1997 World Women's Handball Championship — 1997 edition of the World Women's Handball Championship
Denmark claimed its first World Women's Handball Championship title at the first 24-team edition of the tournament, held in Germany.
Key Facts
- Host country
- Germany
- Tournament dates
- 30 November – 14 December 1997
- Number of teams
- 24 (first time at this size)
- Champion
- Denmark (first title)
- Denmark's only defeat
- Lost to Macedonia during the tournament
- Spectator fatalities
- 2 Danish spectators stabbed and killed in stands
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Germany hosted the 1997 IHF World Women's Handball Championship, the first edition expanded to 24 participating teams. Denmark entered as a strong contender and progressed through the tournament losing only one match, to Macedonia, before reaching the semi-finals and final.
Held from 30 November to 14 December 1997, the championship saw Denmark win its first-ever World Women's Handball title. The tournament was also marred by a fatal stabbing incident in the stands during the Denmark vs. Russia semi-final, when a German spectator attacked two Danish spectators with a knife, killing both. The assailant was arrested and admitted to the act, citing alcohol intoxication.
Denmark's victory marked a historic milestone for the nation in women's handball. The fatal stabbing of two Danish spectators cast a shadow over the event, raising concerns about spectator safety at international handball competitions. The perpetrator was taken into custody and confessed during police interrogation.
Result
at Germany