Handball is a team sport that combines elements of soccer and basketball, played on indoor or outdoor courts. Its roots go back to ancient Greece and Rome, but the modern form of the game began to take shape at the end of the 19th century in Europe. Shall we find out more about the sport and the best handball players in the world today?
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Read on to find out who the best handball players in the world are today!
Best handball players in the world today: historical Olympic context
Handball made its Olympic debut at the Berlin Games in 1936, initially as an outdoor sport.
However, after this event, handball was removed from the Olympic program until the Munich Games in 1972, when it re-emerged in its modern court form.
Since then, handball has been a regular event at the Olympics for both men and women.
Handball’s return to the Olympics in 1972 marked the beginning of a new era for the sport.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in the world today are!
Since then, the Olympic handball competition has evolved significantly, with the inclusion of the women’s tournament at the Montreal Games in 1976.
The women’s teams quickly rose to prominence, with countries such as the Soviet Union, Denmark and Norway establishing themselves as dominant powers.
Currently, the Olympic handball tournament features 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in the world today are!
Ahe teams are divided into two groups of six, competing in an all-against-all format in the group stage.
The top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and finally the gold and bronze medal matches.
Historical highlights
Men
The Soviet Union was the first team to win gold in men’s handball at the Montreal Games in 1976.
Since then, several nations have excelled, including Yugoslavia, Russia and France.
The French team, in particular, has been dominant in recent decades, winning three golds (2008, 2012, 2020) and establishing itself as one of the sport’s major forces.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in the world today are!
Women
In the women’s tournament, the Soviet Union was also the first Olympic champion, winning in 1976.
Denmark stood out in the 1990s, winning three consecutive golds (1996, 2000, 2004).
Recently, Norway and France have made a name for themselves, with France winning gold at Tokyo 2020.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in the world today are!
Best handball players in the world today – Men
Nikola Karabatić (France)
Nikola Karabatić is widely regarded as one of the best handball players of all time.
A three-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion, Karabatić is known for his versatility and leadership on the court.
His ability to score goals and create plays for his teammates makes him indispensable for the French national team.
Mikkel Hansen (Denmark)
Mikkel Hansen, a three-time IHF World Player of the Year, is one of the top scorers in modern handball.
Known for his powerful shot and accuracy, Hansen played a crucial role in Denmark’s victories at the World Championships and the 2016 Olympics.
Sander Sagosen (Norway)
Sander Sagosen is one of the brightest talents in contemporary handball.
His ability to play in several positions and his exceptional vision of the game make him a key player for the Norwegian national team.
Sagosen is already racking up individual awards and has been vital to the success of his club and national team.
Best handball players in the world today – Women
Cristina Neagu (Romania)
Cristina Neagu is one of the most iconic players in women’s handball.
Four times voted IHF World Player of the Year, Neagu is known for her ability to score from any position.
Her leadership and performance are essential to the Romanian national team.
Nora Mørk (Norway)
Nora Mørk is one of the most prolific scorers in women’s handball.
With impressive dribbling skills and shooting accuracy, Mørk has been a dominant force in both club and international competitions.
His presence is a big plus for the Norwegian national team.
Stine Bredal Oftedal (Norway)
Stine Bredal Oftedal, captain of the Norwegian national team, is known for her game intelligence and leadership skills.
Voted Best Player at the European Championships on several occasions, Oftedal is one of the world’s leading playmakers, masterfully orchestrating her team’s attack.
Which country has the best chance of winning a medal at Paris 2024?
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promise to be an exciting spectacle for handball fans.
The competition will be held at the iconic Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, offering a grand platform for the sport.
Traditional powerhouses such as France, Denmark, Norway and Spain are expected to be in contention for medals in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
France, playing at home, will be one of the main favorites. With elite players such as Nikola Karabatić and Estelle Nze Minko, the French team will be looking to impress their local fans.
Denmark, with stars like Mikkel Hansen, and Norway, with talents like Nora Mørk, are also strong contenders for gold.
Handball at the Olympics has a rich history of excitement and intense competition. Since its return in 1972, the sport has grown in popularity and quality, attracting millions of fans around the world.
With the Paris 2024 Games on the horizon, Olympic handball continues to be a showcase of skill, strategy and passion, promising more memorable moments and fierce contests.
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