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TWG2025: Korfball and Beach Korfball teams confirmed

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

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.

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

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)

 

From 26 to 28 April, don’t miss the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 live from Thailand!

The beach korfball stadium in Pattaya City is ready to kick off the long-awaited qualifier event for next year’s World Games: the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024.

From 26 to 28 April, the Korfball Association of Thailand will host this #WBKC2024 qualifier event. 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.

Following the Group Draw that took place two weeks ago live on YouTube.com/ikfchannel, all teams arrived in Thailand knowing how important it’s going to be the first group phase in the fight to reach the top positions of this tournament.

Eighteen teams were drawn into three groups, with some interesting matchups emerging based on the latest beach world rankings, which guarantees tight matches and exciting games throughout all days. Let’s enjoy beach korfball!

Latest news (29/4/2024): Netherlands claim revenge, Crowned champions at dramatic IKF Beach Korfball Worlds 

Match Schedule

Updated results & standings

 

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). 

Where to follow / Live streams

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. Quick access site: korfball.sport/WBKC2024

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

Daily live streams playlist ▼

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.

IKF Beach Korfball World Ranking

IKF Beach Korfball Ranking Criterita, click here.

TWG 2025 Qualification Criteria Beach Korfball, click here.

Follow it on social media

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.

IKF Beach Korfball profiles:

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

IKF Asia profiles:

► facebook.com/IKFasia
► instagram.com/IKFasia
► twitter.com/AsiaIKF

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

About the IKF World Beach Korfball Championships

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). 

Road to Chengdu begins! IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024: Groups Draw completed!

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.

IKF Beach Korfball World Ranking

IKF Beach Korfball Ranking Criterita, click here.

TWG 2025 Qualification Criteria Beach Korfball, click here.

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 @IKFAsia and @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtag #WBKC2024, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

IKF Beach Korfbal profiles:

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

IKF Asia profiles:

► facebook.com/IKFasia
► instagram.com/IKFasia
► twitter.com/AsiaIKF

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

About the IKF World Beach Korfball Championships

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). 

IKF Conducts Successful Inspection Visit to Chengdu for The World Games 2025 Preparations

A delegation from the International Korfball Federation (IKF), led by Secretary General and CEO Joana Faria, along with Assistant Competition Manager Akiko Tsujikawa, and Jan Fransoo, IKF Honorary Life President and IWGA Executive Committee member, recently concluded a fruitful inspection visit to Chengdu.

During the visit, the IKF officials had the opportunity to inspect various venues designated for korfball and beach korfball events for The World Games 2025. The delegation engaged in constructive discussions and made crucial decisions in collaboration with the TWG2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

“We were warmly welcomed in Chengdu, and the meetings with the LOC were highly productive,” stated Joana Faria. “The visit allowed us to make significant progress in the preparations for The World Games 2025 and finalise the selection of venues for both korfball and beach korfball competitions.”

Joana Faria expressed her satisfaction with the progress made during the visit and with the level of organisation and readiness displayed by the LOC, highlighting the dedication and commitment towards hosting a successful event.

The inspection visit marks a significant advance in the preparations for The World Games 2025, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the IKF and the LOC to ensure a memorable and successful tournament.

 

Events

The World Games 2025

The 12th edition of The World Games will be held in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. While 35 sports are on the programme, 61 disciplines and 254 medal events will fill up the action-packed ten-days of competition.  korfball

Eight competition clusters will use a total of 28 venues having state-of-the-art infrastructures. The Chengdu 2025 Organising Committee has proposed sports facilities that are up to the highest international standards, promising optimum conditions for some of the world’s best 4000+ athletes who will be participating in The World Games 2025.

The World Games is a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest World Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA) in 2022.

The korfball teams qualified for TWG 2025 following the latest round of matches at the IKF World Korfball Championship 2023 held in Taipei City.

  • Belgium
  • Chinese Taipei
  • Czech Republic
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Suriname

Beach Korfball will also be played at The World Games 2025 for the first time in addition to the main Korfball event. Qualification for the TWG 2025 Beach Korfball will be announced following the completion of the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 that took place in Pattaya and the upcoming IKF Beach Korfball World Cups in Europe and Asia during this 2024.

The IKF World Korfball Championship 2023 was used as the only qualification event for The World Games 2025 indoor korfball discipline. There are eight qualification places available for TWG 2025. The framework aimed at having four continents representing Korfball at the TWG 2025 out of the five Continents represented in the IKF WKC 2023 – Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania.  

To make this happen, participants from four continents should finish in the top-11 at the IKF WKC 2023. Therefore, the final ranking at the IKF WKC 2023 decided which teams qualified for TWG 2025.  The final qualification place will be decided by the IKF Council before December 2024 taking the interest of quality of the competition, global representation, and marketing impact into account.

For more information on The World Games 2025, please visit The World Games 2025, Chengdu (CHN) | IWGA. Search #TWG2025 and #RoadtoChengdu for the latest updates on social media. 

 The World Games 

The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games 2022 was held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and 100 countries took part in the Games. The 12th edition of The World Games will be held in Chengdu, CHN, 7-17 August 2025. 

More information:

#TWG2025 ► The World Games 2025 in Chengdu (TWG website – official info)