In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Handball World Championship, the Portuguese national team commenced their campaign with a notable victory against the United States, winning 30-21 in Oslo. This match marked Portugal's debut in the tournament, which is co-hosted by Norway, Denmark, and Croatia.
However, the excitement surrounding the team was overshadowed by the provisional suspension of key player Miguel Martins due to a positive doping test for exogenous testosterone. The test was conducted during the Euro2024 tournament, and the results were announced just before Portugal's opening match. Martins, who plays for Aalborg in Denmark, has requested a B sample analysis in hopes of overturning the initial findings.
As per the regulations of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the World Anti-Doping Code, Martins has been suspended since January 14, 2025. He expressed his shock at the allegations and vowed to prove his adherence to the principles of sportsmanship. The outcome of the B sample analysis will determine the next steps in this unfolding situation.
The 2025 Handball World Championship features 32 teams, divided into eight groups, with Portugal aiming to advance further in the tournament despite the ongoing controversy surrounding one of its star players.