The Minister Delegate in charge of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, estimated on Saturday that French team sports were "the benchmark" today at the world level.

Europe 1 met several supporters of the French Olympic team and amateur athletes who are delighted with the level of French athletes in these disciplines.

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The Blue handball will try to win their first Olympic gold medal Sunday at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, against Russia.

The match is scheduled for 8 am French time.

If the victory of the handball players could be the icing on the cake for the French Olympic team, French team sports have already shone at the Olympics.

On Saturday, the basketball players won a bronze medal, shortly after the silver medal obtained by the basketball players against the United States.

Then it was the afternoon fireworks display, with the unforgettable victories of the handball and volleyball players.

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France is a "reference" in team sports for Roxana Maracineanu

As the Olympics come to an end, it is therefore the consecration for the team sports of the French delegation, apart from football. So much so that the Minister Delegate in charge of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, estimated Saturday on Franceinfo that France has become "the benchmark" in these disciplines.

And on the French side, we are also very grateful to the Blues.

Especially among amateur athletes, who are passionate about the results of the French delegation, in particular in team sports.

"The hand, I did. So seeing them like that is heartwarming," a former handball player told Europe 1.

Others will remember certain matches of these Olympic Games which have become legendary: "The victory of the basketball players against the Americans in the opening match of the tournament. It is true that it was unexpected and it is already a great feat to have beaten them at the first game. "

"It allowed us to wait"

These good results have also done good to the amateur world largely traumatized by the consequences of Covid-19.

"In all sports, all the championships were stopped. So the fact that there are the Olympics, it allowed us to be patient. It's a pleasure, it's the Olympics, it's every four years , it's unique ", marvels an amateur athlete.

In judo, the effects are already being felt on registrations for the start of the school year.

"The French, I think they have managed well," said another.

"We will also follow the Paralympic (Games) because I think it is as important as the so-called classic Olympics."

The Paralympic Games will take place from August 24 to September 5 in Tokyo.