zeit.de
DHB Seeks to Expand Handball Globally to Counter Declining Popularity
The German Handball Federation is working to expand the sport's global reach, particularly in non-European countries, to counter declining international popularity and maintain its Olympic status; initiatives include funding non-European World Championships and supporting the growth of the sport in countries like the USA.
- How might the DHB's efforts to globalize handball impact its Olympic status in the long term?
- The success of the initiative to expand handball globally depends heavily on securing sufficient resources and logistical support in non-traditional handball countries. The article highlights concerns about venue capacities and the personnel needed to organize such events. Long-term success will require not only financial investment but also a commitment to developing local infrastructure and expertise in these nations.
- What immediate steps is the DHB taking to address concerns about handball's declining global popularity?
- The German Handball Federation (DHB) is concerned about handball's global reach, noting that most World Championships since 2000 have been held in Europe. To address this, former DHB vice-president Bob Hanning proposes holding World Championships in non-traditional handball nations every four years, alternating with tournaments in established handball countries. This initiative aims to increase global exposure and prevent a "handball monoculture.
- What are the potential challenges of expanding handball World Championships to countries with limited handball infrastructure?
- Hanning's proposal to expand World Championships to non-European countries addresses the risk of handball's declining global popularity. The concentration of tournaments in Europe limits the sport's reach and visibility in other regions. By staging championships in less traditional locations, the DHB hopes to promote the sport to new audiences and prevent the decline of international interest.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the discussion around the concerns of German handball officials, highlighting their anxieties about the sport's global standing and the potential loss of Olympic status. This framing emphasizes a European perspective and implicitly suggests that the success of handball is contingent upon its continued dominance within Europe. The headline and introduction could benefit from a more neutral and globally inclusive tone.
Language Bias
The language used reflects a predominantly European-centric viewpoint, with phrases like "handballerische Monokultur" (handball monoculture) implying a negative association with the current concentration of events in Europe. While this is a valid concern, the language used could be more neutral. For example, instead of "handballerische Monokulture," a more neutral term like "geographic concentration of events" could be used. The article also uses terms like "diaspora" to describe expansion, which could be considered loaded language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspectives of German handball officials and largely omits the viewpoints of handball players, fans from non-European countries, and organizers of international events outside of Europe. While the challenges of expanding globally are acknowledged, the perspectives of those directly affected by the potential changes (e.g., players in other countries) are missing. This omission limits the article's ability to provide a complete picture of the issues surrounding the global reach of handball.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between maintaining the current European-centric model of handball and the complete global expansion proposed by Hanning. It fails to acknowledge the possibility of incremental expansion or regional partnerships that might offer a more nuanced approach to broadening handball's reach. The framing of the issue as an "eitheor" situation oversimplifies a complex problem.
Gender Bias
The article primarily features male voices, specifically focusing on the opinions of male handball officials and organizers. The limited presence of female perspectives creates an imbalance in representation and potentially overlooks the experiences and viewpoints of women involved in the sport. More female voices are needed for a balanced analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights efforts to promote handball globally, potentially exposing young people in various countries to a new sport and promoting physical activity, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) targets related to promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.