Handball is a thrilling, fast-paced sport that captivates audiences with its blend of speed, skill, and strategy. While many know it as a modern Olympic event, the game's roots stretch back much further than you might think. From ancient ball games to the structured sport of today, the history of handball is a fascinating journey.
Ancient Beginnings: The First Ball Games
Throwing a ball with your hands is not a revolutionary new concept. Games with similarity to handball have stretched back as far as Ancient Greece. In this time, a game called ‘urania’ involved players throwing a ball into the air, and comparatively, a game in the Roman Empire called ‘harpaston’ was played.
These versions of the game are a long way away from the game that is recognised worldwide today, however the fundamental principle of team-based games played with hands and a ball. They laid the groundwork for the formal sport to evolve.
The Birth of Modern Handball
The true origins of modern handball led us to Northern Europe, around the end of the 19th century. Two very distinct versions of the game began development at the same time.
In Denmark, in 1898, a teacher named Holger Nielsen created a game called 'håndbold' (handball), designed to be played on smaller outdoor fields by his students. It was a non-contact alternative to football.
In addition, over in Germany, a more physical version of handball was taking shape. A physical education teacher, Max Heiser, has been credited with creating a handball-like outdoor game called ‘Torball’ (Goalball) in 1917, which was for female factory workers in Berlin. Quickly, this gained popularity and, two years later, it was adapted by Karl Schelenz to create a new game for men, played on a larger outdoor field, like the size of a football pitch, with 11 players a side. This was known as field handball, and it grew rapidly.
Key Milestones and Global Growth
The 1920s and 1930s were a period of rapid development for the sport.
- 1925: Germany and Belgium played the first-ever international field handball match.
- 1928: The International Amateur Handball Federation (IAHF) was founded in Amsterdam, marking a crucial step towards standardising the rules and promoting the game globally.
- 1936: Field handball made its debut at the Olympic Games in Berlin. Germany, the sport's powerhouse at the time, took home the gold medal.
After its first Olympic appearance, handball continued to evolve. A seven-a-side indoor version, originating in Scandinavia, began to gain favour. As it was played on a smaller court with fewer players, a faster and more dynamic game which was a more exciting spectacle. By the 1950’s, the new indoor version has practically replaced the 11-a-side outdoor game.
In 1946, the International Handball Federation (IHF) was formed in Copenhagen, replacing the IAHF and paving the way for a new era of international competition. The first Men's World Championship for the seven-a-side indoor version was held in 1954.
Handball’s Olympic Return
After its brief initial appearance in 1936, handball did not appear at the Olympics for decades. Despite this, following its growing popularity, its reintroduction came at the 1972 Munich games with indoor men’s handball. Yugoslavia clinched the gold medal. At the subsequent 1976 Montreal Olympics, women’s handball followed into the programme, where the Soviet Union became the first women’s gold medallists.
Handball since has been a permanent fixture at the Summer Olympic games, with it being one of the most-watched indoor sports of the games.
Legends of the Game
Over the years, many incredible players and teams have left their mark on handball. Players like Nikola Karabatić of France, often considered one of the greatest of all time, and Ivano Balić of Croatia, known for his creative genius, have elevated the sport to new heights. On the women's side, legends such as Anja Andersen of Denmark and Cristina Neagu of Romania have inspired generations of players with their skill and determination.
Teams from nations like France, Denmark, Spain, Norway, and Russia have consistently dominated the international scene, creating thrilling rivalries and unforgettable matches that have helped shape the modern game.
Handball Today
From a humble beginning of a ball being thrown in the air in ancient civilisations, handball has grown into a major global phenomenon, watched and played by millions in over 180 countries worldwide. It boasts some of the best professional leagues that draw in huge crowds. The sport continues to evolve, in the modern era of televised sport, it has experienced rule changes to create a faster-paced game and to make it friendlier to the home viewer.
The journey of handball is a story of adaption and huge passion. It portrays how such a simple idea – throwing a ball with your hands – can develop into a global spectacle, uniting players and spectators in a celebration of athleticism and teamwork.
