Kina to focus on Gantoise after international retirement

Antoine Kina will focus on his club career with Gantoise following his decision to retire from the Belgian Red Lions this week after a glittering career that brought Olympic, World Cup and European gold.

Announcing the news on Instagram, he said: “After many unforgettable years with the Red Lions, I want to share with you that I have decided to step away from the national team.

“It has been a true honour to represent my country all these years. Together, we have lived incredible moments and achieved everything there was to win. We became European champions, World champions, and Olympic champions. Achievements I am immensely proud of and deeply grateful for.

“Still, this feels like the right moment for me to take a new path. The time has come to focus on my professional career outside of hockey, something I have been looking forward to and where I can continue to build my future.

“Of course, this does not mean I am saying goodbye to hockey. On the contrary: I will keep playing with full commitment in the blue and white colours of Gantoise, and I look forward to becoming an even stronger player in the coming years. Gantoise is the club of my heart.

“I truly admire its vision, ambition, and the constant drive for improvement that define the club’s approach. Thank you for your support. You have made this journey truly special.”

Gantoise won the EHL last season for the first time and subsequently won the Belgian championship, putting them straight through to the EHL FINAL8 next Easter.

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