MA Students of the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation at Women’s Olympic Handball Tournament!

Not so long ago, Astrakhan hosted a fascinating sport event which enriched the city citizens’ and guests’ memory with vivid recollections. We are referring to Women’s Handball Qualification Tournament for Rio 2016 Olympics.
On March 9, Sport Arena Zvezdny staged the first warm-up match between Russia and Denmark. From the very beginning of the Tournament, MA students of the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting & Translation took an active part in the organization of this sport festivity: Karina Askhabova and Alexey Zadubovsky interpreted for Danish TV reporters who had arrived in Astrakhan to broadcast live to Denmark, to cover the games, and interview the athletes and their trainers. Though the Danes were displeased with the loss of their team, they were appreciated the chance to ask some questions which they were interested in and to interview the players. They wouldn’t manage to do it without our interpreters.
From March 17-21 (after a little break), Astrakhan became a venue for a series of play-off games. The athletes, referees and presidents of national handball federations from all around the world arrived in Astrakhan to define the strongest team in the group. During the whole period of the Tournament, MA students Anastasia Antonova, Rufina Izmaylova and Dina Satkayeva rendered on-site interpretation services for Mexican players. While Madina Kudabayeva provided language support for the Poland national team, and Karina Askhabova – for the Sweden national team. Yana Malinovskaya and Polina Shelukhina acted as announcers and interpreters for the referees. Alina Budayeva and Karina Kulova assisted to foreign reporters. Alexey Zadubovsky became an accompanying interpreter for Dr. Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation.
The students revealed excellent communication skills and managed to become a part of this big sport community. Their knowledge of sports terminology, expertise in diplomacy and organization allowed them to do a really good job and impress all the guests. When the Tournament is over, students will be presented with letters and certificates of appreciation. The Tournament was a real challenge not only for athletes but also for interpreters who showed exceptional level of expertise. The master students got an invaluable experience of working in a cross cultural context, at the same time enhancing their communication and interpreting skills. As for their feelings and impressions, we can assure: all the participants will remember this sport event for a long time!
Regional, federal and international mass media covered the event arising sparking interest of many people. The presidents of national handball federations, as well as Dr. Moustafa expressed confidence that Astrakhan would become the venue international meetings of the similar levels in future.