Handball in line for Rio 2016 Games

Hopes are high that One Wall handball could yet be included as a demonstration event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Representatives of the IOC will be at CityWest, Dublin this week for the World Championships, which have attracted competitors from almost 30 countries.

“We are in the process of re-branding One Wall handball as ‘Wallball’,” explained GAA Handball CEO Chris Curran, “and we are optimistic that the sport will meet the Olympic criteria in future.”

Three-time winner Paul Brady of Cavan is favourite to defend his Men’s Open Singles title in the 40x20 (four wall) court, with Antrim’s Fiona Shannon the woman to beat in the ladies’ grade.

Both will face stiff opposition from the world’s top players, the first of whom began to arrive in Dublin on Monday. The One Wall grades in particular feature hugely diverse international entries. However, they will be dominated at the top level by New York-based players. The One Wall variation of the game was born in the Big Apple during the Depression era and, although it has made huge inroads in this country, the elite Irish players are still primarily focused on 40x20, or four wall, action. The Worlds are a triennial event which rotate between Ireland, Canada and the US. This year’s renewal has attracted a record entry of 2,050 players.

Action begins tomorrow with some underage grades and a special Ireland v USA international exhibition.