Meet Hungary’s sitting volleyball player doing headstands and turning heads at 70
Hungary's Eva Szabone Sipos competed at the 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships as the tournament's oldest player 29 Jul 2026
When Hungary’s Eva Szabone Sipos casually balanced herself in a headstand during Media Day at the 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships, she quickly became the centre of attention.
At 70 years old, Szabone was the oldest sitting volleyball player competing at the World Championships in Hangzhou, China. But it was not her age, but her energy, her love of sport and her smiles that defined the Para athlete.
“Sport has been my life,” she told World ParaVolley during the World Championships, which took place from 10-17 July 2026.
Love for sitting volleyball
Sport had always been an important part of Szabone's life long before she discovered sitting volleyball. She worked as a physical education teacher, played handball and later moved into coaching.
Her introduction to sitting volleyball came unexpectedly following an accident in 2009.
“While I was in rehabilitation after my accident, the physiotherapists suggested I try sitting volleyball. Hungary was just starting its first women’s sitting volleyball team, and they asked if I would like to join. I thought it would be fun, so I said yes.”
That simple decision would go on to change her life. Seventeen years after taking up the sport, she was still proudly representing Hungary at one of the biggest events in sitting volleyball.
“It is a pleasure to be here and to play against the best teams in the world,” she said ahead of the tournament. “We know we still have a lot to improve, but we always try to give our best. We leave our heart and soul on the court.”
Staying active
Hungary ended its campaign in Hangzhou with a victory over France, securing 15th place in the women's competition. Szabóné contributed seven points in the match and believes her active lifestyle has helped her continue competing at a high level.
“The secret is sport,” she said. “I have loved sport since I was young, and I do something active every day. Maybe that is why I have kept my mobility.”
Her motivation, however, comes from more than exercise.
“My family gives me a lot of energy, and so do the children I have taught,” she said. “I still coach handball players, and they give me so much strength.”
Away from the court, she is a mother of two sons and grandmother of four. Throughout the World Championships, her family remained her biggest source of encouragement.
“We have a family group,” she said with a smile. “My husband and my sons are always asking if I’m okay, and I keep sending them photos. It’s great fun to be here.”
The brief headstand that attracted attention perfectly reflected her character. Seventeen years after first giving sitting volleyball a try, she continues to approach the sport with the same enthusiasm and enjoyment.
Her advice for anyone who thinks age or disability should prevent them from being active is very simple.
“You have to want to do sport,” she said. “Keep fighting. Move as much as you can and take care of your family.”
Sitting Volleyball World Championships
The 2026 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Championships featured 16 men's and 16 women's teams, bringing together many of the world's leading nations with just over two years remaining until the LA28 Paralympic Games.
The USA claimed gold in the women's tournament after defeating Brazil in the final, while hosts China secured the bronze medal.
In the men's competition, the Islamic Republic of Iran won its ninth World Championship title. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished with silver, while Kazakhstan earned the bronze medal.
