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Ying‑Ting Huang (TPE) Nominated for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025

The International Korfball Federation is pleased to share that Ying-Ting Huang of Chinese Taipei has been nominated for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025. He is one of 30 finalists selected from across all World Games sports.

The International World Games Association (IWGA) announced the full list of nominees on 7 January 2026.

Huang earned his nomination following his performances at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, where Beach Korfball appeared on the Games programme for the first time.

Playing on a new stage and under constant pressure, he delivered key moments when his team needed them most.

In the semifinal against Belgium, Huang scored the Golden Goal to send Chinese Taipei into the final. In the gold medal match against the Netherlands, the score was tied in the closing seconds when he made a long-range two-point shot to secure an 8–6 win and the first Beach Korfball gold medal in World Games history.
Those decisive plays helped Chinese Taipei claim the title and underlined Huang’s impact throughout the tournament.

Voting opens on 12 January

Public voting for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025 opens on  Monday, 12 January 2026 at 12:00 GMT and closes on  2 February 2026 at 12:00 GMT.

Fans can vote once every 24 hours through the official The World Games website.*

(*) UPDATE 27/1/2026:  Ying‑Ting Huang ended in 11th place in the first round, so he is no longer among the top 10 that continue the race. You can still vote for other candidates.

This is a great opportunity for the korfball community to show its support. Beach Korfball’s debut at The World Games was an important step for the sport, and Ying

Ting Huang played a central role in that success. Every vote helps give korfball greater visibility worldwide.

How to vote

  • Visit the official World Games voting page (available from 12 January)
  • Select Ying-Ting Huang (Chinese Taipei)
  • Vote once every 24 hours until 2 February
  • Share the link with teammates, clubs, and korfball fans around the world

We congratulate Ying-Ting Huang on his nomination and invite the global korfball community to support him throughout the voting period.

History-maker Huang (TPE) Named IWGA Athlete of the Month After TWG 2025 Triumph

The International Korfball Federation congratulates Ying-Ting Huang (Chinese Taipei), who has today been named International World Games Association (IWGA) Athlete of the Month for August 2025 following his outstanding performances at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.

Huang played a decisive role in Chinese Taipei’s Beach Korfball success, scoring last-second winning goals in both the semifinal against Belgium and the final against the Netherlands. These dramatic moments secured his place in The World Games history and earned him this recognition.

Decisive Performances

Reflecting on the semifinal, Huang explained:

“In the dying moments against Belgium, our original game plan was to target the female matchups. But as the clock wound down, no clear opening appeared… A senior teammate trusted me with the ball, and in that perfect moment where timing, trust, and instinct came together, I pulled the trigger. The shot dropped.” (theworldgames.org)

In the gold medal match against the Netherlands, he kept his composure under immense pressure:

“I calculated that if I released the ball with two seconds left, even a miss would leave the Dutch with no chance to respond… When it swished through, it wasn’t just the end of the match—it was proof of our team’s relentless fight until the very last second.”

Teamwork and Equality

Huang emphasised that these moments were only possible because of the team’s collective effort:

“Yes, I happened to score the golden goals, but every step leading up to them was paved by my teammates, coaches, and staff… The gold medal wasn’t mine. It was ours.”

He also highlighted korfball’s unique character as a mixed-gender sport:

“Unlike most sports that separate men and women, korfball’s mixed format feels natural and truly equal… That’s the beauty of korfball—it’s not just a sport, it’s a real expression of equality.”

Looking Ahead

On receiving the Athlete of the Month award, Huang described it as a personal milestone, while keeping his focus firmly on the future:

“We’ve made history once, but to repeat or surpass it will take even more effort. Moving forward, I’ll keep grinding and chasing greater goals, together with this amazing team.”


Read the full story on The World Games website:

History-maker Huang (TPE) named Athlete of the Month after TWG 2025 triumph

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

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 The World Games 2025 – Final Day Arrives

Morning Session Complete

he Beach Korfball finals at the Xinglong Lake Beach Arena are heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This morning’s semi-final showdowns are now in the books, and the pathway to the podium is shaping up with intense, edge-of-your-seat action.

Morning Results:

As a result:

  • Final (Gold Medal Match) will be Netherlands vs Chinese Taipei.
  • Bronze Medal Match will feature Hungary vs Belgium.
  • 5th Place Play-Off: China vs Poland.
  • 7th Place Play-Off: USA vs Australia.

What’s Next:

The afternoon holds the placement battles that will determine the final standings—from 8th place all the way up to the gold medal match.

 

Final Day Arrives

Sunday, 17 August 2025 – After two intense days of thrilling action at the Xinglong Lake Beach Arena, the Beach Korfball competition at The World Games 2025 has reached its final day. Today, the medals will be decided.

The morning session will feature the eagerly anticipated semi-finals, before the afternoon session deliver the placing matches, culminating in the battle for bronze and the all-important gold medal final.

Fans around the world can look forward to a dramatic conclusion to what has already been an unforgettable showcase of beach korfball, filled with high-level skill, athleticism, and passion.

Quarter Final Action Recap

The quarter finals delivered drama, excitement, and plenty of highlights as teams fought for their place in today’s semi-finals.

Netherlands vs USA

The Netherlands came out strong, opening with an early two-pointer to take a 2-0 lead. The USA quickly responded, levelling the score at 2-2 with over four minutes to play in the first quarter. The Dutch struck twice to regain the advantage at 4-2, before a fast break pushed the gap to 5-2. A penalty just before the whistle saw the Netherlands close the first quarter ahead 6-2.

Momentum stayed with the Dutch in the second quarter. A running-in shot extended their lead to 7-2, and soon they were in full control at 10-2 with four minutes left. Both sides thrilled the crowd by trading long-range two-pointers, but the Netherlands remained firmly in command and sealed a 13-8 victory to advance to the semi-finals.

Chinese Taipei vs Australia

Chinese Taipei opened the scoring with a penalty to lead 1-0, before Australia equalised at 1-1 with four minutes to play in the first quarter. A medium shot restored Chinese Taipei’s advantage at 2-1, but Australia quickly tied it again at 2-2.

A sharp two-pointer pushed Chinese Taipei ahead 4-2, and another long-range strike made it 5-2. Australia answered with a two-pointer of their own to close the gap to 5-4, but a fast break soon had Chinese Taipei 6-4 ahead. A late Australian penalty kept it close at 6-5 at the end of the quarter.

Chinese Taipei started the second period strongly with a two-pointer to extend their lead to 8-5, and with four minutes remaining they were in full control at 10-5. Although both sides continued to trade goals in the closing stages, Chinese Taipei held firm to claim a 15-11 victory and secure their place in the semi-finals.

China vs Belgium

China struck first with a cut-in shot to lead 1-0 with five minutes to play in the opening quarter. Both sides then went scoreless until Belgium equalised with a tough finish to make it 1-1, before adding another to edge ahead 1-2 at the first break.

Belgium came out firing in the second quarter, landing a two-pointer to extend their lead to 1-4, followed quickly by a medium shot for 1-5 with over four minutes left. China could only manage one more goal as Belgium dominated both ends of the pitch, closing out a commanding 2-13 victory to book their semi-final place.

Hungary vs Poland

Both teams traded early goals to make it 1-1 with over four minutes to play in a tense battle for a semi-final spot. Poland edged ahead with a medium shot for 1-2, but Hungary quickly equalised 2-2. After Hungary missed a penalty, Poland capitalised on the rebound to lead 2-3 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter opened with both sides exchanging two-pointers, with Hungary holding a narrow 6-5 advantage. Poland replied with a cut-in to level 6-6, then converted a penalty to move ahead 6-7 with just over a minute remaining. In the final moments, Hungary struck a dramatic buzzer-beater two-pointer from the corner to snatch an 8-7 victory and send their supporters into wild celebrations.

Semi-Finals Line-Up

The stage is now set for today’s decisive matches. First up on Day 3 are the semi-finals:

  • SF3 (10:00) – USA vs Poland
  • SF4 (10:20) – China vs USA
  • SF1 (10:40) – Netherlands vs Hungary
  • SF2 (11:00) – Chinese Taipei vs Belgium

With a place in the medal matches on the line, the action promises to be fast, fierce, and full of drama.

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

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

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

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!

Officials Appointed for Medal Matches at The World Games 2025

It all comes down to today. After 4 days of intense competition at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, the korfball event is set to conclude with a final day of four matches to determine the podium places and final standings.

The International Korfball Federation (IKF) can now confirm the final referee appointments.

Following observation by IKF Referee observers Jorge Alves (POR) and Richard Rense (NED), the officials have been selected to oversee the decisive final matches of the mixed indoor korfball competition.

Here are the official referee appointments for today’s matches:

  • For 7th place: China vs. Portugal
    • Referees: Megan Frederickson (AUS) and Stan de Groot (NED)
    • Jury: Gert Dijkstra (NED) and Lau Wai Sim (MAS)
  • For 5th place: Germany vs. Suriname
    • Referees: Steve Jones (GBR) and Leon Liao (TPE)
    • Jury: Marc Breugelmans (BEL) and Wong Sin Yee (HKG)
  • For the Bronze medal: Czechia vs. Chinese Taipei
    • Referees: Stan de Groot (NED) and Olga Gandia Pérez (ESP)
    • Jury: Michael Janssens (BEL) and Lau Wai Sim (MAS)
  • For the Gold medal: Netherlands vs. Belgium
    • Referees: Carlos Faria (POR) and Chris West (GBR)
    • Jury: Nina Piris (ESP), Wong Sin Yee (HKG), and Lau Wai Sim (MAS)

How to Watch All the Final Matches

You can watch all of today’s final matches live and for free! Streams are available on the official The World Games Live website at live.theworldgames.org and through the official The World Games app, available on both Android and iOS.

⚠️ Stay Safe Online

Please be aware of fake social media profiles and websites that claim to offer live streams for sports at The World Games. These are unofficial, do not have the broadcasting rights, and are more than likely scams or phishing sites intended to steal your personal information. Always use the official sources mentioned above to stay safe online.

For all the newest stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, follow the official IKF social media pages. Our website also has special pages with everything you need.
Good luck to the match officials and the teams!

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

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.

 

 

Excitement builds as IKF CEO attends IWGA General Meeting in Madrid

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. 

Events

The World Games 2029

The International World Games Association (IWGA) officially unveiled on 25 April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany, following its ratification by IWGA Members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Korfball returns in this 13th edition, continuing a legacy of thirty years of participation, and will be present at The World Games for the 12th consecutive time.

This milestone decision confirms the first group of sports that will feature at The World Games, marking a significant step on the road to Karlsruhe, where the global sporting community will gather from 19 to 29 July 2029. Around 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in one of the world’s largest multi-sport events.

The Sports Programme, approved by the IWGA Executive Committee and ratified by the IWGA Members, reflects the organisation’s commitment to diversity, innovation and sustainability. It combines popular, emerging and traditional disciplines, while prioritising the use of existing venues and integrating a limited number of temporary sites in the heart of the host city.

The sports confirmed in this first phase offer a broad and exciting showcase of The World Games Movement. Which specific disciplines to be included will be decided at a later date.

Through participation in The World Games 2029 the International Korfball Federation plans to continue our strategy of increased global awareness and participation in Korfball. We also look forward to many more beautiful matches and moments of skill as the world’s best teams face off against each other for those rare World Games medals.

2025 Editions

In 2025, in Chengdu, China, an extremely strong team from the Netherlands took home the Korfball Gold in 2025 following victory over their long-term rivals from Belgium. On the beach in Chengdu, in an incredible climax Chinese Taipei took home the first ever Gold Medal in Beach Korfball following an incredible long-range buzzer beater to break Dutch hearts.

Related News

25/4/2026 – Korfball Included in the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029

17/7/2025 – The World Games 2025 Recap: News, results, streams, interviews and image galleries.