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A New Year’s Message from the IKF President

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Dear Korfball Family,

As we bid farewell to 2024 and step into 2025, I am reminded of the immense potential of our global korfball community. 2024 has been a year of meaningful progress, significant milestones, and important lessons, but it has also reminded us of the journey ahead and the need to work even harder together.

Under the banner of our Better Together strategy, we have made strides toward professionalizing our organization, expanding the reach of our sport, and advocating for korfball’s core values of inclusivity, equality, and teamwork.

Achievements in 2024

This year has been defined by key accomplishments:

  • The IKF World Beach Korfball Championship in Pattaya, Thailand, where the Netherlands emerged as champions, claiming the Jan Fransoo Cup. This event not only showcased the best in beach korfball but also served as a qualifier for the World Games 2025 in Chengdu.
  • The IKF U21 World Korfball Championship in Kemer, Türkiye, where the Netherlands claimed the title after an intense final against Belgium, with Chinese Taipei securing bronze. The tournament highlighted the incredible talent of young players from 12 teams across four continents and was magnificently organized with the support of local volunteers and the Developing Sports Federation of Türkiye.
  • The formalization of Urban Korfball, a dynamic new format that brings our sport into vibrant urban spaces, fostering accessibility and reaching new audiences. Its official launch in 2025 will mark a pivotal moment for korfball’s growth.
  • The successful operations of IKF Europe, which continues to lead innovation, collaboration, and development across the continent.
  • The first-ever fully gender-equal refereeing team at the IKF Asia Korfball Championship, reflecting our unwavering commitment to gender equality both on and off the pitch.
  • Notable progress across Asia, where National Federations (NFs) demonstrated remarkable mutual support during the year, culminating in the IKF Asia Korfball Championships in Hong Kong. This has resulted in advancements in sport performance, organizational structures, and cross-country development, including an important step forward in the application for IKF Asia’s recognition by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

These milestones are the result of collective efforts—from our volunteers and committees to the players, officials, and sponsors who make these events possible.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

The coming year holds incredible promise, including the World Games in Chengdu, where we will showcase both indoor and beach korfball on the global stage. This is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to align with the IOC’s strategic focus on gender equality, innovation, and youth engagement, and to demonstrate that korfball is uniquely positioned to lead in these areas.

We also look forward to the global launch of Urban Korfball, an exciting step in bringing our sport to new, dynamic environments. Meanwhile, the ongoing alignment of our strategy with key partners such as ARISF and IWGA ensures that we remain a respected and forward-thinking member of the international sports community.

Addressing Our Community’s Needs

While we celebrate our achievements, we also recognize the areas our National Federations are eager to see progress:

  • Ensuring korfball equipment can be produced and shipped economically, both in terms of time and cost. This remains a key focus as we work toward structural partnerships to scale efficiently.
  • Locking in a competition calendar with a 24-36 month perspective and confirmed host cities, enabling countries to plan ahead, especially important as travel costs continue to rise.
  • Transforming our competitions into highly engaging events for fans and athletes alike, rewriting the blueprints of how we organize such events—step by step, with a long-term vision.

On the marketing and commercial front, exciting developments are underway:

  • A global fan engagement platform is in its final stages of decision-making, promising to enhance how we connect with fans worldwide.
  • Commercial partnerships are actively pursued with support from our new expert committee, showing early success through partnerships like Axitour, which enhance referee performance and strengthen our development funding efforts.

A Call for Unity and Action

Korfball’s strength lies in its people. Our volunteers, officials, and supporters are the backbone of our community. Your dedication inspires us, but we need to amplify these efforts as we aim to grow korfball in every corner of the world. Whether by organizing local events, sharing your stories, or mentoring the next generation, your contributions make a profound difference.

As we prepare for 2025, let us approach the year with determination and humility, embracing the challenges ahead with a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can build on our achievements and create a future where korfball continues to thrive as a sport of equality, teamwork, and innovation.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—a year where we come together, work harder, and dream bigger than ever before.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and successful New Year.

With gratitude and resolve,

Gabi Kool
President
International Korfball Federation

Jan Fransoo awarded Honorary Life President after 20-year term as IKF president

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Jan Fransoo today concluded an extraordinary 20-year term as International Korfball Federation (IKF) President. Fransoo has been succeeded by Gabi Kool who was voted in as the new President of the International Korfball Federation during the General Meeting 2023.

At the IKF General Meeting held on Saturday, 28 October in Taipei City, Jan received multiple standing ovations as well as a moving tribute by IKF CEO and General Secretary, Joana Faria.

The IKF General Meeting awarded Jan Fransoo with the Honorary Life President award for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Jan Fransoo and Joana Faria (IKF General Secretary and CEO)

Joana said to the General Meeting and IKF officials that had gathered in the conference hall: “It is an honour to stand before you today and pay tribute to Jan Fransoo, the President of the International Korfball Federation, for his twenty years of service and unwavering commitment to the sport of korfball.

“Under his leadership, the sport has grown and flourished to become a truly global organisation. Today, we gather not only to acknowledge his outstanding contributions to our beloved sport but also to celebrate his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the IKF

“The growth of continents outside of Europe, the professional presentation of our sport and the increased exposure through different media channels has been a big factor in this global growth of our sport.

“But Jan’s impact goes beyond the numbers and statistics. It is in the countless lives he has touched, the inspiration he has provided, and the sense of belonging he has nurtured. He has not just been a President; he has been a mentor, a role model, and a friend to many within the korfball community.

“Over the past two decades, Jan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to unite people from all corners of the globe under the banner of korfball. His passion for the growth of our sport has paved the way for countless countries to play korfball both at grass roots, and international level. His dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion has made korfball a sport that welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Jan’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging in our korfball community is truly commendable.

“Under Jan’s guidance, the IKF has successfully hosted increasingly bigger and more professional tournaments such as World Championships and World Games events, showcasing our sport on the world stage in a way that korfball had previously never been seen. His determination to push the boundaries of the sport has resulted in increased recognition and respect for korfball across a variety of international sporting circles.

“Jan has been actively involved in promoting korfball development programs, supporting new technology initiatives, and advocating for gender equity within the sport. His commitment to equality has set a shining example for many others to follow. By promoting mixed-gender teams and equal opportunities for athletes all over the world, Jan has made the sport more inclusive and inspiring for us all.

“Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the sport of korfball.”

Mr. Shih-Chung, Director of Sports Administration, Ministry of Education also attended the meeting and thanked Jan for his years of dedicated service to the sport, and presented a First Class Medal for Contributions to the Field of Education. Jan was also presented with an Award Certificate and a special gift for his outstanding contribution to developing and expanding the international sport exchanges of Chinese Taipei.

Jan Fransoo, Mr. Shih-Chung and Gabi Kool

Both the Royal Dutch Korfball Association (KNKV) and the Royal Belgian Korfball Federation (KBKB) awarded Jan Fransoo an Honorary Membership.

Netherlands captain, Daan Preuninger presented a gift to Jan Fransoo on behalf of the KNKV and all athletes both past and present.

Fransoo continues to serve on the International World Games Association Executive (IWGA) Committee. He is serving his second term as IWGA ExCo Member after being reelected in 2023.

His contributions to the sport of korfball are immense and he will be remembered for his dedication and service to the sport. Thank you, Jan.,

Photos: Krit Suttipithuk

Bob de Die, IKF Honorary Life President, passes away

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It is with great sadness that the International Korfball Federation has learnt of the passing of Bob de Die, Honorary Life President of the IKF and recipient of the Olympic Order, at the age of 86 at his residence in the Netherlands, in the company of his wife Margareth.

Bob de Die will be remembered as the sixth President of the International Korfball Federation, serving at the helm of the governing body of the world’s exclusively mixed gender team sport from 1988 until 2003. During his Presidency, the IKF obtained recognition by the Global Association of International Sports Federations and later by the International Olympic Committee. During his vice-presidency, from 1981 until 1988, the korfball entered into the program of the World Games. From 1993 until 2005 he also served as Senior Vice-President of the International World Games Association. Bob was truly engaged with the development of the sport, having a particular impact on the development of the international competition calendar and the embedding in international multi-sports bodies.

Bob de Die was active as a korfball administrator during his entire life, always as a volunteer. Already at the age of 13, he joined the Executive Committee of his local korfball club in Leiden. In 1969, he became a member of the Executive Committee of the Royal Netherlands Korfball Association. Bob was instrumental in establishing the merger of two rivaling national korfball associations in the Netherlands in 1973, bringing about a single governing body for korfball in the Netherlands, with close to 100,000 registered members. During a considerable part of his membership of the Royal Netherlands Korfball Association Executive Committee, he assumed the office of Vice-President.

Bob was awarded the Honorary Life Presidency of the International Korfball Federation upon his retirement in 2003. At that time, he was also awarded the Olympic Order for his extensive service of many decades to the Olympic Movement. He was also an Officer in the Knighthood of Orange-Nassau, and a Honorary Life Member of the Royal Netherlands Korfball Association. In 2005, he received the GAISF Award for his service to sports.

After his retirement, Bob remained following the development of korfball and The World Games closely. After his health deteriorated and he was unable to leave home, he was an avid watcher of korfball matches from all over the world via livestream on his computer. In the meantime, he kept in touch with many fellow korfball and world games administrators from his generation through frequent emails. Always positive and constructive, always looking forward to help develop sports.

Jan C. Fransoo, current IKF President: “Bob de Die brought me into the International Korfball Federation as a volunteer administrator and later on convinced me to take on the job as Secretary General in 1997. From that period onwards, he has had a major impact on my development as a sports administrator. I will remember him for his positive and realistic outlook, and for ensuring me that good governance is what matters across sports. We wish his wife, children and grandchildren lots of strength in going through this difficult period.”

Due to current restrictions, the funeral will be in a small family setting. We will later have the opportunity to celebrate Bob’s life.

 

The picture shows Bob de Die receiving the GAISF Award in 2005 after his retirement from the IWGA Executive Committee. The Award was presented by GAISF President Verbruggen and witnessed by IWGA President Froehlich