Stine Bredal Oftedal: consistent, reliable, “engaged to handball”

It was a mere five words that described Stine Bredal Oftedals relation to handball best.

“I’m engaged to handball,” the 25-year-old centre back told Norwegian media during the recent Rio 2016 Olympics.

And if one looks it her career, there seems to be no doubt that her relation with and dedication to the sport are unique. Persistent, consistent and reliable are the adjectives that are most frequently mentioned when talking about Bredal Oftedal.

The Norwegian started her career aged seven at Nit-Hak in Nitedal, the town where she was born. She was inspired by mother who also played handball in the club.

This inspiration also infected Bredal Oftedal’s younger sister Hanna, who also plays handball and who joined her at French side Issy Paris Hand in 2014 where Stine is playing her fourth consecutive season.

Mission: Title Defence

One of the things, with which her teammates are particularly satisfied, is the fact that as a playmaker she always sends very clear signals which attacking variations or combinations she wants to be played.

She indicates this with very clear hand signs which are a particular advantage when the atmosphere in the hall is noisy.

She has the eye for her teammates that any good playmaker should have and at the same time she is also capable of being a proficient scorer herself. Her shot as well as her ability to break through a defence are very good.

“Stine is a key player to us – an intelligent playmaker who becomes more dangerous herself all the time. She is also constantly developing as a leader and captain,” says Norway coach Thorir Hergeirsson.

The 25-year-old, who played more than 120 internationals to date for Norway, is expected to play a key role in Norway’s ‘Misson: Title Defence” at the upcoming Women’s EHF EURO 2016 in Sweden.

 “I see my role in the team as a central role, especially for the time being,” she tells ehf-euro.com.

“It is a role, with which I feel very well, and it is a role I appreciate. I hope I can contribute well in that role in the time that comes.

“After losing the Olympic semi-final (to Russia) we all have the greatest possible wish to play for the finest medal again in Sweden, and I look forward to contributing to that.”