Handball success boosts hope for Olympic recognition

A key objective of the Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee (ÍSF) is to achieve full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

However, all attempts at attaining this recognition have so far failed, meaning that Faroese athletes have been competing under the Danish flag.

The ÍSF has long been arguing that the Faroes now regularly produce athletes of Olympic standard, which adds weight to the argument that they should be able to represent their home country at the Olympics.

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But with the men’s national handball team qualifying for the EHF EURO 2024, the Faroes now have a stronger argument than ever to convince the IOC, ÍSF president Elin Heðinsdóttir Joensen said at the confederation’s annual general meeting held over the weekend.

“When the International Handball Federation recognises the Faroes as an independent member state, why can’t other international organisations recognise our athletes?”

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She adds that she is happy to see the positive signals coming from Faroese authorities, including a section in the new coalition agreement which states that Faroese athletes should be given the best possible circumstances to reach their potential.

“The coalition agreement also mentions increased funding for the ÍSF along with financial support for Faroese athletes competing abroad. We have had very positive talks with the political system, and we hope this good collaboration will continue.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.