Russia men's national handball team

Handball in Russia as one of the sports games appeared in early 20th century (approx. in 1909). In the first period of its development the handball in Russia had two forms, 11 players form and 7 players form. The main centers for the development of handball in Russia till the end of 40s were Moscow, Leningrad, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and other cities of the Russian Federation. Its high popularity, growing authority, both in center and in provinces demanded the formation of united organizational and methodical center, and it was had formed. In 1955 was set up the All-Union section (federation) of handball, was approved the statutes of this public sports organization, were defined the directions for the development of handball, and that appeared to be a stimulus to wide development of handball in the country. There were formed the sections of handball, were set up handball teams, the handball competitions were held. By early 60s was finally approved a single form of handball game – 7players form.

At that period, thanks to active and purposeful efforts of handball public family – All-Russia and regional federations, coaches, athletes and just lovers for handball – started to work centers for children and youths where were trained young athletes – future champions of world and Olympic Games. The first center of that kind was the sports school "Start" for children and youths in Rostov-on-Don. Then similar schools were opened in Moscow, Sverdlovsk, Leningrad, Krasnodar, Volgograd, Krasnoyarsk and in the Far East. More than 100 such centers for training young athletes were opened in Russia. The best of them were awarded with the status of specialized sports schools of Olympic reserve. The opening of those sports schools of Olympic reserve played a significant role in preparation of high class athletes – the reserve of the master teams and of national teams of the country. Young athletes in the age of 10–17 years had their sports training in those schools using special programs. To the moment of appear at the international arena the Russian handball players had got sufficient sports potential and could be able to equally withstand to club and national teams of the countries where handball 7players form started its development much earlier.

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