The Romanian Handball Federation has announced the death of coach Ion Gherhard, at the age of 84. A prominent figure in Romanian women's handball.

The Romanian Handball Federation announced on Sunday the death of former coach Ion Gherhard, at the age of 84. Gherhard was a prominent figure in Romanian women's handball, having notable achievements both nationally and in Europe. The Federation emphasized that Romanian handball is poorer without him, mentioning his dedication to performance and the training of generations of athletes. Ion Gherhard won the European Supercup in 1984 and the IHF Cup in 1989 with the team Chimistul Râmnicu Vâlcea, also having other appearances in European finals.

His career began in the 1969-1970 season at Știința Bacău, and over time he won four Romanian championship titles and five Romanian Cups. Gherhard was not only a coach but also a mentor and a benchmark of professionalism in Romanian handball. The Federation expressed condolences to the family and the Romanian handball community.