Japanese setter Yuki Imahashi joins ChKS Chełm

13 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

ChKS Chełm roster grows with Japanese setter Yuki Imahashi and Polish middle Cezary Sapiński, blending PlusLiga and international experience.

ChKS Chełm announced two significant signings ahead of the new season. The club confirmed that Japanese setter Yuki Imahashi will join the team and that Polish middle Cezary Sapiński has signed on. Consequently, the move signals ambition from the newly promoted side.

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ChKS Chełm roster: international mix and local ambition

Yuki Imahashi joins Chełm as a 25-year-old setter. He measures 182 cm and plays left-handed. Moreover, he developed at Aoyama Gakuin University. He then moved to Tokyo Great Bears. The Great Bears compete at Japan’s top level. Therefore, Imahashi brings professional league experience. Importantly, he played alongside Poland’s star Bartosz Kurek at that club. In addition, the setter earned a call to Japan’s wider national squad in 2025. Coach Laurent Tillie included him as Japan prepared for the Olympics. Consequently, this season will be Imahashi’s first played outside Japan.

Cezary Sapiński strengthens the middle blocker position. He stands 203 cm tall. He played two seasons for Asseco Resovia Rzeszów. Previously, he represented Indykpol AZS Olsztyn. Moreover, he broke through at Ślepsk Malow Suwałki. He helped that club win promotion to the top flight. Therefore, many Polish fans know him from Suwałki. In PlusLiga he played 157 matches and scored over 1,000 points. In addition, he recorded 154 aces across seven seasons. Consequently, Sapiński adds size, net efficiency, and a powerful serve to Chełm.

Why this matters to expats and local fans

Chełm plays in Lublin Voivodeship and aims to stay competitive in PlusLiga. The club kept key players such as Łukasz Swodczyk and Jay Blankenau. Moreover, it retained Amirhossein Esfandiar and Tomasz Piotrowski. However, Chełm also saw departures. Rune Fasteland, Kazuma Sonae, Paweł Rusin, Remigiusz Kapica, Jędrzej Goss, and Grzegorz Jacznik left the club. Therefore, the new signings fill important gaps.

For expats, foreign arrivals change the fan dynamic. Japanese players in Poland attract media attention. In addition, they strengthen cultural links between Japan and Polish volleyball. Matches gain more international viewers. Consequently, local businesses near the arena may see higher interest on match days. Moreover, the club gains broader merchandising and social media reach.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to follow the team in person, expect typical Polish match-day routines. Buy tickets online early. Also, if you will work or live in Poland while following the club, you may need a PESEL number (Polish ID number), register for NFZ health coverage (public health insurer), and understand ZUS contributions if you take paid work (social security). Seek help at a club office or expat centre for registration and translations.

Chełm thus mixes domestic experience with international talent. Moreover, the signings show the club’s intent to compete immediately. Therefore, fans and expats should watch the early season fixtures closely.

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