From 12 to 18 July 2026, the global handball community will once again unite for the seventh edition of International Handball Week, a celebration that carries even greater meaning this year as the International Handball Federation marks its 80th anniversary.

The anniversary takes the sport back to its roots in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the IHF Founding Congress was held at the Palace Hotel from 10 to 13 July 1946. That historic gathering brought together 35 representatives from eight European national federations - Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland - as well as six further federations by proxy: Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Uruguay and the United States of America.

At that congress, the delegates decided that the former International Amateur Handball Federation (IAHF), of which they had already been members, should be dissolved, and that its tasks and responsibilities should be transferred to the newly founded International Handball Federation. Gösta Björk of Sweden was elected as the first IHF President, laying the groundwork for a federation that would go on to shape the sport across generations.

On 12 July 1946, exactly 80 years ago, the IHF was officially certified, marking the start of a journey that has transformed handball from a largely regional sport into a truly global game. Eight decades later, the federation now counts 211 member federations, with handball played, followed and celebrated on every continent. From school halls to packed arenas, from beach courts to wheelchair handball events, the sport’s growth has been driven by the same qualities that defined its beginnings: passion and belief in its future.

The International Handball Week has become one of the most important annual moments on the IHF calendar. First introduced in 2020, it has since grown into a vibrant tradition that gives national federations, clubs, players and fans the chance to celebrate every side of the game. Each year, the week brings new ideas, local initiatives and community-driven activities that showcase the reach and diversity of handball.

The 2026 edition will place a special spotlight on the sport’s history, its present energy and its future possibilities. Indoor handball, beach handball and wheelchair handball will all be part of the celebration, reflecting a sport that continues to evolve while remaining open and inclusive. The week is also a reminder that handball belongs to everyone, whether they are taking their first steps in the game or have supported it for decades.

The IHF will mark the week with exclusive content across its digital platforms - Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok -  including special stories, interviews and features dedicated to the federation’s 80-year journey. The official website will look back at key moments from the past while also highlighting the people and events shaping the game today. At the same time, the IHF’s social media channels will help create a shared global celebration, encouraging fans to engage, contribute and spread the message of handball’s growing impact.

National federations will once again be at the heart of the initiative, bringing the celebration to life in their own countries and communities. Their creativity and commitment have helped make International Handball Week a truly worldwide occasion, one that connects the sport’s rich history with the energy of the present.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, International Handball Week is your invitation to be part of a global movement. Share your favorite moments, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and experience the energy that makes handball truly special. Stay tuned, get involved, and let’s make this International Handball Week the most memorable yet!