Many people think handball is just a modern game that suddenly appeared in the sports arena. In fact, this sport has a long journey from various ancient throw-and-catch games to developing into an international discipline competed in the Olympics.
That journey did not happen overnight. Changes in rules, the role of European countries, and the formation of organizations like the IHF made handball evolve from a simple game into a competitive sport with global standards.
However, understanding the history of handball is not enough just to know the year it emerged. There have been many important developments behind it, from its origins, changes in match formats, to how handball finally became known and developed in Indonesia. Let's trace the long journey of this sport from the past to the modern era.
[[svrg_takeaways]]
title: Key Article Points:
- Modern handball| developed through the contributions of several European countries.
- IHF officially established| on July 12, 1946, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Indoor handball| entered the men's Olympics in 1972 and the women's category in 1976.
- Rule changes and technology| make matches faster, more accurate, and transparent.
[[/svrg_takeaways]]
How Did the History of Handball Begin?
Traces of games involving hands and balls can be found since ancient Roman times through games like Harpastum. However, these games cannot yet be called modern handball because their rules and formats were still different.
Games resembling handball began to develop in the late 19th century in Northern Europe, especially Denmark and Germany. Schools, sports clubs, and communities began to formulate rules to make the game more orderly and competitive.
Denmark became an important country after publishing official handball rules in 1906. Germany then contributed to developing modern rules in 1917, making the game more structured.
In its early development, handball was more often played outdoors in the field handball format. This game used eleven players per team and required a large playing area.
Unlike indoor handball today, field handball had a slower pace of play due to its large court size. The development of modern handball is the result of contributions from various countries and figures, not the creation of one person alone.
Also read: What Is Handball? Its History, Benefits, & Uniqueness!
The History of Handball Becoming an International Sport
1. Establishment of the International Handball Federation (IHF)
The International Amateur Handball Federation (IAHF) was founded in Amsterdam on August 4, 1928, as an organization to regulate the development of international handball. This federation became the forerunner of the official world handball body.
After World War II, representatives of national federations held a congress in Copenhagen on July 10–13, 1946, to rebuild the handball organizational system. They agreed to replace the IAHF with a new, more modern federation.
The International Handball Federation (IHF) was officially established on July 12, 1946, with Gösta Björk from Sweden as its first president. The IHF then took charge of regulating rules, world competitions, and the development of handball in various countries.
2. Handball in the Olympics
Handball first appeared at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the men's field handball format. Matches at that time were played outdoors with eleven players per team.
The field handball format reappeared as an exhibition match at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. However, this format did not become a permanent sport because it was less practical for major competitions.
Indoor handball with seven players officially debuted at the 1972 Munich Olympics for the men's category. The women's category followed at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, making handball more globally recognized.
3. World Handball Championship
The first Men's Indoor World Championship took place in Berlin in 1938 as an international event for the world's best teams. This competition marked the beginning of indoor handball's development at the global level.
After the IHF was established, the federation officially began managing the World Championship in 1954. The women's tournament was then held for the first time in Yugoslavia in 1957.
Since 1993, the Men's World Championship has been held every two years and is one of the biggest competitions in handball. This event is where strong nations showcase their athletes' skills and strategies.
4. Countries Dominating Handball
Europe is the center of world handball power due to its professional leagues, facilities, and development system that has evolved over decades. Countries like France, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are major forces in international competitions.
In the men's category, France is one of the most successful countries with six world titles. Sweden and Romania also have a strong history with four world titles each.
Denmark set a record after winning four consecutive men's world titles from 2019–2025. In the women's category, Norway is one of the most dominant teams, while South Korea and Brazil prove that non-European countries can also compete.
Also read: Handball Game: Rules, Techniques, and How to Play
History of Handball in Indonesia
The development of Indonesian handball became more organized after the Indonesian Handball Association (ABTI) was established on August 16, 2007. This organization is responsible for developing handball coaching, competitions, and administration in various regions.
Indonesia then became an IHF member in 2009. This membership connected national handball development with the international federation structure.
Its development is carried out through activities in schools, universities, clubs, regional championships, and national competitions. Although its popularity has not yet surpassed football or basketball, its organizational foundation continues to grow.
One important milestone occurred at the XX Papua PON in 2021. Handball was included as a contested sport for the first time after a long process and being removed twice from the PON list of sports.
The presence of handball at PON opened up a clearer competitive space for regional athletes. National coaching is also continuously encouraged through junior and senior championships and international agendas.
Also read: 5 Basic Handball Techniques Every Beginner Must Master
Evolution of Handball Rules and Game
1. Changes in the Number of Players
In its early development, field handball used eleven players per team and was played on a large open field. This format made the game more reliant on physical endurance with a longer tempo.
At the 1954 IHF Congress, the seven-player format began to be developed for official men's and women's matches. The indoor format then developed faster because it made the game more dynamic, eventually replacing field handball in major competitions.
2. Development of Courts and Equipment
The move to indoor arenas led to the standardization of handball court dimensions to 40 x 20 meters with special goalkeeper areas at each end. This standardization ensured that matches had consistent spatial rules in various countries.
Equipment such as balls, goals, floors, and player gear also complied with IHF technical standards. Ball sizes may vary according to player categories, while modern designs help improve control, safety, and comfort during play.
3. Modernization of Match Systems
In 1966, the IHF began implementing the use of two referees in indoor matches to improve game supervision. This system helped manage matches that involved a lot of physical contact and rapid changes in situations.
Rules such as throw-off, passive play, player substitutions, and penalties are continuously updated to keep the game fast and fair. The latest regulatory updates since July 2025 also aim to adapt the rules to the development of strategies and athlete capabilities.
4. The Influence of Technology in Handball
Video Replay technology helps referees review important incidents through recordings from various camera angles. At the 2023 Men's World Championship, this system was used to aid decision-making in difficult situations.
In addition to Video Replay, the IHF also developed a Rule Interpretation application that contains examples of rule implementation. The use of RefMic at the 2025 Women's World Championship also increased transparency by allowing referees to explain decisions to spectators.
Learn the History of Handball and Start Preparing Your Training
Handball has a long journey from a simple game to an international sport with modern rules, competitions, and technology. Understanding its history helps to see how this sport has evolved into a fast and competitive game.
After learning about its development, you can start learning handball through consistent training. The right equipment is also important to make training more comfortable, safe, and effective.
Complete your training needs with equipment such as an agility ladder, an agility cone, and a resistance band from SVRG. Discover the complete collection of best sports equipment to help improve your coordination, agility, and physical readiness.
[[svrg_faq]]
title: FAQ About the History of Handball
- q: Who invented the sport of handball?
a: Handball does not have a single inventor as it developed through the contributions of various countries. Denmark and Germany were the two most instrumental countries in shaping the modern rules.
- q: When did the sport of handball begin to develop?
a: Games using hands and balls have existed since ancient times, but modern handball began to develop in the late 19th century in Northern Europe. More structured rules began to be established in the early 20th century.
- q: From which country did the sport of handball originate?
a: Modern handball originated in Europe, particularly Denmark and Germany. These two countries helped develop the game format and rules that form the basis of handball today.
- q: When did handball become an Olympic sport?
a: Handball first appeared at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the field handball format. Meanwhile, the indoor handball format with seven players officially debuted at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
- q: What is the history of handball in Indonesia?
Handball in Indonesia began to develop in an organized manner after ABTI was established in 2007. Indonesia then joined the IHF in 2009 and appeared as a sport at the XX Papua PON in 2021.
[[/svrg_faq]]
