Handball is a popular sport in Romania, with a rich history and a strong presence in both the men’s and women’s game. The Romanian Handball Federation (FRH) oversees the organisation of handball leagues and competitions in the country. From the Romanian First League of Men’s Handball and Women’s Handball to the Division A Men’s Handball and Women’s Handball, the FRH provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
For many decades, Romania was the most successful nation in handball, with four gold medal wins at the World Championships. The country has also participated in numerous international handball competitions, including the Olympic Games. In recent years, the Romanian national handball team has continued to make strides towards success, with a 4th place finish at the Women’s EHF EURO 2018 and participation in the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 tournament.
If you’re a handball enthusiast or simply curious about the sport, this guide to handball in Romania will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the game in the country. From the history of handball in Romania to the current state of the sport, we’ll explore everything you need to know about handball in this fascinating country. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the world of handball in Romania.
History of Handball in Romania
Handball was first introduced in Romania in 1921, when the first game was played at the Central Stadium Sibiu. The game was organised by Professor Wilhelm Binder, and the teams were two local high schools: Brukenthal High School and Girls High School. In 1931, Sibiu organised the first major competition, Transylvania Cup.
Romania was a dominant force in handball for many decades, with four gold medals at the World Championships. However, since 1990, Romania has failed to win a medal. The Romanian Handball Federation, the governing body for handball in Romania, was established in 1936 and has since been responsible for organising and promoting the sport in the country.
According to the Encyclopedia of Handball, Romania has a rich handball history and has produced many talented players over the years. The country has also hosted several major international handball tournaments, including the European Men’s Handball Championship in 1962 and the Women’s Handball World Championship in 2015.
Today, handball remains a popular sport in Romania, with both men’s and women’s national teams competing in major international tournaments. The Romanian Handball Federation continues to support the development of handball in the country, with a focus on promoting the sport at the grassroots level.
Romanian Handball Federation
The Romanian Handball Federation (FRH) is the governing body of handball in Romania. It is based in Bucharest and is responsible for organising and promoting handball in the country. The FRH is led by six departments that oversee different aspects of the sport, including competitions, development, and national teams.
The FRH was established in 1951 and has since become one of the most successful handball federations in the world. The federation has produced numerous world-class players, including Cristina Neagu, who is widely regarded as one of the best female handball players of all time.
In recent years, the FRH has been focused on developing the sport at the grassroots level, with a particular emphasis on youth development. The federation has implemented various initiatives to encourage more young people to take up the sport, including the establishment of handball academies across the country.
In 2019, the FRH hosted the Women’s Handball World Championship, which was a huge success both in terms of organisation and attendance. The tournament was held in several cities across the country, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Debrecen.
In 2021, the FRH announced plans to launch a new professional handball league in Romania. The league is set to feature some of the best teams and players from around the country and is expected to help raise the profile of the sport even further.
Overall, the Romanian Handball Federation is a well-respected and successful organisation that has done a lot to promote and develop handball in Romania. With its focus on youth development and plans for a new professional league, the future looks bright for handball in the country.
Handball Competitions in Romania
Handball is a popular sport in Romania, and the country has a rich history of success in both men’s and women’s competitions. The Romanian Handball Federation (FRH) is responsible for organising and overseeing handball competitions in the country.
One of the most prestigious handball competitions in Romania is the Champions League, which features the top club teams from across Europe. Romanian clubs have had success in the competition, with HCM Baia Mare winning the women’s title in 2016 and CSM Bucuresti finishing as runners-up in 2015 and 2018.
In addition to club competitions, Romania also hosts international tournaments, including the EHF Euro and the World Championship. The men’s national team has had great success in the past, winning four World Championship titles, while the women’s team has won two World Championship titles and a European Championship.
The women’s 19 EHF Euro 2023 will be hosted by Romania, with the preliminary round taking place between 6-16 July. The participating nations are gearing up for an exhilarating display of handball talent and fierce competition.
Overall, handball is a highly competitive sport in Romania, with numerous opportunities for both men’s and women’s teams to showcase their skills. Whether it’s domestic club competitions or international tournaments, handball fans in Romania have plenty to look forward to.
Romanian Teams and Players
Handball is a popular sport in Romania, with both men’s and women’s teams competing at national and international levels. Here are some of the most notable teams and players in Romanian handball:
Men’s Teams
The Romania men’s national handball team is a strong contender in international competitions, having won several medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. The current squad includes 21 players, who will be playing in the 2024 European Men’s Handball Championship play-off games against Austria and Ukraine.
Women’s Teams
The Romania women’s national handball team is also a force to be reckoned with, having won numerous medals in international competitions. One of the most successful Romanian women’s handball clubs is CSM Bucuresti, which has won several domestic and international titles. Another notable women’s team is SCM Ramnicu Valcea, which has also achieved success in both domestic and international competitions.
Players
Cristina Georgiana Neagu is widely regarded as the best Romanian handball player ever. She is a left back who currently plays for CSM Bucuresti and has scored over 900 goals for the national team, making her one of only three players to reach that milestone. Other notable players include Adrian Vasile, who coaches the Romania men’s national team, and a number of talented players from both the men’s and women’s teams.
In summary, Romania has a strong tradition in handball, with both men’s and women’s teams achieving success at national and international levels. With talented players and dedicated coaches, Romanian handball is sure to continue to thrive in the years to come.
Handball Venues in Romania
Romania has a strong tradition in handball, and the country has many venues dedicated to the sport. These venues are used for various competitions, from local leagues to international tournaments.
Polyvalent Hall (Bucharest)
The Polyvalent Hall in Bucharest is one of the most important handball venues in Romania. It has a capacity of over 5,000 seats and is used for various sports events, including handball. The venue has hosted many international handball competitions, such as the European Men’s Handball Championship in 2020.
Sala Sporturilor Pitesti
Sala Sporturilor Pitesti is a modern sports venue located in the city of Pitesti. The arena has a capacity of over 3,000 seats and is used for various sports events, including handball. The venue has hosted many national and international handball competitions, such as the Women’s EHF Champions League in 2019.
Mioveni Sports Hall
Mioveni Sports Hall is a multi-purpose sports venue located in the city of Mioveni. The arena has a capacity of over 2,000 seats and is used for various sports events, including handball. The venue has hosted many national and international handball competitions, such as the Men’s EHF Cup in 2018.
Other Handball Venues
Other important handball venues in Romania include the Horia Demian Sports Hall in Cluj-Napoca, the Lascar Pana Sports Hall in Baia Mare, and the Traian Sports Hall in Drobeta-Turnu Severin. These venues have hosted many national and international handball competitions and are important locations for the development of the sport in Romania.
In conclusion, Romania has a rich handball culture, and the country has many modern and well-equipped venues dedicated to the sport. These venues are used for various competitions and are important locations for the development of handball in the country.
International Participation and Achievements
Romania has a long history of participating in international handball competitions. The men’s national team has been particularly successful, winning four gold medals at the World Championships. However, the last time Romania won a medal was in 1990.
Olympic Games
Romania has participated in both men’s and women’s handball competitions at the Olympic Games. The men’s team has never won a medal, while the women’s team has won two bronze medals, one in 1980 and another in 2012.
World Championship
Romania has had significant success at the World Championship, with the men’s team winning four gold medals and the women’s team winning one silver medal. However, as mentioned earlier, the last time Romania won a medal was in 1990.
European Championship
The men’s team has never won a medal at the European Championship, while the women’s team has won one gold medal, one silver medal, and two bronze medals.
In summary, Romania has a rich history of participation in international handball competitions, with the men’s team being particularly successful at the World Championship. However, recent years have not been as fruitful, with no medals won since 1990.
Handball Fans and Culture in Romania
Handball is a popular sport in Romania, and the fans are passionate about it. The sport has a rich history in the country, with the Romanian men’s national handball team being one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. The fans are knowledgeable about the game and are always eager to support their team.
Handball matches in Romania are usually well-attended, and the atmosphere is electric. The fans are vocal and passionate, and they often sing and chant throughout the game. They also wave flags and banners to show their support for their team.
The culture of handball in Romania is deeply ingrained in the country’s sporting history. The sport is played at all levels, from grassroots to professional, and it is an important part of the country’s sporting identity. Handball is also an important part of the school curriculum, and many children grow up playing the sport.
In Romania, handball is seen as a sport that requires both physical and mental strength. The players are admired for their skill and athleticism, and they are often seen as role models for young people. The sport is also seen as a way to promote teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Overall, handball fans in Romania are passionate and knowledgeable about the sport. The culture of handball is deeply ingrained in the country’s sporting history, and it is an important part of the country’s sporting identity. The fans are vocal and passionate, and they are always eager to support their team.
Handball Vs Other Sports in Romania
Handball is a popular sport in Romania, but how does it compare to other sports in the country? Let’s take a closer look.
Basketball
Basketball is also a popular sport in Romania, but it doesn’t have the same level of success as handball. The Romanian men’s national basketball team has never qualified for the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup. The women’s team has had more success, qualifying for the Olympics twice and finishing in 6th place in 1980. However, handball is still more popular and successful in Romania than basketball.
Volleyball
Volleyball is another sport that is popular in Romania. The Romanian men’s national volleyball team has never qualified for the Olympics or the FIVB World Championship. The women’s team has had more success, winning the bronze medal at the 1980 Olympics and finishing in 4th place at the 2010 World Championship. However, like basketball, handball is still more popular and successful in Romania than volleyball.
Overall
Overall, handball is one of the most popular and successful sports in Romania. The Romanian men’s national handball team has won the Handball IHF World Cup four times, and the women’s team has won the Handball World Cup once. Handball is also more popular and successful in Romania than basketball and volleyball.
Romania in International Handball
Romania has a long and successful history in international handball, with both the men’s and women’s national teams achieving significant results over the years.
The men’s team has won four gold medals at the World Championships, making them one of the most successful nations in the history of the tournament. They have also competed in the European Championships and the Olympic Games, although they are yet to win a medal at either of these events.
The women’s team, on the other hand, has enjoyed more success at the European Championships, winning the tournament twice in 1960 and 1974. They have also won a silver medal at the World Championships in 2005 and a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 1984.
In recent years, Romania has faced tough competition from other European nations such as Norway, Hungary, Poland, France, Denmark, Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, Germany, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. However, they have also had success against teams from countries such as the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Lithuania, Slovakia, Italy, Finland, Great Britain, Austria, Latvia, Israel, Faroe Islands, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.
Overall, Romania remains a competitive force in international handball, and their talented players and experienced coaches continue to drive their success on the world stage.
Future of Handball in Romania
Romania has a rich history in handball, with the men’s team being the most successful nation in the sport for many decades. However, in recent years, the sport has faced some challenges in the country. Despite this, there is still hope for the future of handball in Romania.
In 2023, Romania will host the Women’s 19 EHF Euro, which is expected to bring more attention to the sport in the country. This event will provide an opportunity for young Romanian players to showcase their skills on a global stage and inspire more people to take up the sport.
Additionally, Romanian clubs are competing in the DELO EHF Champions League, which is one of the most prestigious club competitions in the world. This provides exposure for Romanian handball and allows players to gain experience playing against some of the best teams in Europe.
To further support the future of handball in Romania, the Romanian Handball Federation is working to develop grassroots programs to encourage more young people to play the sport. They are also investing in training facilities and coaching programs to improve the skills of existing players.
Overall, while there have been some challenges in recent years, the future of handball in Romania looks promising. With the upcoming Women’s 19 EHF Euro and the continued success of Romanian clubs in the DELO EHF Champions League, there is hope for the sport to continue to grow and thrive in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of handball in Romania?
Handball has a long history in Romania, with the first game taking place in 1921. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, with Romania becoming one of the most successful nations in handball. The national team has won four gold medals at the World Championships, and the Romanian Handball League is one of the most competitive in Europe.
Who are the current members of the Romania men’s national handball team?
The current members of the Romania men’s national handball team can be found on the website of the Romanian Handball Federation. The team includes some of the best players in the country, who have represented Romania at international competitions.
What is the Romanian Handball League and how does it work?
The Romanian Handball League is the top professional handball league in Romania. It consists of 14 teams, who play against each other in a round-robin format. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion. The league also features a relegation and promotion system, with the bottom two teams being relegated to the second division.
What are the latest live scores for handball matches in Romania?
The latest live scores for handball matches in Romania can be found on the website of the Romanian Handball Federation, as well as on various sports news websites. Fans can also follow the scores on social media platforms, where updates are regularly posted.
What achievements has the Romania women’s national handball team made in international competitions?
The Romania women’s national handball team has also had a successful history in international competitions. They have won two gold medals at the World Championships, as well as two silver and two bronze medals. They have also won two gold medals at the European Championships, and three bronze medals at the Olympic Games.
What is the schedule for the 2023 Handball World Cup and where will it be held?
The schedule for the 2023 Handball World Cup can be found on the official website of the International Handball Federation. The tournament will be held in Sweden and Poland, with matches taking place from 13 to 29 January 2023. The Romanian men’s and women’s national teams will both be competing in the tournament.
