London 2012 Olympic Games: Handball

Get swept away by the fast-paced handball competition during the London 2012 Olympic Games, taking place in the Basketball Arena and Handball Arena.

Handball at London 2012

Be prepared for fast-moving contests as teams of seven players compete in handball, a sport of skill, agility and strength, at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Handball Arena will host the preliminary round and the women's quarterfinals, while the competition will move to the Basketball Arena for the men's quarterfinals, plus all semi-finals and finals.

Handball at the Olympic Games

Handball originated in northern Europe, with elements of sports from Scandinavia and Germany influencing what is now the modern-day game. It is little surprise, therefore, that Europe has dominated in Olympic competitions.

In the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, France won the men's gold and Norway the women's. Iceland won silver in the men's competition, its only medal of the Games.