Korfball is an extremely popular team sport in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. It is similar in concept to many other team games. But the major difference is that Korfball is a mixed gender game. Korfball team consists of four men and four women. In the Dutch language, “korf” means basket. Over the years, Korfball has been popularized in East European countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland apart from Holland and Belgium.

Korfball was started by a Dutchman named Nico Broekhuysen. The ball used in Korfball games is similar to the leather balls used in soccer matches. The game is played both indoors and outdoors. The playing surface is divided into two equal halves. There are two long poles at the end of each zone. On top of these posts, two baskets are placed. The object of the game is to put the ball into the basket of the opposing team. In this regard, it is similar to Basketball. The unusual rule of the game of Korfball is that the players are not allowed to dribble or run with the ball. This makes it an interesting game. Korfball is a strategic and tactical game. Another unusual rule that is unique to Korfball is that a defender is not allowed to attempt to score a goal. The team that scores the maximum goals is declared a winner. The duration of the game is 60 minutes with two equal halves of 30 minutes each. The players attack and defend by turn. It is not a physical or contact sport. The rules of the game make it a clean game. This eliminates the danger of frequent injuries to the players. Korfball is gaining popularity around the world, especially in the European countries for its unisex nature. It is probably the only recognized mixed-gender game popular in over 50 countries across the globe.

World Korfball Championships are the most prestigious Korfball tournament in the world. It was started in 1978. World Championships are held every four years. The Netherlands and Belgium are the strongest Korfball teams in the world. Korfball is also becoming popular in many countries like New Zealand. Chinese Taipei surprised everyone by winning a bronze medal in the 1991 World Championships. International Korfball Federation is the governing body of the game. It is trying to popularize the game in more and more countries across the world. The spirit of Korfball is the spirit of cooperation and coeducation. The main reason why the game is spreading is because of the gender equality that the game portrays. IKF is doing its best to expand the game. IKF has been sending European teams to the other continents on promotional tours. Korfball is also played in many other countries including Australia, Germany, and the UK.