Nina Koppang has decided to take a break from handball and explained her decision in an Instagram post last week. In her social media statement, Koppang wrote about taking care of her mental health and giving herself space to listen to what she needs to feel good. The duration of her break and whether she plans to return to professional handball have not been disclosed, nor have the specific mental health issues she is facing or the support systems she is using.
Her handball club and national team's responses to her decision also remain unknown. Koppang is a national team player in handball and the younger sister of Stina Blackstenius, a national team player in football who plays for Arsenal. According to Sportbladet, Blackstenius described her sister's decision as putting sports aside to focus on herself as a person, adding that she cares deeply about her sister's well-being.
She also expressed happiness that Koppang made a decision that feels good for her, calling it brave to be open about such challenges. Blackstenius has experienced tough periods in her own career, including during her first professional stint abroad in France. According to Sportbladet, she described using her experiences to support her sister, hoping Koppang feels support from many people.
She also noted that Koppang's openness could inspire others who recognize themselves in her situation, and she expressed hope for her sister's quick recovery.