Slovenia — Handball

Handball is one of the most popular sports in Slovenia, with strong domestic competition and a national team that regularly competes at major tournaments. The 1. NLB Liga features 12 clubs across 1 competitions.

Slovenia has punched above its weight in international handball, reaching the World Championship semi-finals in 2017 and producing numerous players who star in top European leagues.

Handball in Slovenia developed during the Yugoslav era, where the sport was widely popular. After independence in 1991, the Handball Federation of Slovenia was established as an independent body.

Slovenia has been a consistent qualifier for major tournaments, with the highlight being a 4th-place finish at the 2017 World Championship in France. RK Celje has been Slovenia's most successful club, winning the EHF Cup Winners' Cup and competing regularly in the Champions League.

The Handball Federation of Slovenia (Rokometna Zveza Slovenije, RZS) governs handball in Slovenia. Originally founded in 1949 within Yugoslavia and re-established in 1991, it is a member of the EHF and IHF.

The Liga NLB is the top division of men's handball in Slovenia. The Slovenian Handball Cup provides knockout competition. RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko is the dominant force in Slovenian club handball.

Slovenia's best result at a major tournament was 4th place at the 2017 World Championship. The national team has been a regular qualifier for European and World Championships. At club level, RK Celje has won European trophies and competed in the EHF Champions League.