The Russian Handball Federation (FGR) has announced that it will provide support to the family of Victoria Divak, the Astrakhanochka player who has died. This commitment reflects the federation’s obligation to stand with players and their families in times of tragedy, offering financial, logistical, and emotional assistance as needed.
The incident occurred today, April 17, in Astrakhan. Local sources indicated that the athlete died after falling from the eighth floor of an apartment building. The federation confirmed the loss and expressed condolences to Divak’s relatives and friends, pledging help to the family during this difficult period.
Statements from the federation’s press service emphasized the seriousness of the situation. They noted that the organization had already conveyed condolences on its official channels and affirmed that help would be provided to Divak’s family as required by circumstances and need.
Divak began her handball career at a prominent Volgograd handball school and progressed through several clubs. She spent meaningful years with Dynamo-Sinara, a period in which she secured three Russian championships. Her professional journey then took her to Kuban, the French club Achenheim Truchtersheim, the German team Halle Neustadt, and the Belarusian club Gomel. In 2021 she joined Astrakhanochka, contributing to the team’s efforts in the national league represented in Russia and beyond.
Her international career includes notable successes abroad. She contributed to a gold medal campaign in the Belarusian championship, won the Belarusian Cup twice, and claimed the second tier title in France. In 2009 she was part of the Russian junior team that secured the European Championship, highlighting her early potential and continued development as a player across leagues and countries.
The former head coach of Astrakhanochka, Alexey Alekseev, expressed profound shock at Divak’s death. His remarks reflected the impact she had within the team and the broader handball community, underscoring the collective sense of loss felt across the sport in Russia and among international colleagues who had watched her progress over the years.