Danish Politicians Challenge Mathias Gidsel Over Future Handball Championships
Mathias Gidsel’s proposal to bring major international handball tournaments to different parts of Denmark has sparked a political debate, with regional leaders strongly defending Herning’s position as the country’s main handball venue.
The Danish superstar recently suggested that future championships should not be concentrated in one region, but instead give fans across Denmark the opportunity to experience major international handball events closer to home.
However, politicians from central and western Jutland are far from convinced.
Speaking on TV MIDTVEST’s debate programme Kampen om bordet, several regional political representatives expressed their opposition to moving major tournaments away from Herning, which has established itself as a traditional home of Danish international handball.
Among the strongest voices was Silkeborg mayor Helle Gade, who argued that the Jyske Bank Boxen offers everything required to successfully stage major sporting events.
She pointed to the arena’s infrastructure, facilities and experience as compelling reasons to maintain Herning’s leading role rather than shifting major events towards Copenhagen.
The debate is particularly relevant ahead of two major tournaments scheduled to take place in Denmark: the 2031 Men’s World Championship and the 2032 Women’s European Championship.
Copenhagen has officially expressed its interest in hosting championship matches, potentially challenging Herning’s established position.
For now, the Danish Handball Federation has postponed its final decision regarding the distribution of venues.
The discussion highlights a growing question in Danish handball: should the country’s biggest international matches remain in a proven handball stronghold, or should hosting opportunities be shared more widely to bring the sport closer to supporters across the nation?
Source: Hbold.dk / TV MIDTVEST
