One of Austria's most successful volleyball clubs, Hypo Tirol Innsbruck, announced that after the end of the season it will cease its participation in professional sports. The decision comes as a surprise, especially considering that the team is undefeated in the Austrian league and is striving for its 13th championship title. Among the team's ranks is the 22-year-old opposite hitter Danail Dimov, who comes from Cherno More Varna and will also be affected by this major change.

A historical club with impressive successes

Hypo Tirol Innsbruck is the most titled volleyball club in Austria with 12 titles, 7 Austrian Cups, and 3 triumphs in the MEVZA tournament. The team has numerous appearances in European club tournaments, including a prestigious third place in the Top Teams Cup. Nevertheless, the club faces serious challenges that led to this fateful decision.

Why is Hypo Tirol giving up?

The main reasons for this drastic decision are the lack of prospects for the development of professional volleyball in Austria and financial difficulties. Head coach Hannes Krontaleler commented at the farewell press conference that volleyball in Innsbruck, and throughout the country, no longer receives the necessary support. According to him, the club has been neglected by both sponsors and local authorities.

"We lost faith that anything would change. Every association wearing traditional Tyrolean costumes is treated better than us," Krontaleler said with irony.

What's next for the club?

After the end of the season, Hypo Tirol will focus its efforts on developing young talents. The club will retain its U18 and U20 teams, which will continue to be led by Stefan Hrtiansky. An interesting fact is that the Krontaleler family, which was the driving force of the club for many years, will completely withdraw from its management.

"I forbade my son from taking over Hypo. Our family has done enough for volleyball," Krontaleler added.

On the official website of the team, there is an announcement that admission to the hall in Innsbruck will be free until the end of the playoff phase.

Part of a larger trend?

Hypo Tirol's decision is not an isolated case. This season, the Slovakian VC Presov also withdrew from the elite level, and the Turkish giant Arkas Izmir announced that this would be their last season in the Turkish Extra League.

Will Austrian volleyball manage to revive after this blow, or is this the beginning of an even more serious stagnation? The question remains open, but one thing is certain - with the withdrawal of Hypo Tirol, Austria loses its strongest club, and players like Danail Dimov will have to seek new opportunities for development.