Belgium — Handball

Handball in Belgium has grown steadily, particularly through the cross-border BENE-League shared with the Netherlands. The Handball scene features 14 clubs across 1 competitions, with the Division 1 serving as the primary domestic competition.

Belgian handball benefits from strong club traditions in both Flanders and Wallonia, with the sport gaining increasing visibility in recent years.

Handball was introduced to Belgium in the 1930s, initially as field handball. The Royal Belgian Handball Federation was founded in 1947, and the sport gradually transitioned to the indoor format through the 1960s.

A significant development came in 2002 with the launch of the BENE-League, a combined top division with the Netherlands, which raised the competitive level of club handball in both countries.

The Royal Belgian Handball Federation (Koninklijke Belgische Handbal Bond) governs handball in Belgium. Founded in 1947, it is a member of the EHF and IHF, managing domestic competitions and national team programmes across both the Flemish and French-speaking communities.

Belgium's top-level handball operates through the BENE-League, a joint competition with Dutch clubs, alongside a national Belgian league. The Belgian Handball Cup provides knockout competition, and lower divisions support the development of clubs across the country.

Belgium's national handball team has made occasional appearances at European Championship finals, including qualification in 2012. While not a traditional powerhouse, Belgian handball has been developing steadily, with club sides competing in European cup competitions.