French national team member and PSG handball athlete, Elohim Prandi, is hospitalized after a New Year’s Eve assault in Paris. The brutal incident unfolded on the streets of the city’s 8th arrondissement. The 23-year-old sustained multiple stab wounds. PSG reports that his condition is no longer causing alarm. Several individuals witnessed the attack and will provide statements to law enforcement in the coming hours. The 8th arrondissement police precinct is leading the inquiry.
In an official statement, the Paris club declared that Prandi was the target of a vicious attack, sustaining numerous stab wounds. He remains under medical supervision, though his prognosis is favorable. The Paris Police Prefecture is managing the investigation. The club expressed its outrage at this violent act and pledges its unwavering support to Prandi and his loved ones during this difficult time.
Initially slated to participate in the World Handball Championship (January 13-30) in Hungary and Slovakia, Prandi has been withdrawn from the tournament. His replacement will be named by the French Federation and coach Guillaume Gille on Sunday. The FFH offered its full backing to the athlete on social media. The left-back, with 10 appearances with the national team, aimed to be a key player for France, although a prior COVID-19 infection might have prevented his involvement in the initial training phase (December 26-30).
While absent from the Tokyo Olympics, Prandi was initially included in the preliminary roster before being removed to accommodate players who competed in the qualifying tournament — a competition he had missed due to injury. His absence, combined with injuries to Timothey N’Guessan, Nedim Remili, and Luka Karabatic, further depletes the French team. However, the team expects the return of star player Nikola Karabatic, who recovered from a coronavirus infection, for the upcoming friendly match against Egypt on January 7 in Chambéry.