Russia — Handball

Handball in Russia inherits a rich tradition from the Soviet era, when the USSR was a dominant force in international handball. The Superleague features 52 clubs across 6 competitions.

Russia has maintained a strong handball programme, with the women's national team winning Olympic gold at Rio 2016. Russian clubs have been competitive in European club competitions.

Handball has deep roots in Russia, with the sport played since the early 20th century. The Soviet Union was a powerhouse in both men's and women's handball, winning Olympic gold medals and World Championships.

After the dissolution of the USSR, the Handball Federation of Russia was founded in 1990. Russia continued the Soviet handball legacy, with the women's team winning Olympic gold at Rio 2016 in a dramatic final. Russian handball currently faces restrictions from international competition due to sanctions.

The Handball Federation of Russia governs handball in the country. Founded in 1990, it inherited the Soviet handball tradition. The federation is a member of the EHF and IHF, though participation in international competitions has been affected by sanctions.

The Russian Handball Super League is the top division of handball in Russia. The Russian Handball Cup provides knockout competition. The league has featured strong clubs that have competed in European cup competitions.

Russia inherits the Soviet Union's remarkable handball legacy, which includes Olympic gold medals (1976, 1988, 1992) and World Championship titles. As an independent nation, Russia's women's team won Olympic gold at Rio 2016. Russian clubs have been competitive in European cup competitions.