Eight of Europe’s best men’s and women’s national teams will participate in the games, and the winners will win a direct qualification to the Olympic Games, the EHF announced.
The new competition will be held in September, while the European Championships in both competitions will maintain their current rhythm – every two years. Although until now the current European champion had secured a place at the Olympic Games, it has not yet been confirmed whether this practice will continue.
EHF President Michael Wiederer pointed out that the European Handball Games will ensure the continuity of Olympic handball on European soil, bearing in mind that the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games will be held outside Europe, in Los Angeles and Brisbane.
“With the introduction of the European Handball Games, the EHF guarantees that handball at the Olympic level will be played in Europe during this cycle, and a European place at the Olympic Games represents the biggest prize. As with club competitions, we want to make a new step forward for national teams as well,” said Wiederer.
Details of the format will be worked out at the EHF Executive Board meeting in December.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
