Korfball makes one of the most positive statements about gender equality in all of sports. The game bears strong resemblance to basketball – from which it evolved – but is based on full collaboration between the two sexes. While four men and four women team up on each side, only players of the same sex oppose each other directly. With teamwork being paramount in korfball, individual class is much desired, individual play such as dribbling, however, is ruled out.

The Netherlands duly took the korfball gold at The World Games 2005. For the sixth consecutive time already, the Dutch defeated their opponents from Belgium in the final. And yes, there is a very good chance that both teams will match up again in the game for gold at The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung. But behind the perennial contenders the race is wide open: the Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, maybe a dark horse like Portugal or Russia, they should all have a shot at getting the bronze.

 Korfball at The World Games 2005