Paris, France — Elohim Prandi, a handball player for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, is currently recuperating in a Paris hospital following a severe attack during New Year’s Eve festivities, his club confirmed. The 23-year-old athlete sustained multiple stab wounds in the incident and is now stable after a period where his condition raised considerable concern.
The violent encounter occurred in Paris’s centrally located 8th arrondissement, a district known for its proximity to the famous Champs-Elysees. Details about the attack are still emerging, and the Paris Police Prefecture has launched an investigation into the matter.
Prandi, widely recognized for his skills as a left-back, has been an integral part of the French handball scene. He was a contender for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics team but had to withdraw due to injuries that kept him from participating in the qualifiers. Previously, he represented France at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
The timing of the attack is particularly unfortunate as Prandi was set to compete in the upcoming European Championship hosted by Hungary and Slovakia. However, due to his injuries, he has been forced to withdraw from the event. His absence will be felt by the team, which is already dealing with the loss of other key players due to injuries and illness.
In addition to Prandi, France will compete without Timothey N’Guessan, Nedim Remili, and Luka Karabatic — all sidelined due to injuries. The team, however, is hopeful as star player Nikola Karabatic is expected to return. Despite a recent bout with COVID-19, Karabatic is slated to participate in France’s preparatory match against Egypt on January 7 in Chambery.
The incident casts a shadow over what is an important season for French handball, especially as the team aims to capitalize on the talents of its newer generation in the upcoming continental championship. Prandi’s attack and the subsequent recovery period not only affect his career but also reflect the broader challenges athletes face, including their vulnerability to random acts of violence.
Fans and teammates alike hope for a speedy recovery for Prandi and anticipate his swift return to the court where he has already shown significant promise. His resilience and determination are expected to propel him through this challenging time, restoring him to his place as a key contributor to the sport in France.