PROPER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR ACHIEVING GOOD RESULTS
In spite of her busy schedule, Indira Kastratovikj gladly accepted our invitation for an interview. We met at the Russia Hotel. When one shakes hands with her, could not but think of the fact that she is the person responsible for scoring so many goals, which brought us so much joy when it comes to handball (but also, for many minor heart attacks); especially on two occasions during the historic match in 2002, between Kometal Gjorche Petrov and Ferencvárosi TC, when the Macedonian team won the Champions League.
Thirteen years later, Kastratovikj is still on the court, but now, she is on the other side. As a head coach of the currently best women’s handball club in Macedonia, she has invested all of her knowledge and strength to create a new generation of handball players who will bring back the taste of joy of being a champion to Macedonian supporters.
We all know Indira Kastratovikj and we are familiar with her sports successes. What is Indira doing nowadays?
I am professionally engaged in WHC Vardar as the head coach of the senior team. Three seasons in a row, I’m coaching the Macedonian women’s handball champion and participant in the EHF Champions League.
Handball is one of the most dynamic sports. What is the best age to start training handball and how does it impact further development of children?
Handball is a sport requiring great deal of physical activity (running, jumping, and throwing). The best age to start training handball is at an early school age, or more specifically, at the age of seven. At the same time, close attention should be paid to the adjustment of the trainings to the psychological and physical development of children. Organized trainings have positive influence on children’s health, but also on their socialization and the establishment of team work habits.
Is recreational, non-professional handball popular in our country?
When talking about non-professional handball, I can regretfully conclude that its popularity is close to none.
Compared to other sports, to what degree is handball efficient in maintaining good fitness and health?
Engaging in professional handball practice implies constant care of players’ fitness. This means that handball players should be in excellent physical shape. If handball is to sports what is decathlon to athletics, then we come to a conclusion that only true athletes can practice this sport.
What is the role of hydration in sports, especially for professional handball players?
Hydration plays a huge role for any athlete, no matter whether he/she is engaged professionally or non-professionally in sports. For any professional handball player, it implies taking supplement – rich beverages before, during and after each practice or match.
What is the importance of regular training and what is the best frequency of trainings in order to achieve the best results when it comes to physical fitness?
The frequency of trainings varies depending on the season. During the competition season, in WHC Vardar, we have eight to ten practices in one week, depending on the number of matches we have. Regular training means better physical fitness and serves as a base for yielding better results.
Is the balance of consumed calories and spent energy while practicing sports important?
At every practice or match, handball players burn tons of calories. Our medical team, which is responsible for creating diet plans for our handball players, is taking care of calories consumption by the players in our team.
What is the role of women in Macedonian sport? Are there any differences in this regard?
In WHC Vardar, women have important role in the organization of the club, as well as, in the organization of the training process. The president and the manager of the Club are both women. Besides me, as the head coach of the first team, many female coaches are included in the work with younger handball players.
How do you manage the balance between professional and family responsibilities? Do you find time to do it all?
In spite of my busy professional schedule, the good organization of my activities provides me the opportunity to find time for my private life and spend it with my family and friends.
What do you usually enjoy drinking?
I do not drink alcohol. I always prefer water. On some occasions, I tend to make an exception and enjoy a glass of soft drink, such as Schweppes, for example.
