MOSCOW, March 9 (RIA Novosti) - Young coach Oleg Kuleshov has been named as the coach of Russia’s handball team, beating several more experienced candidates, the Russian Handball Federation has announced.
A panel headed by former Russia goalkeeper Andrey Lavrov chose Kuleshov, 37, from among nine candidates, including former Russia coach Nikolai Chigarev and Great Britain coach Dragan Djukic, who ruled out leaving the British team before the London Olympics.
Kuleshov was a surprise choice, as his only coaching experience is with third-tier German team HF Springe, who he joined last year.
“After a sufficiently lengthy discussion, Kuleshov was chosen as the winner. We note that he was the youngest of the nine candidates,” the Russian Handball Federation said in a statement Thursday.
Three of the seven members of the panel supported Alexander Rymanov, who won Olympic gold with the Russian team in 1988 and has coached top clubs in the German and Dutch leagues.
“Four of the seven members of the board who were present voted for [Kuleshov], three for Rymanov,” the Russian Handball Federation said.
Kuleshov’s first match in charge will be at home to the Czech Republic in June in the first leg of a playoff for world championship qualification.
