Moldova sibling referees at China’s National Games

World
Europe

As important as the athletes are to the National Games of China, their competitions would not run smoothly without the participation of the referees and other officials.

In handball, twin brothers from Moldova have taken the position of referees. They are not the first ones to set foot in the domestic sporting event of China, but as we are familiar of sibling rivalry on court, refereeing is a different story.

Alexie and Igor Covalciuc have referred handball at the highest level and traveled the world with the sport they love. This opportunity in China gives them a chance to experience new aspects of the game in an event mostly unknown outside of Asia.

“It’s not very difficult because people here are very kind and very polite. The hospitality of Chinese people is really good. We are very happy to be part of the Chinese National Games. It’s important for us. For sure it’s a good experience for us to see another kind of style of handball,” Alexie says.

Handball players in action at the 13th Chinese National Games /Photo via ChinaSports

There might be one or two language barriers on the court but they command the respect of the players and more importantly each other.

The 35-year-old twins were players for 10 years and represented their country at the Olympics – sometimes teammates, sometimes playing opposite each other. The duo's family ties come before anything but there is still room for a rivalry, even during their post playing career.

Since the eighth National Games, China has imported refs from outside. In total there are 58 officials from outside China as the event aims to rule out the slightest hint of favoritism.

109km