Swiss handball is experiencing a revival despite past challenges. Following a recent loss to Germany, captain Nikola Portner emphasizes the team’s commitment to inspiring youth participation. Historically, Switzerland had notable successes in the 1990s but faced stagnation afterward. Under coach Michael Suter, the focus on youth development is showing promise, with a young team competing in the World Championship. Positive performances against top teams offer hope for the sport’s future, especially with the upcoming European Championships in 2028.
The Resilience of Swiss Handball: A Journey of Revival
Following a hard-fought 29:31 defeat to Germany in the World Cup group stage, Swiss captain Nikola Portner stands in the catacombs of Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning. Although the loss stings, the passionate goalie wears a smile. “I am proud. With performances like this, we aim to inspire the youth in Switzerland to take up handball,” Portner expresses.
Just moments before, Portner witnessed an impressive display from his team, one that unfortunately did not secure a win against the Olympic silver medalists. After the final whistle, his thoughts shift from the score to the broader significance of handball in Switzerland. Portner recognizes the long-term journey of Swiss handball as a continuous development project.
From Glory to Challenge: The Evolution of Swiss Handball
There was a time when Switzerland stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. In the 1993 World Cup, they achieved a commendable fourth place and followed it up with a seventh-place finish in 1995. The Swiss team even earned an eighth-place diploma at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. These were remarkable feats from a bygone era, when the squad comprised semi-professionals and students—a scenario that seems almost unimaginable today.
As the Swiss team competes in Denmark, they mark their fourth finals appearance in five years. While the continuity is commendable, it has been three decades since Switzerland qualified for a World Cup based on merit alone. Their participation in the 2021 World Cup in Egypt was only possible due to the withdrawal of two other teams due to COVID-19. Now, in Herning, they enter the fray thanks to a wild card granted by the International Handball Federation (IHF), which aims to enhance the sport’s visibility globally. The USA also received a wild card, reflecting the IHF’s goal to develop handball ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The IHF stated, “Switzerland receives the starting place due to its sporting value and for commercial reasons, as it has the greatest reach after thorough analysis.” This indicates that the IHF believes there is still hope for the revival of handball in Switzerland.
As the successes of the 1990s faded, the Swiss team faced challenges, missing Olympic qualification for Sydney 2000 and struggling to regain its footing in the international arena. While handball flourished in neighboring regions, Switzerland’s development lagged behind. The sport’s popularity diminished as other sports, such as floorball, gained traction in schools, leading to a decline in youth participation. Furthermore, there are no prominent teams in Ticino or Romandy, with Mehdi Ben Romdhane being the sole national player from Western Switzerland.
The aftermath of the 2006 European Championship, hosted in Switzerland, saw a decade of stagnation for the national team. Captain Portner, now 31 and a veteran of the team since 2011, recalls a time when teammates would indulge in unhealthy habits, such as smoking and partying, with little regard for their athletic commitments.
While the golden generation of players, including Marc Baumgartner, thrived in their own way, the landscape of handball had shifted dramatically. As other European nations advanced, Switzerland found itself in a cycle of stabilization rather than progression. The turning point came in 2016 when Michael Suter took over as national coach, focusing on youth development and leading junior teams to international recognition.
Despite Suter’s efforts, the Swiss league remains relatively insignificant in the European context. Talented players frequently leave to join top clubs in France or Germany; recently, 19-year-old Gino Steenaerts signed with Rhein-Neckar Löwen, a move that would have seemed implausible just a few years prior.
As Switzerland competes in the World Championship in Denmark, they field the youngest team in the tournament, boasting an average age of 24.3 years. What the young squad desperately needs is a victory over a major handball nation—this could serve as a catalyst for the sport’s resurgence.
Recently, the Swiss team came close to an upset against France, securing two draws, and their strong performance against Germany further fuels optimism. With the developments of the past five years, the future of Swiss handball appears brighter than ever, especially with the European Championships set to take place in 2028, including venues in Switzerland. This event is anticipated to finally elevate Swiss handball back onto the global stage.