A recent survey conducted by the European Handball Federation – EHF – with 328 players from 35 countries has revealed that most athletes believe women’s handball requires greater visibility and improved professional conditions. Carried out during the national team week in October, the study provides an updated overview of how players perceive the sport, the main challenges still present and the priority areas for its continued development.
The results highlight significant differences between younger players and those in the senior category regarding public perception of women’s handball. The Younger Age Category (YAC) group identified numerous negative opinions from outside the sport, noting that the public may consider the game “boring” or “worse than the men’s version.” In contrast, senior players — primarily aged between 21 and 30 — described perceptions that align more closely with their own view of the sport: fast, dynamic, physical and played with a style distinct from the men’s game.
Public perception and confidence in the game
The survey suggests that part of this contrast stems from competitive exposure. Senior athletes have competed in major tournaments in front of large crowds, while younger players often take part in competitions with more limited followings. According to the findings, these experiences influence how confident players feel about the way their sport is viewed externally.
The report emphasises the relevance of this factor for talent retention. When young athletes feel their discipline is undervalued, their motivation and long-term commitment may be affected. The EHF considers it essential to reinforce positive messaging and improve the visibility of women’s handball at all levels to support players as they progress towards the elite categories.
Visibility: a unanimous demand
In terms of media presence, the response was almost unanimous: 99 per cent of senior players state that women’s handball needs greater visibility, a view shared by 97 per cent of younger athletes. The role of the media is considered “very important” by 47 per cent of senior respondents, although players identify other areas as even more crucial for the development of the sport.
Among the most relevant points highlighted are working and contractual conditions, followed by marketing and sponsorship opportunities. Visibility ranks third, while remuneration, investment, infrastructure and factors such as financial stability or improvements to coaching and refereeing complete the list of priorities.
EHF initiatives to strengthen women’s handball
The study also examined which players are considered the most influential and inspiring across generations. The EHF has been working for years in this area through programmes designed to increase the visibility of key female figures in the sport. One of these is the Role Models project, currently featuring Katrine Lunde, Andrea Lekic, Estelle Nze Minko and wheelchair handball athlete Joyce van Haaster, with the aim of showcasing real examples of leadership, continuity and high-level careers in handball.
In September 2025, the European Handball Federation launched the Her Playground platform, created to give greater exposure to female players, referees and coaches. The initiative serves as a space for content, reflection and discussion, ensuring that women in handball have a dedicated environment where their work and perspectives are fully represented. In the field of equity and governance, the EHF also organises the Women’s Handball Conferences, which bring together federations, clubs, coaches and specialists to discuss equality policies, leadership and best practices.
These initiatives are complemented by the EHF’s broader structural strategy outlined in the European Handball Master Plan, approved in 2020. The plan includes measures to increase the number of players, referees and coaches; improve talent retention; strengthen technical training; and promote sustainable development across all branches of European handball.
