76-year-old Pinneberger dreams of the Basketball World Cup!

76-year-old Pinneberger dreams of the Basketball World Cup!

What makes an athlete motivated at the age of 76? The answer can be found in Hans-Jürgen Duchstein from Pinneberg. The committed basketball player will travel with his M75 team to the Senior Basketball World Championships in Switzerland on Thursday, June 26, 2025. And the desire for the world championship title burns in him as ever - a goal that he has pursued with numerous successes in his long career. [NDR](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/76-jaehriger-pinneberger-will-basketball-weltmeister- Werden,regionnorderstedtnews-190.html) reports on his impressive career, in which he has already become German champion, European champion and runner-up world champion.

Duchstein constantly improves his performance and gives his all in training. He has over 25 years of experience playing basketball in the Halstenbeker gymnastics team and has now been playing for over 60 years. This all started in Berlin in 1962 when he was inspired by a teammate wearing a new jersey. From his early days with the Neuköllner Sportfreunde to his active role as department head, coach and official, basketball was always part of his life. “I have a great passion for this sport and plan to continue participating for a long time,” said Duchstein in an interview with [SHZ](https://www.shz.de/lokales/pinneberg-schenefeld/artikel/pinneberger-will-mit-76-jahren-basketball-weltmeister- Werden-48788939).

The World Cup in sight

A large number of teams will meet at this tournament in Switzerland - a total of 395 teams with around 4,500 participants are registered. Duchstein will make an important organizational contribution not only as a player for his team, but also as a coordinator for senior basketball in Germany. “In this role, I will take on many tasks to ensure that everything runs smoothly,” he explains.

Duchstein appreciates that his team has age-related experience, as he is up to 15 years older than many of his comrades. But that doesn't stop him from showing top performances and getting to the final. If things get really tough and he doesn't win the world championship title, he already has a plan B: taking part in the next world championships with the over-80 team.

Keep an eye on your competitors

His preparation is meticulous: he trains twice a week and does stretching exercises daily to stay fit. He is also usually spared any absences in his life due to illness. At the upcoming World Cup, he sees Estonia, Italy, Lithuania and the USA as the most dangerous contenders for the title.

“It won't be easy, but I'm filled with anticipation,” says Duchstein and also plans to watch the final men's over 85s game, which will take place between Brazil and the USA. The anticipation is great, and so he wants to take the step into the hall for the big tournament with a lot of determination. As he says himself: “I have a good knack for this sport – and it will show.”