Basketball star Lauri Markkanen has started his military service at the Sports School of the Defense Forces. Urheilu was there when Markkanen entered the service.
– Mr. Kokelas, Lauri Markkanen is signing up for service, the NBA star said in accordance with the instructions.
Earlier, Markkanen commented to Urheilu that he enters the service with an open mind.
– This is a new challenge, something I have not done before. I don’t really know what to expect. Of course you hear stories, but you don’t know it yourself until you see it, Markkanen said about his mood.
When going to the army, the hair is cut short. Markkanen revealed that for him the operation involved a funny twist.
– The wife cut at first, but then the machine broke down. We had to go to the store with our hats on to pick up a new machine. Big brother Eero came before the frisbee golf round to cut his hair short. At least I passed here, Markkanen mused.
Fitness holiday for Independence Day
When the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces Sauli Niinistö heard about Markkanen joining the army, he organized a fitness vacation for the basketball player for Independence Day on December 6. The matter was reported by Ilta-Sanomat (you will switch to another service).
– It’s nice that the word has spread so far. We have met then during the European Championships. It feels good, but I also feel that I am doing my duty here just like everyone else, Markkanen stated.
Markkanen joined the army at a time when there was a war in Europe. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine shows no signs of abating.
– Pretty tough stuff. It’s an honor to represent your country and do military service here. But you never know how the world situation is going, Markkanen reflected.
The forest gigs looming ahead are not scary.
– I haven’t spent many nights in the forest, let’s see how it feels there. But I’m a person who is close to nature, so I won’t be able to do it there, Markkanen guessed.
Even on the first day of military service, there have been no big surprises.
– Nothing has really surprised me. Pretty much like what I’ve heard stories about. It’s fun to meet new people. This is a new challenge to attack. But in the same way as in basketball, I’m going to give my all every day, Markkanen promised.
Markkanen’s purpose is to prepare for the upcoming NBA season in the normal way. The aim is therefore to reconcile military service and basketball busyness.
– I don’t know yet how many days I can take care of, but I will try to get as much done as possible this summer. But my purpose is to participate in the camp (basketball) in the summer, so I manage both at the same time. Things won’t get sorted out, Markkanen believed.
Markkanen’s NBA club, the Utah Jazz, was understanding about the military service that has now started.
– Yes, they understood that this is a mandatory thing that needs to be done. They laughed a little, since this is such an unusual thing for them.
In the entry batch that started today, 230 athletes applied to the sports school, of which 99 were selected. On Monday, about 80 top Finnish athletes will begin their military service. The new students of the sports school operating in Helsinki and Kajaani are Winter Sports athletes in the April arrival batch.
The employees of the sports school are employed either in crew duties for 165 days or in leadership training for 347 days. The distribution of newbies to these tasks is about half and half.
Sports school recruits are granted sports commissions according to a personal training plan. Sports commissions are granted for a maximum of 95 days for those who have served 347 days, and for a maximum of 45 days for 165 days of service. Where the sports assignments are scheduled during the service period depends on the sport and on what time the competitions take place.
According to the Finnish Olympic Committee, in addition to the sports mandates, athletes are allocated 2–8 hours for training every day. Also available almost all evenings and weekends, excluding military exercises.
In addition, the Sports School offers eight weeks of camp for training in the garrison or at sports colleges.