end, but narrowly missed out on a podium finish, losing 33–31 to France. The two-goal margin underlined how close the contest was and how small the difference can be at the highest level.

For Polman, the final whistle marked the end of her international career. No medal, but immense respect from fans, teammates and opponents alike.

More Than a Farewell: The Journey Continues

While her international chapter has now come to a close, Estavana Polman’s handball story is far from over. She remains fully active at club level with Rapid Bucharest in Romania, where her experience and leadership continue to make an impact week after week.

Freed from the demands of international tournaments, Polman can now fully focus on her club career, while continuing to inspire fans across Europe with her creativity, intensity and unmistakable playing style.

Estavana Polman’s Legacy in Dutch Handball

Medals do not define Estavana Polman’s legacy. Her impact on Dutch handball goes far beyond tournament results.

She helped elevate the Netherlands to the absolute world top, inspired a new generation of players and brought creativity and flair to the game. Her commitment, professionalism and passion made her a role model on and off the court.

Ending her international career at a World Championship in her own country, inside a packed Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, felt fitting. It was emotional, intense and authentic. Just like her playing style.

A Natural Ambassador for JDH

As an ambassador of JDH, Estavana Polman represents the values that drive JDH forward. Performance at the highest level. Dedication to continuous improvement. Authenticity in victory and defeat.

Her career shows that true strength lies not only in winning, but in showing up every day with purpose and passion. On the biggest stages and in the toughest moments.

A Farewell to Remember

The home World Championship was not the fairytale ending many hoped for. Yet it was a powerful farewell. One filled with pride, emotion and unforgettable moments in Rotterdam.

Estavana Polman leaves the international stage as one of the greatest players the Netherlands has ever known. Her final tournament was not about the medal count, but about legacy, leadership and love for the game.

And that is a victory that lasts forever.

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