76-year-old Pinneberger starts his dream: Basketball world champion!

76-year-old Pinneberger starts his dream: Basketball world champion!

An unshakable basketball enthusiast goes on a big trip: Hans-Jürgen Duchstein, 76 years old, travels to the world's senior citizens' basketball world championship on June 26, 2025. The famous Halstenbeker, who has been standing for the Halstenbek gymnastics team on the floor for over 25 years, has set itself the goal of finally wining the world championship title, which he previously missed. Three-time German champions, European champions and vice world champions-his successes speak for themselves. But one is still missing on his list of achievements: the title of the world champion.

In the case of competition, which is usually up to 15 years younger, Duchstein stands out as a patient veteran. Basketball is not a new passion for him; He plays over six decades and thus shows incredible devotion to this sport. He does not give up his dream to make it to the final of the World Cup. If he does not succeed this year, he still plans to start at the next World Cup in the Ü80 team, and proves that age is only a number.

insights into past successes

The passion for basketball is also evident in his past participation. So Duchstein competed in the Ü60 German championship in 2012 and was able to celebrate some success with his team. In a hammer group that included the teams of BG Göttingen and SG Wolfenbüttel, they managed to achieve a respectable third place. This was further proof that the experience of Duchstein on the square is invaluable.

Now he is part of a greater event: At the upcoming World Cup in Ticino, over 395 teams from 46 countries are expected. Germany is the biggest contingent of all time with 30 teams this year and thus underlines the growing interest in Maxibasketball. Teams will compete in various age groups, and the German men's team in the Ü80 age group will be represented for the first time, led by Jürgen Wohlers. This World Cup is therefore an event that goes far beyond sport and celebrates the joy of playing together, as is emphasized on the website of the [Basketball Federation] (https://www.basketball-bund.de/maxi-basketball-World Championship.

On June 28, the event will begin with the ceremonial invasion of the nations. Duchstein and his team can hardly wait to immerse themselves in the competition. The anticipation of measuring your own skills against like -minded players from all over the world is noticeable.

The framework conditions are also exciting: more than 5,000 basketball players are expected, and over 1,000 games are scheduled. The focus is not only on the competition, but also on the experience of making friendships and celebrating the basketball community. Hans-Jürgen Duchstein has once again prepared to do his best and cannot be dissuaded from his goal of becoming world champion-a life story that inspires.

And so it remains exciting whether the tireless athlete can catch his career crown. As we have already seen, there is no age limit when it comes to realizing personal dreams. Let's go, Duchstein - the World Cup is waiting!