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

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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 #WBKC, #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). 

Updates on the IKF’s Organisational Structure in Alignment with Strategic Goals

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The IKF has recently made a series of significant changes to its leadership structure, all firmly aligned with the IKF’s strategic objectives. Over the past few months, there have been alterations in both the Executive Committee (ExCo) and the Council, as well as adjustments to the portfolios assigned to each ExCo member.

Among the most notable changes is the introduction of new members to the ExCo, with Marc Verberk being appointed as IKF Treasurer and Dean Woods nominated as Special Delegate, bringing a diversity of experiences and perspectives to the management of the IKF. Additionally, there have been portfolio reallocations, reflecting a proactive approach to governance and development, with members taking on new responsibilities to better serve the evolving needs of the organisation and the korfball community worldwide.

ExCo Members Portfolios

These structural updates underscore the IKF’s commitment to effective and adaptable governance, aimed at fostering the continued growth and development of korfball. As we progress under CEO Joana Faria’s leadership, the IKF remains dedicated to realising its strategic vision and advancing the sport of korfball on a global scale, as we work together to shape the future of korfball.

This April 13th, don’t miss the spectacular ‘Korfbal League Finale’ live from Rotterdam Ahoy!

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The always spectacular final match of the Dutch ‘Kenonz Korfbal League’ is here again! This Saturday, April 13th, 2024, korfball fans around the world will be able to watch and enjoy this season’s ‘Korfbal League Finale’ and ‘Junior Finale’ live, with English commentaries, on www.eyecons.com.

You can register for free on www.eyecons.com to enjoy the English and Dutch live streams of these finals! More info available on www.korfballeague.nl/korfbalfinale

PKC/Vertom, the current IKF Korfball Champions League winner, is facing in this year’s final the team of DVO/Transus, in a sold out Ahoy stadium. Are you going to miss this game? Save the date and enjoy one of the best korfball experiences of the season. This is korfball!

Previously to the games streamed in Dutch, a full studio program around these two games will be also broadcasted between 20′-15′ before. The Dutch national TV public broadcaster NOS will also cover the big final.

Times and links to the English broadcast:

JUNIOR FINAL (in Dutch):
DVO/Transus A1 – Fortuna A1
Start match: 14.00h
Watch it here (live): eyecons.com/events/youth-final-dvotransus-fortuna-757

KENONZ KORFBAL LEAGUE FINAL (in English):
PKC/Vertom – DVO/Transus
Start match: 16.00h
Watch it here (live): eyecons.com/events/the-kenonz-korfbal-league-final-dvotransus-pkcvertom-english-commentary-755e
English commentaries by Mikki Olthof and Liam Woodcock.

IKF Pin of Merit awarded to Dani Ezpeleta

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Mr. Dani Ezpeleta, a volunteer with the IKF, is our social media officer. He is responsible for much of the content you view every day across our website and multiple social media channels.

Dani has been awarded the Pin of Merit distinction because of his superhuman efforts over many years promoting korfball around the world. It’s very rare to see him without his laptop or a camera in his hand, in today’s hyper-connected world, social media platforms hold the power to amplify voices and build communities, thanks to Dani’s efforts we have a highly engaged and motivated fanbase and following.

Very early on Dani recognized the potential of social media as a force for good and carved a remarkable path for the International Korfball Federation. Thanks to his passion and dedication we have accounts on every social media platform. Dani’s tireless dedication and innovative approach has made a transformative impact on the Federation’s online presence and beyond.

The IKF Executive Committee is forever grateful for the dedication of Dani Ezpeleta, and to all the volunteers supporting the IKF, National Federations and clubs throughout the world.

 

Jorge Alves & Dani Ezpeleta (c) Photos by Gertrude de Vries and Marco Spelten

IKF PIN of Merit to Dani Ezpeleta (c) Photo by Gertrude de Vries

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

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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.

 

The 2024 U19 IKF European Korfball champions are: The Netherlands

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Ten teams have been competing in Catalonia from 29 to 31 March for the IKF U19 (Open) European Korfball Championship 2024 trophy. Netherlands, Belgium, Czechia, England, Catalonia, Slovakia, Portugal, Germany, France and Hong Kong China were the participants, and one team has been playing at another level during all its matches: The Netherlands.

In today’s final against the unbeaten powerful Belgium, the Dutch players were able to perform a very good game again! Despite the strong resitance, the Dutch won 14 to 8 in the end and rightly became champions.

Czechia and England played for Bronze in the previous game, in which the Czechs never let the game out of their hands and deservedly won the bronze medal in the end (CZE 21-6 ENG).

Thanks to the Catalan Korfball Federation for organising such a wonderful tournament, and to all teams, players, coaches, managers, officials and most importantly, the volunteers, for all their hard and good work and friendship. This is korfball!

Gold Medal

Silver Medal

Bronze Medal

The final results and the final ranking

IKF Youtube live streaming playlist

*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games.

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 the hashtags #U19OEKC and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

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

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

 

 

 

Follow here the IKF U19 (Open) European Korfball Championship 2024 (29-31 March)

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All ready in Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sitges to host this year’s IKF U19 (Open) European Korfball Championship 2024. From 29 to 31 March, the Catalan Korfball Federation (FCK) will host this always intense and exciting international youth event. Official LOC website: u19oekc.korfbal.cat

During this 3-day tournament, teams from ten countries will play a group phase the first two days, that will decide the semi-finalists and the cross-final games for places 5 to 10 and the podium on the last day.

As usual, all fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live for free on YouTube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport, with all the updated results, statistics, scorers and rankings.

Furthermore, all local spectators and foreign the supporters travelling to Catalonia will have free access to both venues, to enjoy and to cheer for their favourite teams as much as they want during all these 3 days.

UPDATE 1/4/2024 – Final report: The 2024 U19 IKF European Korfball champions are: The Netherlands

IKF Youtube live streaming playlist

*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games scheduled

A place on the final podium is what all teams are playing for, but only one will be the 2024 U19 European korfball champion. Will the Dutch repeat as reign champions? Don’t miss it!

The final results

The final ranking

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 the hashtags #U19OEKC and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

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

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

Teams

Register now for next June’s IKF Coach & Referee Courses in Hong Kong

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The International Korfball Federation and Hong Kong China Korfball Association are organising several official korfball courses for next June at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) – Hong Kong, China.

IKF Coach Courses – Level II (23-25 June) & Level III (26-29 June)
Instructor: Jan Sjouke van den Bos

IKF Referee Courses – Level I (23-25 June) & Level II (26-29 June)
Instructor: Jorge Alves

Venue: Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) Hong Kong, China.

Organisation: IKF & HKCKA

  • The number of attendees for every course is limited.
  • All interested should contact the HKCKA and IKF|DEC to receive more information and the admission conditions.
  • Email: postmaster@korfball.org.hk with CC to jorge.alves@ikf.org

Registration deadline: 31 March 2024

Instructors:

Jan Sjouke van de Bos is a top master coach at the IKF and the KNKV after a long career as a player and former head coach of several Dutch clubs and the Dutch national team, with several gold medals at the World Championships, Europeans and World Games. His mission during the last years has been to raise the international level around the world, and share his great and remarkable expertise and coaching knowledge through clinics, seminars and courses to help other countries and clubs developing korfball in their regions.

Jorge Alves is the Chair of IKF Development & Education Committee and the IKF Playing Rules Committee. Mr. Alves is a seasoned korfball developer, coach, referee, and coaching and refereeing instructor. He has had a very long and extensive career as an international referee, including having refereed at 5 World Championships, 3 World Games and 18 finals of major events. Apart from this, he has also been coach of multiple teams in the Portuguese Korfball League, and of the national team of Brazil. As an educator, he has taught both referee and coach courses in Portugal and internationally.

Chinese Taipei wins all the golds in the IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024

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An exciting and successful 5-day youth korfball tournament has come to an end today in Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia Korfball Association (MKA) hosted this IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024 from 1 to 5 March 2024, in collaboration with IKF Asia.

Teams from China, Singapore, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei were competing in the six different categories for a place on the final podium. There were a 1 KORF and a 2 KORFS competitions, with a U14, U16 and U19 category being played in each of them, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge for the teams.

After a group phase played during the first 4 days, the final games took place on Day 5, with these final results and medalists:

Over 5 days, all teams performed great korfball and some spectacular plays, always in a wonderful friendship atmosphere. They showed respect, fair play and a great love for korfball during the competition, and most importantly, they also brought the values of korfball out of the field, making these days an unforgettable experience for all teams, supporters, officials and volunteers who helped in the organisation of this event.

At the end of the championship, Chinese Taipei emerged as the dominant force, clinching the Gold Medal in all age groups and both formats. Their impressive performance reflected their dedication and prowess in the sport of Korfball.
Notably, Malaysia also made history with a remarkable showing, winning Silver in the majority of the age groups and both formats. This achievement highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of Malaysian Korfball teams, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.
In the U19 2 Korf format, Thailand stood out by securing the Silver medal, showcasing their talent and determination on the court. The final day of the championship was filled with intense matches, showcasing the passion and skill of the young Korfball players from across Asia.
The IKF U19/U16/U14 Asia Korfball4 Championship 2024 was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship, bringing together young athletes from different countries to compete at the highest level. Congratulations to all the participating teams for their hard work and dedication, and a special salute to the champions, Chinese Taipei, for their outstanding performance and success in the championship.

All fans around the world were able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel, as well as on social media on IKF Asia profiles (sse below) and the hashtags #AK4 and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

On Instagram ► instagram.com/ikfasia
📸 Image galeries ► instagram.com/ikfu19u16u14ak4c2024

On Facebook ► facebook.com/ikfasia
📸 Image galeries ► facebook.com/IKFU19U16U14AK4C2024

📘 Event booklet ► bit.ly/IKFAK42024

2 KORFS – FINAL PODIUMS

U19 Category

U16 Category

U14 Category

 

1 KORF – FINAL PODIUMS

U19 Category

U16 Category

U14 Category

Final day image gallery recap

*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all the live streams

 

Where to review the tournament?

All fans around the world were able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel, as well as on social media on IKF Asia profiles and the hashtags #AK4 and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

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):

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

Previous news

From 1 to 5 March, Kuala Lumpur is hosting the IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024

 

From 1 to 5 March, Kuala Lumpur is hosting the IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024

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One year more, the time for international youth korfball4 competitions has arrived. The IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024 is taking place from 1 to 5 March 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at Indoor Hall, Davidson Primary School.

This event is organised by the Malaysia Korfball Association (MKA) in collaboration with IKF Asia, with teams from China, Singapore, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei competing.

Enjoy this great event following the daily live streams, and discover the next generation of future korfball stars playing this fast, dynamic and simplified 4vs4 korfball modality, with 2 or 1 posts.

LATEST UPDATE – 5/3/2024: Chinese Taipei wins all the golds in the IKF Asia U19, U16 & U14 Korfball4 Championship 2024

All results, official notes, image galleries and updates will be published on these official event profiles:

📺 Daily live streams on IKF Youtube Channel ► bit.ly/AK4LIVE
📘 Event booklet (updated) ► bit.ly/IKFAK42024

Match schedule & daily results after Day 5

 

2 KORFS – Updated standings after Day 3

1 KORF – Updated standings after Day 4

*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all live stream games scheduled

Official profiles (on Instagram):
🔢 Results ► instagram.com/ikfasia
📸 Image galeries ► instagram.com/ikfu19u16u14ak4c2024

Official profiles (on Facebook):
🔢 Results ► facebook.com/ikfasia
📸 Image galeries ► facebook.com/IKFU19U16U14AK4C2024

Where to follow

All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel, as well as on social media on IKF Asia profiles and the hashtags #AK4 and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.

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):

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