The Olympic qualification begins on February 6, but players in the European top leagues may not be released until February 2.

“We have got to be very creative. We European teams have a clear disadvantage in this against our competitors, who will arrive with several weeks of preparation in the baggage, ”national team manager Fredrik Joulamo said in a press release.

“To resolve the situation we will start as early as January 27, where those who participate in the first part of the camp are SBL Dam players and those who can get out early. For this purpose, we have had a good dialogue with the SBL clubs involved, and together with them have been able to move the matches that need to be moved ”.

debutants

In the gross squad there are 20 players, but only eleven of the players can attend the camp in Södertälje as of January 27. The rest then joins. On January 30, another selection will be made and on February 3, the Olympic qualifying team will be nailed with twelve players.

Joulamo still sees something positive with the different arrangement - that the national team's coaching staff gets the chance to get acquainted with players who they believe will play important roles in the national team of the future.

“Matilda Ekh from RIG Luleå is a debutant, and has impressed big in SBL through the development place she has at Luleå Basket. Also Lovisa Hjern from Wetterbygden will have the chance to show her game at the next level, ”says Joulamo.

“Also nice to welcome Nathalie Fontaine back after her injury. Elin Gustavsson makes a comeback in the women's national team after betting on the 3x3 national team for a while.

Allis Nyström is also back in the squad, despite an injury period.

Torment game in Belgium

The Olympic qualifier will be played in Ostend, Belgium on February 6-9, and in addition to the host nation, Sweden will face Japan and Canada. The top three from Sweden's group go to the Olympics. But if Japan is directly qualified to join the group, the group tree may not go to Tokyo this summer.