The International World Games Association (IWGA) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Madrid, Spain, bringing together over 100 representatives from the international sports community. Among the participants was Joana Faria, CEO and Secretary General of the International Korfball Federation (IKF), who represented the global korfball family.
Encouraging updates from Chengdu
With The World Games 2025 in Chengdu fast approaching, the AGM provided a valuable opportunity for international federations and the IWGA leadership to hold productive discussions on a wide range of important topics. Delegates received encouraging updates from the Chengdu Organising Committee, with information shared regarding competition schedules, accreditation procedures, and visa arrangements – all contributing to a well-planned pathway to Chengdu.
A significant moment of the meeting was a video address from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr. Thomas Bach, in what marked his final AGM appearance in his current role. His supportive message reaffirmed the IOC’s strong commitment to the IWGA and The World Games, highlighting the continued importance of global collaboration in sport.
‘It’s an exciting time for korfball’
Joana Faria highlighted the real value of attending the AGM, saying: “Representing korfball at the IWGA AGM was a great opportunity to connect directly with other sports leaders and ensure our sport continues to progress on the global stage.
“With the korfball competition and the thrilling debut of beach korfball both featuring in The World Games 2025 programme, it’s an exciting time for our sport. The discussions in Madrid with the IWGA and other International Federations reinforced our shared dedication to innovation, collaboration, and the ongoing development of our sports.”
The AGM also included important updates on The World Games Series and the positive preparations for TWG 2029 in Karlsruhe – Germany, alongside a warm celebration recognising IWGA President José Perurena’s 80th birthday.
As The World Games 2025 draws closer, we are keen to showcase our sport effectively on the world stage. Actively participating in the IWGA general meeting is important to ensure our continued input into shaping a positive future within The World Games movement.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WeAreTheWorldGames.png6001600Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2025-05-05 00:28:412025-05-20 00:29:44Excitement builds as IKF CEO attends IWGA General Meeting in Madrid
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow some of these tournaments live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play, …), as well as on social media on @BeachKorfball profiles (see below) and the hashtags #BKWC, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
The countdown to The World Games 2025 (TWG2025) in Chengdu, China, has officially begun, there are now less than 200 days until the opening ceremony, and the International Korfball Federation (IKF) can now confirm the teams that have secured their spots for the korfball and beach korfball competitions at The World Games!
In the beach korfball discipline, eight top-performing teams have secured their spots at TWG2025, : Poland, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands, Hungary, Belgium, USA, Australia, and China. Based on the set qualification criteria, Netherlands and China qualified in April, at the WBKC 2024, while the other teams qualified through the IKF Beach Korfball World Ranking. The stage is set. With teams from four continents represented, each bringing their different styles of play, korfball fans should expect the unexpected as these teams battle it out in the sand in Chengdu. We cannot wait to find out which of the teams will take home the Gold medal!
For korfball, the eight teams from around the globe have earned their places at the WKC 2023: Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Belgium, Czechia, Suriname, Germany, Portugal, and host nation China. With a perfect mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders, these teams represent the best and will be ready to put on a show in Chengdu.
The World Games are a unique multi-sport event that celebrates sports outside the Olympic programme, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the globe to compete at the highest level. This edition marks a milestone for korfball, as both korfball and beach korfball disciplicnes will feature for the first time on the programme which is a testament to the sports increasing appeal.
Stay tuned for more updates as the qualified teams prepare to represent in Chengdu. Follow our social media channels and website for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the latest news leading up to The World Games 2025!
TWG2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike – we cannot wait! For more information check out our dedicated event page, and the official page on The World Games website.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWG2025_header_Qualified_Teams.jpg5701500Joana Fariahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngJoana Faria2025-01-15 15:41:242025-01-16 11:55:53TWG2025: Korfball and Beach Korfball teams confirmed
The International Korfball Federation (IKF) has published the updated world rankings for korfball and beach korfball, taking into account the points earned by teams during 2024 events and the basic points allocated during the year. These rankings are essential for shaping the future of international competitions in both disciplines.
Beach Korfball Ranking
The newly released beach korfball ranking holds particular significance as it will determine the teams qualified for the Beach Korfball competition at The World Games 2025 (TWG2025). With beach korfball gaining prominence as a dynamic and fast-paced version of the sport, the ranking system ensures that the highest-performing teams secure their place in this prestigious event.
For more details on the beach korfball ranking and the criteria used, visit korfball.sport/bkranking.
Korfball and Beach Korfball Draws
In addition to its role in TWG2025 qualification, the beach korfball ranking will, alongside the korfball ranking, define the draw order for group-stage placements in both competitions. By basing the group formation on world rankings, the IKF aims to promote fair play and balanced competition, creating an exciting and competitive environment for all participating nations.
The updated rankings reflect the growing competitiveness of korfball worldwide, with teams striving to improve their standings through strong performances in international events.
For more details on the korfball ranking and the criteria used, visit korfball.sport/ranking.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/header_World_Rankings_31_Dec_2024.jpg5701500Joana Fariahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngJoana Faria2025-01-14 17:59:132025-01-14 18:06:24New World Rankings for Korfball and Beach Korfball Released
Following the Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) held last month in Temse, Belgium, the top three teams retain their positions: (1st) Netherlands, (2nd) Poland, (3rd) Belgium, while Chinese Taipei climbs to 4th and the United States is now in 5th position.
Australia’s results and performance on the beach in Temse, Belgium, has been rewarded as they have risen to 10th place in the Beach Korfball World Ranking. This improved standing significantly boosts their chances of qualifying for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
Update 11/9/2024 – The IKF informs that there was an error in the year weight formula in the Beach Korfball World Ranking published on 1 Sept 2024. The new version published on 11 Sept 2024 corrects this error. Most countries have remained in the same position, but the points for each country are different from what was previously announced.
The World Games 2025
Beach Korfball will debut at The World Games next year. While the Netherlands secured a spot through their 2023 World Beach Korfball Championship victory, only host nation China has automatic qualification for the 2025 beach edition.
The remaining six spots will be decided at the upcoming IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Asia) 2024 in Bangkok this December (6th-7th). Here’s where the ranking comes into play.
The ranking will determine which teams make it to The World Games 2025. The top team from each continent within the top 12 automatically qualifies, with the rest of the spots determined by ranking order.
Australia’s rise to 10th position positions them strongly for potential qualification. We cannot wait for the final opportunity for teams to secure more points during the World Cup (Asia) taking place later this year in Bangkok.
For more details on Beach Korfball qualification for The World Games 2025, click here.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/header_news_IKF_Beach_Korfball_World_Ranking_11sept2024.jpg5701500Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2024-09-02 12:28:262024-09-11 11:09:19Australia climbs in rankings, boosting The World Games qualification hopes
The IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) concluded with a thrilling final on Sunday 25 August at the beach arena that was created at Korfbal Club Temse in Belgium. The Netherlands emerged victorious over Poland, with a final score of 7-16.
The tournament, hosted by the Royal Belgian Korfball Federation (Koninklijke Belgische Korfbalbond) and the local organaising committee, was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers. Their efforts ensured a smooth and memorable experience for all teams and korfball fans.
In a highly contested final, The NETHERLANDS faced off against POLAND. After an intense and pulsating match, The Netherlands prevailed, claiming the gold medal, trophy and their name in the history books. Poland earned a well-deserved silver medal for their performance. Meanwhile Team Belgium secured the bronze medal, after their 7-4 win against Chinese Taipei.
The Champions: The Netherlands (Photo: Gertrude de Vries)
Silver medal: Poland (Photo: Marco Spelten)
Bronze medal: Poland (Photo: Marco Spelten)
Final Ranking:
The Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Chinese Taipei
Portugal
Hungary
Czechia
Hong Kong China
Wales
USA
France
Australia
England
Sweden
Scotland
Argentina
Armenia
The IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) was a showcase of exceptional talent and sportsmanship. The participating teams demonstrated a high level of skill and passion for the game.
Joana Faria, IKF CEO said: “The IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) in Temse, Belgium was an outstanding success. We are incredibly grateful to the Royal Belgian Korfball Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a reality.
The level of skill and sportsmanship displayed by the players over the last two days was inspiring. Their passion for the game was evident in every match, and it was a joy to witness.
We look forward to the next edition of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, between 6-7 December 2024. This event will be an opportunity for even more teams to showcase their talent and compete on the international stage.
Beach korfball is rapidly growing in popularity amongst players and korfball fans alike, and we are excited to see its continued development. The popularity of beach korfball is a testament to its appeal as a fun, dynamic, and inclusive sport. We are committed to supporting the growth of beach korfball and ensuring that it has a bright future.“
IKF Youtube live streaming playlist:
*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games played
Photo gallery:
The Podium: 1st NED – 2nd POL – 3rd BEL (Photo: Gertrude de Vries)
Day 2 images (by Marco Spelten – korfbalfoto.nl)
Closing ceremony (photos by Gertrude de Vries – Sportfotografie):
Where to follow
All fans around the world were able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtags #BKWC, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/header_champions_BKWCEU2024.jpg5701500Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2024-08-25 18:16:162024-08-28 15:13:11The Netherlands are champions of IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2024
The sun is shining brightly over Temse, Belgium, as the second day of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) heats up the sand! With 17 teams battling it out for the coveted title and a spot at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, the atmosphere is electric.
Yesterday’s matches were a thrilling display. The Netherlands, Chinese Taipei and Belgium emerge topped their groups, winning all their matches. Today promises even more excitement as teams fight for their place in the final stages.
Catch all the action Live and free!
Can’t make it to the beautiful sports pitches in Temse? Don’t worry! Korfball fans around the world can watch every single match live and completely free on the official IKF YouTube channel.
*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games scheduled
Day 2 Photo gallery – By Marco Spelten (korfbalfoto.nl)
Day 2 Photo gallery – By – Gertrude de Vries
Beware of Fake Social Media Accounts!
While you’re cheering on your favorite teams, be aware of fake social media profiles and pages claiming to broadcast the event. The ONLY official source for live streams of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) is the IKF YouTube channel.
Where to follow
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtags #BKWC, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPLT9123.jpg10801620Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2024-08-25 12:14:462024-08-28 15:12:30Day 2 sizzles at the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) in Temse!
The IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2024 has started in Temse, Belgium. 17 teams playing for a place in the podium and to earn more points in the World Ranking in the race for a spot in next year’s World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games scheduled
Day 1 is complete – A day of thrilling matches sets up an exciting finale!
The first day of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2024, held in Temse, Belgium, was a resounding success! With 28 matches played across four groups, 17 teams battled it out on the sand, showcasing incredible talent, passion, and sportsmanship. The atmosphere was electric, and the competition was fierce.
The tournament is divided into four groups: Group A (Netherlands, Hungary, Australia, Argentina), Group B (Poland, Chinese Taipei, Wales, England), Group C (Belgium, Portugal, France, Armenia), and Group D (USA, Hong Kong China, Czechia, Scotland, Sweden).
Group A saw the Netherlands emerge as the dominant force, winning all their matches including convincingly defeating Argentina 25-2. Hungary also secured two victories, while Argentina struggled against the stronger teams in the group but gained valuable experience in their debut appearance at an IKF beach event.
Ranking – Group A
Netherlands 12pts
Hungary 9pts
Australia 6pts
Argentina 3pts
Morocco 0pts
By Marco Spelten (korfbalfoto.nl) and Gertude De Vries (Sportfotografie)
Group B witnessed a close battle between Poland and Chinese Taipei for group supremacy. Both teams secured impressive wins, with Chinese Taipei ultimately edging out Poland (6-9). Wales and England found the competition tougher, with Wales securing bragging rights with a 10-4 victory over the English.
Ranking – Group B
Chinese Taipei 12pts
Poland 9pts
Wales 6pts
England 3pts
By Marco Spelten (korfbalfoto.nl) and Gertude De Vries (Sportfotografie)
Group C belonged to Belgium, who displayed exceptional teamwork and skill to win all their matches. Portugal also impressed, putting on strong performances throughout the day and for their part in the match of the day against Belgium. France and Armenia will be looking to bounce back on day two.
Ranking – Group C
Belgium 12pts
Portugal 9pts
France 6pts
Armenia 3pts
By Marco Spelten (korfbalfoto.nl) and Gertude De Vries (Sportfotografie)
Group D was a group of surprises. Hong Kong China surprised many spectators finishing in top position with 9 points. Czechia also surprised many with their strong showing, also winning three out of their four matches. Team USA displayed great potential and were cheered every minute of their matches by their passionate fans in the stands. Scotland narrowly lost their opening match against Czechia (8-7) and will need to find their winning form on day two.
Ranking – Group D
Hong Kong China 9pts
Czechia 9pts
USA 9pts
Sweden 3pts
Scotland 0pts
By Marco Spelten (korfbalfoto.nl) and Gertude De Vries (Sportfotografie)
Day one has set the stage for an exciting finale! Be sure to tune in tomorrow to witness the culmination!
Get ready for a weekend of sizzling sand and spectacular skills as the Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2024 explodes into action in Temse, Belgium, this Saturday, August 24th!
Over two action-packed days, 17 teams will battle it out for Beach Korfball supremacy, showcasing their athleticism and tactical brilliance on the (hopefully) sun-drenched courts. Don’t miss a single shot of the competition – the IKF YouTube channelis your one-stop shop for all the live streaming and highlights!
With the excitement building, we want to remind our korfball community to be vigilant against potential scams. Be wary of fake profiles, unauthorized live streams, and suspicious links. The IKF YouTube channel is the only official source for live and on-demand coverage of the Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2024.
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content follow us on social media for extensive coverage and exclusive behind the scenes action. Our social team will continue to update the dedicated event page. For all the results, goal scorers and standings go to worldkorfball.sport.
Get ready for a thrilling weekend of Beach Korfball! Let’s celebrate the spirit of the sport and witness history in the making!
Where to follow
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtags #BKWC, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/banner_BKWCEU2024_v3.jpg5701500Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2024-08-24 00:00:372024-08-28 15:00:56Watch the Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) Live!
The Beach Korfball World Ranking is crucial for teams fighting for a spot at The World Games 2025.
In a thrilling showdown at the World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand, the Netherlands emerged as the champions, securing not just the title but also the top spot in the Beach Korfball World Ranking. This victory also guaranteed them a direct ticket to The World Games 2025.
Right now, only China, as the host nation, and the Netherlands are qualified for the event. There are still six spots left, and these will be allocated based on the world ranking in December 2024.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Beach Korfball World Cups in Europe and Asia will provide more opportunities for teams to earn points and improve their ranking.
As we move towards the end of 2024, the ranking will determine which teams make it to The World Games 2025. The top team from each continent within the top 12 automatically qualifies, with the rest of the spots determined by ranking order.
For detailed information regarding the beach korfball qualification criteria for TWG2025, you can go here.
In essence, the Beach Korfball World Ranking is like a roadmap, guiding teams towards The World Games 2025. They’re not just numbers, they represent dreams, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of korfball.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/banner_world_beachkorfball_ranking_May2024-Copy.jpg3801000Joana Fariahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngJoana Faria2024-05-03 12:01:222024-05-03 12:01:22Beach Korfball World Ranking Updated and Crucial for The World Games 2025 Qualification
The group stage is set for the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 following the Group Draw that took place this evening (Monday, April 15, 2024) broadcasted on YouTube.com/ikfchannel.
Eighteen teams were drawn into three groups, with some interesting matchups emerging based on the latest beach world rankings.
The Korfball Association of Thailand will host the World Korfball Beach Championships from 26 to 28 April 2024 in Pattaya City, which is also a qualifier event for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
Group A features the current world number one ranked team, Poland, who will face off against Portugal (ranked 6th), India (7th), Australia (10th), Scotland (19th) and Czechia (23rd).
Group B is headlined by second-ranked Belgium, who will take on Hungary (ranked 5th), Hong Kong China (8th), Japan (18th), Singapore (20th) and China (23rd).
Finally, Group C includes USA (ranked 3rd), the Netherlands (4th), Chinese Taipei (9th), Thailand (12th), Malaysia (21st) and Macau China (ranked 23rd).
Pattaya was a very successful host of a Beach World Cup in 2022, and this allows the local federation to build on this success as a benchmark for international beach korfball competitions.
Exciting times ahead for Beach Korfball
Further, following the inclusion of korfball in the program of the next edition of The World Games in Chengdu (CHN), the IKF announced that the international beach korfball calendar will be expanded substantially. In 2024, in addition to the World Beach Korfball Championships, two World Cups will be scheduled, one in Europe, likely in August, and a second one in Asia, likely in December. This aligns with the vision of the IKF Council to create a year-round global calendar for beach korfball events.
Further, the IKF announced the qualification regulations for the beach korfball tournament at TWG 2025. The champion of the WBKC will directly qualify for TWG, and TWG host China will have the opportunity to directly qualify at the WBKC, provided they finish in the top-10 of the event. The further 6 or 7 spots (a total of 8 countries/teams can take part in TWG Beach Korfball tournament) will be determined on the newly launched IKF World Beach Korfball Ranking, ensuring both global representation across at least four continents and sufficient competitiveness by ensuring all participants are within the top-12 of the World Ranking as per 31 December 2023.
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @IKFAsia and @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtag #WBKC2024, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
The IKF World Beach Korfball Championships is the pinnacle event for the sport of beach korfball. The event is held every two years and features the best national beach korfball teams from around the world. The 2024 edition of the championships will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from April 26-28.
About the International Korfball Federation (IKF)
The IKF is the governing body for the sport of korfball. The IKF is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport, including international competitions, development, and governance. The IKF was founded in Antwerp (Belgium) on 11 June 1933 as a continuation of the International Korfball Bureau established in 1924 by the Dutch and Belgian Associations. The IKF was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1993 and is affiliated to the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Participants_WBKC2024.png10801920Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2024-04-15 23:11:052024-04-25 10:00:08Road to Chengdu begins! IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024: Groups Draw completed!
orfbalpThe IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2025 will take place from 29 to 30 August in Stockholm, Sweden.
This event is hosted by the Swedish Korfball Committee (SKC) in collaboration with the International Korfball Federation and IKF Europe.
Where to follow
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play, …), as well as on social media on @BeachKorfball profiles (see below) and the hashtags #BKWC, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
