Handball - Overview

Handball is one of the most popular games all over the globe. It is mostly played in Germany, Denmark and Sweden, and was professionally initiated as a game at the international level during 19th century, with a first-time demonstration at Summer Olympic of 1952. In order to score a goal, the ball is passed from hand to hand instead of feet, as in the case of football. It can be played both indoors and outdoors. Professional handball playing has different nomenclatures all over the world, such as European team ball, Borden ball, Olympic handball, Team handball etc.

Handball is played on a court with a goal centre at each end of the court. The goal centre is surrounded by a line inside which only goal keeper is permitted. The players pass the ball from hand to hand with the aim of scoring goal without touching or going inside the defending line. The highest scoring team wins the match. In handball the activity happens at a fast pace, be it ball-passing or goal-scoring. Basically, each team scores 20 to 30 goals.

Team Size

Handball is played between two teams of 7 members from each side, including a goal keeper. The goal keeper defends the goal while other six field player attempt to score goals by putting ball into the opposition’s goal post. There are many professional handball teams participating in several national and international tournaments that are organised by various organisational bodies over the world.

Participating Countries

Handball has been a popular game all over the globe. Even though it originated in non-Asian countries, it has tremendous popularity in Asian countries. A number of federation has been formed which are conducting handball tournaments at higher level. It was introduced in Asia at the Asian Games of 1982 held at New Delhi. In Asian games, various countries like Japan, China, India, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and South Korea participate in Handball, the competition being held once in every four years.

Handball is quite popular in countries such as Germany, Sweden, Berlin, Denmark, Iceland etc. International handball federation (IHF) has been organising various championship tournament for both men’s and women’s category. IHF is conducting these tournaments since 1946. Slowly, after the game’s inception, indoor handball evolved and got popular in Scandinavian countries. Since then, it is being played in both indoor and outdoor condition.