Finland wins U18 women's basketball European bronze

Finland's U18 women's basketball team has secured the European Championship bronze medal, triumphing over Serbia with a decisive 75-52 victory in Stockholm.

The Finnish team, coached by Janne Hänninen, demonstrated strong performance in the second half after a close contest at halftime, pulling away from their Serbian opponents. Anna Gardziella was the standout player in the bronze medal match, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Jessi Nenonen also contributed significantly with 14 points.

This bronze medal win offers a significant consolation after their semifinal loss to France on Saturday. The team's consistent success in the European Championships is notable, as this marks their third consecutive medal. They previously won gold in 2024 and silver in 2025, showcasing a strong legacy in youth women's basketball.

Beyond the European success, the victory guarantees Finland its first-ever qualification for the U19 World Cup, which is set to take place in China next July. This achievement underscores the growing strength and potential of Finnish youth women's basketball on the international stage.