Founded on 12 July 1946, the International Handball Federation (IHF) has a reason to celebrate in 2021, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the world governing body for the sports of handball, beach handball and wheelchair handball.

In order to highlight this special year, the IHF has cooperated with Swiss Post on a commemorative stamp, which has been first presented today on the Post CH website. 

The stamp will be available for purchase as of 6 May 2021 in all Swiss Post shops as well as online here while stocks last (but for a maximum of one year). 

The special Swiss Post Commemorative First-Day-Cover shines a light on the IHF, highlighting the work undertaken from the Basel headquarters in spreading the dynamic, popular and exhilarating team sport to all corners of the world.

The blue and gold colours of the court and the hand holding the ball pay homage to the official IHF colours while the postage stamp utilises the red and white handball goalframe. In the spotlight is a jumping player with ball and shadows, highlighting the dynamism and movement of the sport, which has evolved from its early 20th-century outdoor 11 vs 11 version to the modern-day seven-a-side indoor form and beach discipline.

With six Continental Confederations and 209 Member Federations, the IHF has one of the widest reaches amongst the International Sports Federations recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games saw handball confirm its place at the top table of global sport, becoming the second-highest sport in terms of tickets sold. In 2018, beach handball made its Olympic debut at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games.

Stamp image: © Die Schweizerische Post AG