Greece — Handball
Browse all Handball leagues from Greece. Standings, fixtures and statistics.
Overview Apr 1, 2026
Handball in Greece occupies a modest place in the national sporting landscape, overshadowed by football and basketball. The A1 features 28 clubs across 2 competitions.
Despite limited international success, handball has a dedicated following in Greece, and the 2004 Athens Olympics provided a boost to the sport's visibility in the country.
History Apr 1, 2026
Handball was introduced to Greece in the 1950s, and the Hellenic Handball Federation was founded in 1968. The sport developed gradually, with the first formal championship established in 1979.
The 2004 Athens Olympics, where Greece participated as the host nation, provided a significant boost to handball's profile in the country. Greek clubs have occasionally competed in European cup competitions.
- —1968 — Hellenic Handball Federation founded
- —1979 — First Greek handball championship held
- —2004 — Greece participated in handball at the Athens Olympics as host
Governing Body
The Hellenic Handball Federation is the governing body for handball in Greece. Founded in 1968, it is a member of the EHF and IHF, managing domestic competitions and national team programmes.
League System
The A1 Ethniki is the top division of handball in Greece. The Greek Handball Cup provides knockout competition. The league has historically been dominated by a small number of clubs from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Achievements
Greece's national handball team has competed primarily in qualification campaigns for European and World Championships. The team's participation at the 2004 Athens Olympics as the host nation remains the highlight of Greek handball on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top handball league in Greece?
The A1 Ethniki is the top division of men's handball in Greece.
Has Greece competed in handball at the Olympics?
Yes, Greece participated in handball at the 2004 Athens Olympics as the host nation.
When was the Hellenic Handball Federation founded?
The Hellenic Handball Federation was founded in 1968.