Despite a strong makeover of their roster, including the absence of iconic centre back Isabelle Gullden, who retired from international handball after the Women’s EHF EURO 2020, Sweden will participate in their fourth consecutive Olympic Games.

The Scandinavian side earned their berth for Tokyo 2020 after going unbeaten at the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 Tournament 1, which saw them draw with Japan 2019 silver medallists Spain (28:28) and earn a clear-cut win against Argentina (34:21).

It is a crucial year for Spain, who will host the IHF Women’s World Championship come December.

Therefore, a strong performance at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is of the utmost importance, a morale booster in itself, with a crucial competition looming.

Five years ago, Russia were on the top of the world as they secured their first-ever gold medal at the Olympic Games after sweeping their opponents, including a commanding 22:19 win in the final against France.