Prior to Rio 2016, Denmark were the “what if” team at the Olympic Games – a side brimming with potential, but always falling short of a medal. 

Tactics changed, a strategy was put in place, a golden generation emerged and, after a disappointing start, the Scandinavian side finally secured the gold medal.

Saturday 26 October 2019 is etched in the annals of Bahrain’s sporting history. Doha, Qatar was the setting and the final of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) Men’s Asian Qualification Tournament was the match. 

Bahrain were 60 minutes away from Olympic qualification but at half-time, opponents Republic of Korea were 15:13 up having led 11:7 in the 19th minute.

Under the leadership of seasoned coach Manolo Cadenas, Argentina have been steadily improving, winning the gold medal at both the Pan American Championship in 2018 and at the Pan American Games in 2019.

Their 11th place at the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship in Egypt was also a breath of fresh air and a confirmation of the work done for the South American side, who was close to securing their first-ever World Championship quarter-finals berth.