Brazil’s Tamires Morena produced one of the most touching moments of the Olympics in Paris after she carried her injured opponent off the court on Saturday.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Brazil were already up by ten goals in their final Preliminary Round Group B women’s handball match when Angola’s captain Albertina Kassoma fell to the ground after missing a shot.
Kassoma stayed down and received medical attention for her injured knee.
After being examined by Angola’s team doctor, Kassoma got to her feet and was supported by Brazil’s goalkeeper, Gabriela Moreschi.
But before Kassoma moved, Morena stepped in to fully sweep her opponent off the ground and carry her to the side of the court.
Morena’s gesture was greeted by a huge ovation by the crowd inside South Paris Arena 6.
‘The injury happened close to me. I kept playing at first because I didn’t think it was that serious,’ said Morena, whose Brazil side ended up beating Angola 30-19.
‘When I saw her on the ground, I thought she wouldn’t be able to get back up, because it’s very rare that you fall and don’t get up.
‘Albertina is a friend of mine for many years. We both play in Romania. There was no way I couldn’t help her, because I knew it would be very difficult for her to leave the court.
Albertina Kassoma, of Angola, is carried by Frossard Tamires Araujo, of Brazil, after being injured during a women’s handball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics
Brazil’s Tamires Morena and Angola captain Albertina Kassoma play in the same league in Romania.
Albertina Kassoma, of Angola, is carried by Frossard Tamires Araujo, of Brazil, after being injured during a women’s handball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics
Tamires Morena was given a huge reception by the crowd for her gesture (AP)
‘I have a special affection for her. I respect her work a lot.’
Asked what was said in their brief exchange after the gesture, Morena said: ‘She said, ‘thank you very much, my friend. Only you could lift me up. I was very hurt’.
‘Now she will recover. I hope she comes back well. We are both old, and friends who sit down for coffee and chat. We don’t have much time to go out at night, but we are lifelong friends.
‘I respect the Angolan team a lot. They’ve had a wonderful journey. Unfortunately, one team had to be out, but that’s what sports are all about.’
Brazil will now play Norway in the quarter final on August 6 at 20.30pm.
