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Chinese Taipei Triumph in Thrilling Final to Win Beach Korfball Gold at The World Games 2025

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The Beach Korfball competition at The World Games 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion today at the Xinglong Lake Beach Arena, as Chinese Taipei claimed the Gold medal with a dramatic last-second victory over the Netherlands.

Gold Medal – Chinese Taipei

In a gripping final, the Netherlands – favourites after their dominant performances in the group stage and semi-finals – looked set to add another title to their record. But with the scores tied in the dying seconds, Ying-Ting HUANG struck from distance for two points, sealing an unforgettable 8-6 win and sparking wild celebrations from the Chinese Taipei players and fans alike.

HUANG has been the standout star of the tournament, also scoring the decisive golden goal in the semi-final against Belgium that sent Chinese Taipei into the final. To then repeat the feat on the biggest stage of all, and against one of the sport’s most successful nations, will go down as one of the iconic moments in Beach Korfball history.

Silver Medal – The Netherlands

In the Bronze medal match, Belgium defeated Hungary 10-5 to secure their place on the podium, bouncing back strongly after their narrow semi-final loss to Chinese Taipei.

Bronze Medal – Belgium

The Beach Korfball competition at The World Games 2025 has provided three days of world-class action, showcasing athleticism, teamwork, and drama in abundance. From buzzer-beaters to golden goals, the event has once again underlined the excitement and global growth of the sport.

👉 More coverage, photos, and highlights from the medal matches will follow soon on korfball.sport and IKF social media channels.

Image gallery  📷 Gertrude de Vries

Beach Korfball at The World Games – Day 1 Recap & Day 2 Preview

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Day 2 Update

The second day of Beach Korfball action at The World Games 2025 is well underway at Xinglong Lake Beach Arena in Chengdu, China — and the excitement is building as the quarter-finalists are now confirmed!

Morning Session Results – Saturday, 16 August
  • POL 5–16 NED
  • TPE 7–4 HUN
  • CHN 18–6 USA
  • BEL 15–3 AUS

These results complete the group stage and lock in the teams advancing to the Quarter-Finals this evening.

Quarter-Final Line-Up
  • QF1: NED vs USA
  • QF2: TPE vs AUS
  • QF3: CHN vs BEL
  • QF4: HUN vs POL

The winners of tonight’s quarter-finals will move on to tomorrow afternoon’s semi-finals, while the defeated teams will continue into placement matches.

The Road Ahead

With the semi-finals just around the corner, we’re approaching the business end of the competition. The top teams are hitting peak form, and the intensity on the sand is rising with every match. Who will make it through to the final four and keep their gold medal dreams alive?

Stay tuned and follow all the action live on The World Games website and apps!

Day 1 Recap & Day 2 Preview

Beach Korfball has arrived at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, and the opening day at Xinglong Lake Beach Arena gave fans plenty to enjoy. Fast matches, spectacular goals, and lots of drama made the debut of the sport at The World Games one to remember.

What happened on Day 1

The Netherlands showed why they are favourites, beating Australia 18-0 before winning a key match against Belgium 11-4.

Belgium had earlier produced one of the standout results of the day, defeating Poland 16-6. The margin came as a surprise to many, given Poland’s experience and the fact they were World Beach Korfball Champions in 2022. That win leaves Belgium in a strong position going into the second day.

In Group B, Chinese Taipei looked sharp from the start. They defeated the USA 8-5 and then comfortably beat hosts China 14-3 to finish the day unbeaten. The USA recovered from their opening loss by edging Hungary 8-7 in one of the closest games of the day.

Hungary picked up their first win against China, who had the support of the home crowd but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Day 1 standings

Group A
  • Netherlands – 2 wins, 0 losses – 6 points
  • Belgium – 1 win, 1 loss – 3 points
  • Poland – 1 win, 1 loss – 3 points
  • Australia – 0 wins, 2 losses – 0 points

 

Group B
  • Chinese Taipei – 2 wins, 0 losses – 6 points
  • Hungary – 1 win, 1 loss – 4 points
  • USA – 1 win, 1 loss – 2 points
  • China – 0 wins, 2 losses – 0 points

What’s next on Day 2

Saturday will decide who reaches the semi-finals. Big games include Poland vs Netherlands and Chinese Taipei vs Hungary, before the evening quarter-finals. With the medal matches tomorrow, every point today will matter.

Follow the action

Fans can follow everything on our social media channels, where we share match recaps, interviews, highlights and the best goals of the day.

All games are streamed live and free at live.theworldgames.org and on The World Games Live app, available on both iOS and Android.

Check back later today for the evening results and the full picture heading into finals day.

Day 1 Image gallery  📷 Gertrude de Vries

Beach Korfball Set for Historic Debut at The World Games in Chengdu

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Tomorrow, Beach Korfball will make its first-ever appearance at The World Games. For the next three days, the Xinglong Lake Beach Arena in Chengdu, China, will host fast-paced matches, dramatic finishes, and the crowning of the very first Beach Korfball World Games champions.

This is a special moment for the sport. Korfball has been part of The World Games since 1985, but 2025 marks the debut of the beach format on this stage. The shorter games, quick changes of possession, and spectacular goals promise to bring a new kind of excitement to fans both in the arena and watching around the world.

Two Days of Pool Action

The competition starts with two full days of pool matches. Ten national teams are divided into two groups:

Group A

🇵🇱 Poland
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇦🇺 Australia

Group B

🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇳 China

Day one begins at 14:30 local time with Poland vs Belgium, followed by matches featuring every team. The evening session will see more big clashes, including the Netherlands against Belgium and China against Chinese Taipei.

Day two will complete the group stage before moving into the quarter-finals.

Finals on Sunday

The medal matches will take place on Sunday, 17 August. The final is scheduled for 13:20 local time, when the first Beach Korfball World Games champions will be crowned.

Follow the Action

Fans can follow every match live on The World Games website and app. Whether you are watching from the stands in Chengdu or from home, this is your chance to witness history in the making.

 

Netherlands Crowned Korfball Champions at The World Games 2025

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Chengdu, China — The Netherlands cemented their status as korfball’s powerhouse, winning another Gold Medal at The World Games with a 23–16 victory over long-time rivals Belgium.

In front of a sold-out Longquan High School Gymnasium, the vibrant atmosphere, high stakes, and expert performance from both teams made this a true spectacle for fans in the arena and viewers around the world.

Referees Chris West (ENG) and Carlos Faria (POR) officiated the contest, which was played over four intense 10-minute periods. The Netherlands edged ahead early, leading 7–4 at the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to 12–5 by halftime. Belgium fought hard in the third period, but the Dutch maintained control, going into the final quarter at 16–9 before sealing victory with a final score of 23–16.

A Historic Rivalry Continues

Korfball has been part of The World Games for over 40 years, debuting in 1985. With this latest victory, the Netherlands extends its perfect record, winning Gold at all 11 editions. Belgium have stood as their toughest rivals, earning Silver at every edition except in 2017, when Chinese Taipei claimed the runner-up spot.

Gold Medal – The Netherlands

Silver Medal – Belgium

Bronze Medal – Chinese Taipei

An Unforgettable Atmosphere in Chengdu

Every ticket available to the public was sold, with demand far exceeding capacity- a clear sign of korfball’s growing popularity in China. The atmosphere inside the Longquan High School Gymnasium was electric, with passionate supporters creating a wall of sound that carried through all four quarters.

Images of the match were broadcast globally via The World Games website and apps, with early indications suggesting record-breaking streaming numbers. The media and press area was packed with national and local broadcasters, capturing every moment of the final for fans worldwide.

The Match

The Netherlands showcased their trademark depth and precision. Harjan Visscher top-scored for the champions with 5 goals, and all but one of the Dutch starting players found the scoresheet – a true sign of the team’s all-round strength.

For Belgium, Lisa Pauwels and Kian Amorgaste each netted 5 goals, a remarkable achievement against the world’s most dominant side. Their accuracy kept the scoreboard moving and ensured Belgium remained a constant threat.

By the final whistle, the Netherlands had secured yet another chapter in their World Games dominance, lifting the Gold to the roar of their fans and reaffirming their place at the top of the sport. Belgium once again demonstrated why they remain one of the strongest teams in the world, with a performance full of quality and grit.

Korfball on the Rise

The 2025 edition of The World Games has shown the sport’s potential to captivate audiences in new markets. With packed arenas, global broadcast reach, and an ever-expanding fan base, korfball’s presence at The World Games continues to highlight the sport’s unique appeal.

Image gallery (Final day) 📷 Gertrude de Vries

Sold-Out Korfball Finals at The World Games 2025

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The moment korfball fans have been waiting for has arrived! The final day of competition at The World Games 2025 is here, with a sold-out arena in Chengdu ready to witness history. After 4 intense days of incredible action, the medals are within reach, and the champions will be crowned today.

The day’s action starts with the clash for 7th place between China and Portugal, overseen by referees Megan Frederickson (AUS) and Stan de Groot (NED). Following that, Germany and Suriname will contest 5th place, with Steve Jones (GBR) and Leon Liao (TPE) as referees.

The stakes will rise even higher in the Bronze medal match as Czechia takes on Chinese Taipei. This important game will be officiated by Stan de Groot (NED) and Olga Gandia Pérez (CAT).

Finally, the grand final will see a highly anticipated showdown for the gold medal between korfball powerhouses the Netherlands and Belgium. The referees for this match are Carlos Faria (POR) and Chris West (GBR).

Don’t Miss a Second of the Action – Watch LIVE and FREE!

Korfball fans around the globe can witness every thrilling moment of the final day live and absolutely free! Simply head to the official The World Games Live website at live.theworldgames.org or download The World Games app on your Android or iOS device. Tune in and experience the excitement as the medals are decided!

  • 14:00 CST | China – Portugal
  • 15:45 CST | Germany – Suriname
  • 18:00 CST | Czechia – Chinese Taipei
  • 19:45 CST | Netherlands – Belgium

Show Your Support and Join the Conversation!

We want to see your passion for korfball! As you’re watching the final matches, grab your phone and snap a selfie of you cheering on your favourite teams. Share your photos on social media and make sure to tag us (see below for our official profiles) and The World Games! Let us know who you think will take home the coveted medals using the hashtags below:

Tag Us: @korfball_org on Instagram, @korfball.org on Facebook, @korfball on X (Twitter) and @korfball.sport on Tiktok. Tag The World Games: @theworldgames and @twg2025. Also use these Hashtags: #Korfball #TWG2025

► instagram.com/korfball_org
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► tiktok.com/@korfball.sport

Who do YOU think will be crowned champions and take home the medals from Chengdu? Join the conversation online and share your predictions!

A Note on Online Safety: Please remember to be vigilant online. The only official places to watch the live streams are the official The World Games website and app. Be wary of unofficial links on social media that may be scams. Stay safe and enjoy the incredible conclusion to the korfball competition!

Korfball Semi-Finals Are Locked In: The World Games 2025 Gets Down to Business

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After three intense days of group stage action at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, the field has been narrowed down, and the semi-finals are officially set. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a chance to compete for a spot in the final and a guaranteed medal on the line.

In a dominant display, the Netherlands swept Group A, securing the top spot with an undefeated run. They’re joined in the knockout stages by Chinese Taipei, who finished second, while Portugal and hosts China round out the group.

Over in Group B, Belgium mirrored their rivals with a flawless record, taking first place ahead of Czechia. Suriname and Germany put up a strong fight but were unable to advance.

This means the stage is set for a thrilling day of competition on Monday, 11 August:

  • 14:00 – Portugal vs Germany
  • 15:45 – China vs Suriname
  • 18:00 (Semi-Final 1) – Netherlands vs Czechia
  • 19:45 (Semi-Final 2) – Belgium vs Chinese Taipei

The winners of the semi-finals will not only get to play for gold in Tuesday’s medal matches, but they’ll also guarantee themselves one of the amazing The World Games 2025 medals

Follow All the Action

Korfball fans can stay on top of all the behind-the-scenes action and find more information on all official IKF social media channels and the IKF website. For official live streams of all the matches, be sure to check the official The World Games Live website and app (available on iOS and Android).

⚠ Stay Safe Online

A quick reminder to fans to be careful of unofficial links on social media claiming to offer live streams. The only official and safe sources to watch are the official The World Games website, the official app, and the IKF website.

 

 

TWG2025: Korfball and Beach Korfball teams confirmed

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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. 

 

IKF Council Awards Wild Card to China for The World Games 2025

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The International Korfball Federation (IKF) Council has officially decided to allocate the wild card for the last vacancy for the korfball competition at The World Games 2025 to China.

This decision reflects the IKF’s dedication to promoting the global development of korfball and its commitment to supporting the International World Games Association’s (IWGA) vision of an inclusive and representative event. The participation of the host country, China, is a key element in ensuring the success and visibility of the competition, aligning with the IWGA’s objectives.

The Chinese Korfball Association (CKA) has demonstrated significant efforts to improve both the quality of its national team and the governance of the sport in China. Last year has seen positive developments, including increased participation in international competitions and a growing commitment to strengthening organisational structures. These efforts, combined with China’s role as host of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, were critical factors in the IKF Council’s decision.

As preparations for this prestigious event continue, the IKF looks forward to a highly competitive and dynamic korfball tournament that further enhances the sport’s global profile.

The World Games 2025 will take place in Chengdu, China, from 7 to 17 August, bringing together athletes from around the globe to compete in a diverse range of sports. Korfball has been a proud part of The World Games, showcasing its unique qualities as a mixed-gender team sport. The event provides a valuable platform to promote korfball’s values of inclusivity, teamwork, and innovation to an international audience, further solidifying its position in the world of sport.

Event info and updates here.

Chinese Taipei are champions of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Asia) 2024!

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A thrilling conclusion to the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Asia) 2024 saw Chinese Taipei emerge victorious. After two intense days of competition between the 10 participating teams. In total 478 goals were scored across the 31 matches, showcasing the skill, speed, and teamwork of the athletes.

The Korfball Association of Thailand (KAT) hosted the event, which was also a qualifier tournament for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. All matches will be played at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Sport Authority of Thailand.

The champions – Chinese Taipei (Photo: Krit Suttipithuk)

Silver medal: Czechia (Photo: Krit Suttipithuk)

Bronze medal: Poland (Photo Krit Suttipithuk)

Thrilling final

In the gold medal match, Chinese Taipei faced off against Czechia in a tightly contested game. At half-time, Chinese Taipei held a narrow 6-5 lead, with Czechia pushing hard to challenge one of the pre-tournament favorites. However, in the second half, Chinese Taipei’s precision and attacking strength shone through as they pulled away to secure a decisive 14-8 victory, claiming the gold medal.

Bronze medal decider

Earlier in the day, the bronze medal match saw Poland overcome Hungary in a hard-fought battle. Poland’s solid defense and sharp shooting led them to a 9-6 win, earning them a spot on the podium.

Final Standings
  1. 🥇 Gold – Chinese Taipei
  2. 🥈 Silver – Czechia
  3. 🥉 Bronze – Poland
  4. Hungary
  5. China
  6. Thailand
  7. Hong Kong China
  8. Australia
  9. Singapore
  10. Japan

Congratulations to Chinese Taipei on their championship victory, and a huge thank you to all the teams, organisers, and fans who made this event a success!

Photo galleries

Day 1

Day 2

Top goal scorers

Zsolt Majer and Anna VÁgÓ both from team Hungary top scored in the tournament with 22 and 15 goals respectively! Congratulations to both.

Top female goal scorer Anna VÁgÓ (HUN). Photo: Krit Suttipithuk

Top male goal scorer Zsolt Majer (HUN). Photo: Krit Suttipithuk

Live streams (playlist)

*Click on the right ≣ icon to select the game you want to watch

 

Promotional video

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.

IKF Beach Korfball profiles:

Website: www.beachkorfball.sport

► instagram.com/beachkorfball
► facebook.com/beachkorfball
► twitter.com/beachkorfball
► tiktok.com/@beachkorfball

You can find all this content and much more visiting the following official IKF profiles (see below):

► instagram.com/korfball_org
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► tiktok.com/@korfball.sport

Groups

IKF Participates in the 2nd Competition Managers Meeting for The World Games 2025

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From 23 to 24 October, the International Korfball Federation took part in the 2nd Competition Managers Meeting for The World Games 2025, held in Chengdu, China. IKF CEO Joana Faria and Akiko Tsujikawa, Competition Manager, were actively engaged in meetings, venue inspections, and visits to key locations for the event.

This meeting was instrumental in preparing for the korfball and beach korfball competitions at TWG 2025, ensuring the highest possible quality for these events. Besides aligning with TWG 2025 requirements, the site visits enabled an in-depth review of facility conditions and competition logistics. The close collaboration with the organising committee and on-site presence were essential steps in paving the way for a successful korfball representation at the Games.

 

The IKF remains committed to showcasing korfball at its best at The World Games, promoting excellence and the global growth of the sport.

Event info: korfball.sport/event/the-world-games-2025

More information: The World Games 2025 | The World Games (IWGA)