When was handball first introduced into the Olympics?
Rachel Ross
Updated on February 16, 2026
When was handball first introduced into the Olympics?
Olympic History Indoor handball was presented for the first time at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
How long has handball been an Olympic sport?
Handball is a fascinating, fast-paced game played by over 180 countries and 19 million people of all ages. First introduced as an outdoor sport during the 1939 Summer Olympic program, handball has since been an indoor sport in the Summer Olympic program since 1972.
Is handball the oldest sport?
Handball is one of the oldest known ball games, first originating in Ancient Rome. The popularity of the game spread through European countries during the Roman conquest.
Is handball an Olympic sport?
Yes
Handball/Current Olympic sport?
Why is handball in the Olympics?
Handball at the Summer Olympics refers to two different sports. Field handball was introduced for men at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, but dropped after that. At the 1952 Olympics, field handball was a demonstration sport….
| Handball at the Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
| Events | 2 (men: 1; women: 1) |
| Games |
Where was handball first played?
One of the oldest of ball games, handball has been traced back to the baths of Rome. Played later as a bare-handed game called pelota in Spain and France, it was the forerunner of modern jai alai. Handball was adapted in the British Isles during the 16th century and called fives (q.v.).
Who won Olympic handball?
France
TOKYO, Aug 7 (Reuters) – France became the first country to claim the Olympic men’s handball title for a third time after a thrilling 25-23 win over 2016 gold medallists Denmark in the final on Saturday.
What is the history of handball in the Olympics?
Men’s handball was first played at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin as outdoors, and the next time at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich as indoors, and has been an Olympic sport since. Women’s team handball was added at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
What was handball originally called?
History. One of the oldest of ball games, handball has been traced back to the baths of Rome. Played later as a bare-handed game called pelota in Spain and France, it was the forerunner of modern jai alai. Handball was adapted in the British Isles during the 16th century and called fives (q.v.).
How is handball started?
The game starts with a throw-off. The throw-off takes place in the center of the court. Here, the thrower has to touch the middle line with one foot while all of the other players stay in their own half. The team that wins the coin toss and wants to start with the ball begins the throw off.
Who invented handball *?
Handball is one of the most common sports in Denmark. It was the Dane Holger Nielsen who invented handball. In 1906, he was the first to come up with a set of rules for the game. We are three girls and we have all practiced the sport.
What came first water polo or handball?
Water polo
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Glossary | Glossary of water polo |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | Worldwide |
| Olympic | Part of the Summer Olympic programme since 1900; women’s since 2000 |
When did handball become an Olympic sport?
The first international games were played under these rules for men in 1925 and for women in 1930. Men’s handball was first played at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin as outdoors, and the next time at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich as indoors, and has been an Olympic sport since.
Who did Denmark beat in the Olympics Handball final?
The Danish side met the French team in the final. Leading at 16-14 after the first half, Denmark retained their lead to win the match 28-26. This was Denmark’s first medal in the handball event at the Olympics, having reached their best, a fourth place in 1984.
Who is the international governing body for handball?
International body. The International Handball Federation (IHF) is the administrative and controlling body for international handball. Handball is an Olympic sport played during the Summer Olympics. The IHF organizes world championships, held in odd-numbered years, with separate competitions for men and women.
How did France win the women’s handball gold-medal game?
France has beaten Sweden to reach the women’s handball gold-medal game at the Olympics. Grace Zaadi Deuna of France had seven goals in a 29-27 win over the Swedes that stayed close right until the end. That keeps France in contention to be the first country since 1984 to win the men’s and women’s handball tournaments at the same Olympics.
