Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times playing a crucial role in advancing Polish sports on the international stage Kraśnicki led the Polish Handball Association from 2006 to 2021 during which Poland’s men’s handball team earned three World Championship medals He also contributed to global sports as a member of the European Olympic Committees and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) "Andrzej Kraśnicki’s passing is a tremendous loss not only for Polish sport but also for the global Olympic movement," the PKOl said in a statement A strong proponent of international collaboration Kraśnicki helped Polish officials gain positions in key organizations like the International Biathlon Union and the International Handball Federation promoting Polish heritage through sports and the arts including the Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta Kraśnicki was widely respected for his dedication and vision he began his career as a national handball player