Mar 17 β€’ 20:04 UTC πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ Estonia ERR

Bratka concludes her national team career: it has been an honor to share challenges with powerful women

Estonian basketball player Maaja Bratka reflects on her final national team match against Latvia, acknowledging the honor of sharing experiences with fellow athletes while noting the emotional atmosphere of their home crowd.

In a gripping final match of the EM qualifiers, the Estonian women's basketball team faced a tough defeat against Latvia, losing 82-75. This match marked the end of the national team careers for both Maaja Bratka and Greeta Üprus, who expressed their reflections on their experiences and emotions after the game. Bratka commented that while she had faced similar situations before, it was meaningful to conclude her career in such a passionate environment filled with supportive fans.

Both players emphasized the significance of playing at home and the strong support from their fans, which they credited as a source of motivation during the match. Bratka described the electric atmosphere of playing in front of a home crowd, comparing it to being in a bear’s den due to the intensity and energy of the supporters. Their combined effort and the home advantage made for a spirited challenge against a formidable opponent like Latvia.

While Bratka's decision to retire from the national team was anticipated, Üprus's was somewhat unexpected, catching fans by surprise. This adds an emotional layer to the story, as fans not only reflect on the game's outcome but also on the end of an era for these talented athletes. Their individual and shared journeys inspire the next generation of female athletes in Estonia, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they experienced as powerful women in sports.

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