Hungary — Handball

Handball is one of the most popular team sports in Hungary, with strong traditions in both men's and women's competitions. The NB I features 70 clubs across 4 competitions, and Hungarian handball benefits from significant investment and passionate fan support.

Hungary is home to Telekom Veszprem, one of the most successful and best-funded clubs in European handball, and the country has become a major host of international handball events.

Handball was introduced to Hungary in the 1920s, and the Hungarian Handball Federation was founded in 1933. The sport grew significantly during the communist era, with state investment supporting both club and national team programmes.

Hungary's best World Championship result was 4th place in 1986, and the men's team also finished 4th at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. In recent years, major government investment has transformed Hungarian handball, with Veszprem becoming a perennial contender in the EHF Champions League. Hungary hosted the European Championship in 2022.

The Hungarian Handball Federation (Magyar Kezilabda Szovetseg) governs handball in Hungary. Founded in 1933, it is a member of the EHF and IHF, and oversees a well-funded domestic handball ecosystem that has benefited from significant government investment.

The Nemzeti Bajnoksag I (NB I) is the top division of men's handball in Hungary. The Hungarian Handball Cup provides knockout competition. Telekom Veszprem, the league's flagship club, is one of the richest and most competitive clubs in European handball.

Hungary's best results in men's handball include 4th place at both the 1986 World Championship and the 1988 Olympics. Hungarian women's handball has been more consistently successful, with the women's team winning multiple medals at World and European Championships. At club level, Veszprem has reached multiple EHF Champions League finals, establishing Hungary as a major force in European club handball.