The players of the ETO University Handball Team began their preparations for the long-awaited NBI season in mid-July. Compared to last year, the team's roster has changed, so we are introducing our new players in a series. In the fourth part, we present Levente Hári.
The young winger started his career in Sárbogárd and eventually moved from Veszprém to Győr. Here’s our interview with him.
I think it won’t surprise you that everyone is curious about the beginning. How did you get into handball, and why did you choose this sport in particular?
I'm from Sárbogárd, and I think I was in about third grade when handball first started in our small town. Before that, I naturally played football, and for a while, I was actually doing both sports. Then came a time when I had to choose because I couldn’t make it to both practices anymore. My mother used to play handball, so I’d seen a lot of games with her, and that’s when I decided I wanted to choose this sport.
What captivated you about this sport?
Honestly, it’s the intensity of the sport that drew me in. So much happens over those sixty minutes, and you have to make split-second decisions. I love that anything can happen on the court at any moment. Take soccer, for example – if a team is ahead by several goals, it’s much harder to make a comeback. But in handball, even a 5-6 goal deficit can be erased quickly, which I find really exciting.
Like you mentioned, you’ve tried different positions. What differences, advantages, or even challenges can you point out between playing as a back and a winger?
They’re completely different. The biggest difference is definitely in shooting. As a winger, you have a smaller angle and less space near the goal, so you need a broader range of techniques to handle each situation. In the back position, you also need to set up your teammates and organize the game. Wingers, on the other hand, are more like finishers; if your teammates set you up, your job is to execute. I really enjoy it because it’s partly a mental game—you have to outsmart the goalkeepers. I think each position is creative in its own way, but I’m glad to be playing on the wing.
We already know the journey you've taken across positions, but how has your career developed?
Luckily, I haven't had too many stops in my life. As I mentioned, I started playing handball in Sárbogárd, and during a summer camp in Veszprém, József Éles asked if I’d like to play there. I was still pretty young, and my family and I decided to take the opportunity. That’s how I ended up there, where I played for 14 years, working my way up through the Academy. With Fejér B.Á.L. Veszprém, we managed to reach the first division, and I spent four great years there. However, last year, ETO approached me, expressing their interest in having me join for the next season. I loved playing in Veszprém since that’s where I grew up, but I felt that a change was necessary for my career. It was important for me to go somewhere with a strong level of play and a good city. Győr’s serious goals and ambitions made my decision easier.
You've been working with your new team for over a month now, and you've played some matches. What are your impressions and experiences so far?
What comes to mind first is that a great little team and atmosphere have developed. So my first impressions were very positive; I already knew quite a few people here, some I played with, and some I’ve faced as opponents. The integration process went smoothly. From the very first moment, I managed to find common ground with everyone, which I consider very important for team cohesion. The atmosphere on the court and in the locker room is good.
Every season, teams and players embark on their journey with serious goals. What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
In terms of handball, my personal goal is to further develop individually and to advance beyond my current level. However, the key is that we need to be very strong as a team and achieve our goal of staying in the league. I want us to be a team that can surprise opponents wherever we go and that they take us seriously.
You mentioned that you considered what city you were moving to when making the switch. How well did you get to know Győr?
I haven't had time to get to know the city much between practices. However, during our 'city tour' run on the first Saturday, we explored the downtown area. Although we didn't have much time to look around, I've been asking locals about where to go and what to do. The city has a great atmosphere, so I hope to find time to explore Győr soon. I also love to drink coffee, so I want to find a place that could become my regular spot. I like that everything is close together, making it easy to get from one place to another.
I assume you'll dedicate some of your current free time to getting to know the city. But what is it that recharges or relaxes you between practices or matches?
One of my favorite hobbies is tennis, but I also really enjoy playing ping pong and foot tennis. I love all sports, and during longer breaks, I usually go play tennis. Besides sports, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and girlfriend, whether it's doing activities together or just sitting somewhere chatting over a nice meal. Those moments can really recharge me. It’s also important for me to stay socially engaged and occasionally take a break from the world of handball.
Has your jersey number been 15 since the beginning?
When I started playing, my jersey number was 20, as I was born on the 20th, so it was an obvious choice. I played in that number for many years, but when I moved up to the NBI, it was already taken. So I had to find another number that was available. I chose 15, which was free and close to 20. I've been wearing this number for several years now, and I have many beautiful memories associated with it. I think that no matter where I go, I wouldn’t change it.
Many have been waiting for the city to have a first division men's handball team again. What can you promise to the fans in Győr?
I really hope that many will come out to Magvassy. What I can promise is that they won't regret attending our matches. They will see a team that fights to the last moment and never gives up. I believe that together we will achieve success, which will allow us to show our gratitude for their trust.
