Karolis Antanavicius: Hard's goalscorer starts a new adventure in Minden

Karolis Antanavicius: Hard's goalscorer starts a new adventure in Minden

Karolis Antanavicius, the backcourt player of Alpla HC Hard, is leaving the club on Lake Constance after four successful years. The Lithuanian international, who moved from Lithuania to Austria in 2021 at the age of 23, has left his mark on Hard. In the current season he scored 100 goals, making him the team's second best scorer, behind Ante Tokic, who scored 147 goals. Antanavicius is known for his powerful throws from the backcourt and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

From the 2025/26 season, Antanavicius will play for GWD Minden, which is currently fighting for promotion to the 1st Handball Bundesliga. Minden is in second place in the table after 26 of 34 rounds and could soon be promoted to the top league. Antanavicius describes the move to Germany as the fulfillment of his goal and is enthusiastic about the organization of his new club. He signed a two-year contract and will strengthen the team in the future as a half-left backfield player.

Successes in Austria and international experiences

During his time in Hard, Antanavicius and his team were able to win a Cup title in the 2022/23 season and two Supercup titles in 2021 and 2023. He has not only played in the domestic HLA master league, where he is one of the top players, but also internationally, including in the EHF European League with Alpla HC Hard. In the current season, Antanavicius is one of the most dangerous players in the league with his 100 goals in 20 games, which underlines his importance for the team.

Those responsible at GWD Minden, especially managing director Nils Torbrügge, also emphasize his offensive and defensive skills. Antanavicius is also an integral part of the Lithuanian national team, which competes with a variety of countries, including in the EHF, where Lithuania regularly takes part in international tournaments.

A farewell full of emotions

Antanavicius' farewell from Hard is an emotional moment for the team. Head coach Hannes Jón Jónsson was proud of the player's development, but also expressed concern about his departure. He emphasizes that Antanavicius will be difficult to replace and looks back on a successful time with him. Antanavicius himself describes his anticipation of the coming season and the start at GWD Minden, where he hopes to end his career with a championship title.

With Antanavicius' move to Germany, another talented player is entering the stage of the 1st Handball Bundesliga. The Lithuanian national player will make a valuable contribution to his new team with his skills and experience and should also cause a stir in the German handball landscape.