Mar 2 • 11:55 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Latvian wheelchair curlers will compete in Milan-Cortina Paralympics with a changed lineup

Latvian wheelchair curlers will compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics with a new team member due to health issues affecting Jurijs Volgins.

The Latvian wheelchair curling team is set to participate in the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, albeit with some notable changes in their lineup. Jurijs Volgins, originally part of the team, will not be attending the games due to health concerns, leaving a gap filled by debutante Adelaida Killiana. This change marks a significant adjustment as the team also includes other newcomers, Elija Asniņa and Linda Meijere, alongside veterans Ojārs Briedis and Sergejs Djačenko, both of whom are competing in their second Paralympics.

The mixed team is scheduled to play its first match on March 7 against South Korea, while the mixed pairs team featuring Poļina Rožkova and Agris Lasmans will face off against the USA on Wednesday. Coach Arnis Veidemanis expressed confidence in his team's preparation and mindset, indicating a calm atmosphere as athletes eagerly await their first competition. He acknowledged the strength of all competing teams but emphasized the importance of establishing a strong start in their initial game against the United States as a way to build confidence for future matches.

Expectations for the Latvian delegation are to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. However, Veidemanis noted that the unpredictability of the elimination rounds makes it difficult to foresee the outcomes. Overall, the team's resilience and readiness, bolstered by a mix of experience and fresh talent, position Latvia as a contender in the upcoming events at the Paralympics, showcasing their commitment to excellence despite challenges faced during training and selection.

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