The Danish Handball Association (DHF) is the national governing body for handball in Denmark. Founded in 1935, the DHF is a member of the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation. The DHF is responsible for developing and promoting handball in Denmark, including organising national and international tournaments, training coaches and referees, and supporting the Danish men’s and women’s national handball teams.
The DHF is based in Brøndby, a suburb of Copenhagen, and has a long history of promoting handball in Denmark. The DHF oversees the Danish Men’s Handball League, which consists of 14 teams that play 26 regular season games. After the regular season, the top eight teams advance to further games, in which they are divided into two groups of four teams each. The teams’ rankings determine the points they start with in the following structure. Additionally, the DHF organises the Danish Women’s Handball League, which consists of 12 teams that play 22 regular season games.
Invented in Denmark in 1898, handball is a popular sport in Denmark, with professional and amateur leagues drawing large crowds. The Danish men’s national handball team is one of the most successful handball teams in the world, with seven medals in European Championship history. The women’s national handball team is also successful, with two Olympic gold medals and three European Championship titles. In this article, we will provide a guide to the Danish Handball Association, including its history, structure, and role in promoting handball in Denmark.
History of the Danish Handball Association
The Danish Handball Association (DHF) was founded on 2 June 1935 and is the national governing body for handball in Denmark. It is based in Brøndby. The DHF is a member of the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation. It is the third-largest handball association in the world, surpassed only by the German and French Handball Federations.
Over the years, the DHF has contributed significantly to the development of the sport of handball. It has been instrumental in the growth of the Danish Men’s Handball League, which is the top professional league in the country. Established as Herrehåndboldligaen, the winners of this league are recognised as the Danish men’s handball champions. The current champions are GOG Håndbold, showcasing the competitive nature of this league.
The Danish national handball team is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won multiple medals at the World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games. The team has produced some of the best players in the world, including Mikkel Hansen, who is widely regarded as one of the best handball players of all time. Hansen has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the IHF World Player of the Year award in 2011, 2015, and 2018.
In addition to Hansen, the DHF has produced many other talented players and coaches, including Per Bertelsen and Morten Stig Christensen. Bertelsen is a former Danish handball player and coach who led the Danish national team to win the gold medal at the 2016 European Men’s Handball Championship. Christensen is a former Danish handball player who has coached several teams, including the Danish national team and the German club THW Kiel.
In summary, the DHF has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of handball in Denmark. Its contributions to the sport have helped produce some of the best players and teams in the world, and it continues to be a driving force behind the growth and success of handball in Denmark.
Structure and Membership
The Danish Handball Federation (DHF) is the governing body for handball in Denmark. Founded in 1935, the DHF is a member of both the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation. The DHF is headquartered in Brøndby and is responsible for organising and overseeing the sport of handball in Denmark.
The DHF is made up of a number of different associations, including regional associations, local clubs, and national teams. The regional associations are responsible for organising and overseeing handball at the local level, while the local clubs are responsible for providing training and competition opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
Membership in the DHF is open to anyone who is interested in the sport of handball. To become a member, individuals must join a local club and pay a membership fee, which typically falls within the range of 500-2000 DKK. Membership in the DHF provides players with access to training and competition opportunities, as well as the opportunity to represent Denmark in international competitions.
In addition to its role in organising and overseeing handball in Denmark, the DHF is also responsible for promoting the sport both nationally and internationally. The DHF works closely with other handball associations around the world to promote the sport and to ensure that it continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.
Competitions and Championships
The Danish Handball Association is responsible for organising various handball competitions and championships in Denmark. The top-level men’s professional handball league in Denmark is the Danish Men’s Handball League, formerly known as Herrehåndboldligaen. The league features 14 teams competing in a closely-contested season. The winners of the Danish Men’s Handball League are recognised as the Danish men’s handball champions. The current champions are GOG Håndbold.
The Danish Handball Association is also responsible for organising various national and international handball championships. The Denmark men’s national handball team is controlled by the Danish Handball Association and represents Denmark in international matches. Denmark has a rich history in handball, having won several gold medals in various competitions.
The Denmark men’s national handball team has won two gold medals at the Olympics, in 2016 and 2021. They have also won two gold medals at the World Men’s Handball Championship, in 2019 and 2021. In addition, they have won three gold medals at the European Championship, in 2008, 2012, and 2014.
The Danish Handball Association also organises various youth and junior championships. Denmark has won several championships in these categories, including the Junior World Championship in 1997, 1999, and 2005, and the Youth World Championship in 2007, 2011, and 2013.
Apart from the top-level Danish Men’s Handball League, the Danish Handball Association also organises the 1st Division and 2nd Division, which are the second and third levels of men’s handball in Denmark. The regular season of the Danish Men’s Handball League runs from September to April, with the playoffs taking place in May and June. The league is known for its closely contested matches and winning streaks.
Overall, the Danish Handball Association plays a crucial role in promoting and organising handball in Denmark. The various competitions and championships organised by the association provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
National and International Participation
The Danish Handball Association (DHF) has a rich history of national and international participation. The DHF is a member of the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation. The Danish men’s national handball team is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won two Olympic gold medals, three World Championships, and seven European Championships. The team has also won four bronze medals at the World Championships.
The DHF is responsible for organising and managing all national handball events in Denmark. The top professional league in the country is the Danish Men’s Handball League, also known as Herrehåndboldligaen. The winners of this league are recognised as the Danish men’s handball champions. The current champions are GOG Håndbold, showcasing the competitive nature of this league.
In addition to the national league, the DHF also organises the Danish Cup, which is a knockout tournament featuring teams from all levels of Danish handball. The Cup is open to both men’s and women’s teams, and it is held annually.
The Danish men’s national handball team has a long and successful history in international competitions. They are the team with the fourth most medals won in European Championship history on the men’s side behind Sweden, France and Spain. The team has also won two Olympic gold medals, in 2016 and 2021, and three World Championships, in 1995, 2019, and 2021. In addition, they have won four bronze medals at the World Championships, and one silver and three bronze medals at the European Championships.
The DHF is a member of the Danish National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation. The organisation is responsible for selecting and preparing the Danish national team for international competitions, including the Olympics. The Danish men’s national handball team has a strong record in Olympic competition, having won two gold medals and one silver medal.
The Danish men’s national handball team plays regular international matches against other top handball nations, including Germany, Spain, Sweden, and France. The team has also faced off against teams from Egypt, Romania, and Russia in recent years. The DHF is committed to promoting the sport of handball in Denmark and around the world, and their success on the national and international stage is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Prominent Figures in Danish Handball
Danish Handball Association has produced many prominent figures in handball. These individuals have made significant contributions to the sport and have left a lasting impact on Danish Handball. Here are some of the most notable figures in Danish Handball:
Mikkel Hansen
Mikkel Hansen is a Danish handball player who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the IHF World Player of the Year award in 2011, 2015, and 2018. Hansen has also won several medals with the Danish national team, including gold at the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2019 World Championship.
Per Bertelsen
Per Bertelsen is a former Danish handball player who played for the national team from 1982 to 1992. He is considered one of the best left-wingers in the history of Danish Handball. Bertelsen won two Olympic medals with the Danish national team, a silver medal in 1988 and a bronze medal in 1992. He also won a silver medal at the 1986 World Championship.
Morten Stig Christensen
Morten Stig Christensen is a former Danish handball player who played for the national team from 1992 to 2004. He is considered one of the best playmakers in the history of Danish Handball. Christensen won several medals with the Danish national team, including gold at the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2008 European Championship, and the 2019 World Championship.
Semi-Professional Players
The Danish Handball Association has a strong tradition of developing semi-professional players. These players are not full-time professionals but still play at a high level. Many of these players have gone on to play for the national team and have had successful careers in handball.
Nikolaj Jacobsen
Nikolaj Jacobsen is a former Danish handball player who is currently the head coach of the Danish national team. He played for the national team from 1997 to 2008 and was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games. Jacobsen has also had a successful coaching career, leading the German club Rhein-Neckar Löwen to several titles before taking over as head coach of the Danish national team in 2017.
Overall, the Danish Handball Association has produced many prominent figures in handball. These individuals have made significant contributions to the sport and have helped make Danish Handball one of the most successful handball nations in the world.
Handball’s Influence on Danish Culture
Handball is not just a sport in Denmark, it is a part of the country’s culture and identity. The game has been played in Denmark for over a century and has become a source of pride for the nation. The Danish Handball Association (DHA) has played a significant role in promoting the game and developing the sport in the country.
Handball’s influence on Danish culture can be seen in various aspects of everyday life. For example, many schools in Denmark have handball courts and offer handball as a part of their physical education curriculum. The game is also played in parks, beaches, and other public spaces, and is a popular pastime for many Danes.
The DHA has also played a role in promoting gender equality in Denmark, as handball is one of the few sports in which both men and women have achieved equal success and recognition. The women’s national team has won multiple Olympic medals and World Championships, and the men’s team has also achieved significant success on the international stage.
Handball has also had an impact on Danish society beyond the sports field. The game’s emphasis on teamwork and cooperation has been reflected in Danish culture, where collaboration and consensus-building are highly valued. The sport has also helped to promote a sense of community and togetherness in Denmark, as fans come together to support their national team and local clubs.
In conclusion, handball has played a significant role in shaping Danish culture and identity. The game’s popularity and success in Denmark have helped to promote gender equality, teamwork, and community spirit, and have made handball an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric.
Handball Vs Other Sports in Denmark
Denmark is a country that values sports and physical activity. While football, basketball, and other sports are popular in Denmark, team handball stands out as the most popular sport in the country.
Team handball is a sport that was invented in Denmark in 1898 and has since become a Danish passion. The Danish Handball Federation (DHF) is the national governing body for handball in Denmark and is a member of the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation. The sport has a rich history in Denmark and is deeply ingrained in Danish culture.
Compared to other sports in Denmark, team handball is unique in that it is played with a larger ball and requires a high level of teamwork and coordination. The sport has gained popularity in recent years due to the success of the Danish national team, which has won numerous international titles.
While football is also a popular sport in Denmark, it is not as widely played as team handball. Basketball is also played in Denmark, but it is not as popular as team handball or football.
One of the reasons why team handball is so popular in Denmark is that it is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. Danes are not hyper-competitive when they play sports, particularly as adults. Although they appreciate a well-fought match, enjoying the community of their teammates and other athletes is what’s really important.
In conclusion, while Denmark has a variety of popular sports, team handball stands out as the most popular and unique. The sport has a rich history in Denmark and is deeply ingrained in Danish culture. It is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, and it promotes teamwork and community spirit.
The Grassroots and Inclusivity in Danish Handball
The Danish Handball Association (DHA) has a strong focus on grassroots development and inclusivity in the sport. The DHA has a comprehensive system in place to ensure that handball is accessible to everyone in Denmark, regardless of age, gender, or ability.
One of the key ways that the DHA promotes inclusivity is through its rules and regulations. The association has strict guidelines in place to ensure that all players are treated fairly and equally. For example, the DHA mandates that all teams must have at least one female player on the court at all times. This rule promotes gender equality and ensures that women have an equal opportunity to participate in the sport.
In addition to its focus on inclusivity, the DHA places a strong emphasis on education and training. The association offers a range of courses and workshops to help coaches, officials, and players improve their skills and knowledge of the sport. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from basic handball skills to advanced coaching techniques.
The DHA also has a strong focus on welcoming newcomers to the sport. The association has a dedicated team of volunteers who work to promote handball in local communities and encourage people to get involved. The DHA provides information and resources to help new players get started, including information on local clubs, training sessions, and tournaments.
Overall, the DHA’s commitment to grassroots development, inclusivity, and education has helped to make handball one of the most popular sports in Denmark. The association’s focus on fairness, equality, and accessibility has helped to create a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all ages, genders, and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Danish Handball Association?
The Danish Handball Association, also known as Dansk Håndbold Forbund (DHF), is the governing body for handball in Denmark. It was founded in 1936 and is responsible for organising and promoting the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite. The DHF is a member of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the European Handball Federation (EHF).
Who are the top players in the Danish Handball Federation?
The Danish Handball Federation has produced many talented players over the years. Some of the top players in the current Danish men’s team include Mikkel Hansen, Niklas Landin, and Henrik Toft Hansen. Meanwhile, the top players in the women’s team include Stine Bredal Oftedal, Anne Mette Hansen, and Sandra Toft.
What are the rules of Danish Handball?
Danish Handball is played with two teams of seven players each, including one goalkeeper. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal. Players can pass, dribble, or shoot the ball, but must not touch it with their feet or legs. The game is played in two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 10-minute halftime break.
How has the Danish Handball team performed in recent World Cups?
The Danish Handball team has been one of the most successful teams in recent World Cups. The men’s team won the championship in 2019 and finished in third place in 2021. Meanwhile, the women’s team finished in second place in 2013 and 2019, and in third place in 2015 and 2017.
Who is the current goalkeeper for the Danish Women’s Handball team?
The current goalkeeper for the Danish Women’s Handball team is Sandra Toft. She has been a key player for the team since 2013 and has helped them achieve great success in recent years.
How does the Danish Handball Association compare to other national associations?
The Danish Handball Association is widely regarded as one of the most successful national associations in the sport of handball. Denmark has a rich history of producing talented players and has enjoyed great success at both the national and international level. However, other national associations such as France, Spain, and Germany also have strong handball programs and have achieved significant success in recent years.
Was handball invented in Denmark?
Handball as we know it today was indeed significantly developed in Denmark, but the origins of the game trace back to ancient times and have been influenced by various cultures.
The modern game of handball, particularly team handball, was codified in the early 20th century in Denmark. This version of the game was played outdoors on a field similar to a football field. However, the version of handball played indoors, often known as European handball, was developed in Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s worth noting that forms of handball have been played for centuries across many different cultures. For instance, there are records of a handball-like game being played in ancient Greece, called “urania,” and the Romans played a similar game known as “harpastum.” Variations of the game were also played in medieval France and among the Inuit in Greenland.
So while Denmark has played a significant role in the development of modern handball, the roots of the game are much older and more diverse.
How many times has Denmark won handball?
Denmark has won the Handball World Championship three times in 2019, 2021, and 2023. They have also won the European Championship twice in 2008 and 2012. In the Summer Olympics, Denmark secured a gold medal in handball in 2016.
