Handball originated in Europe in the 19th century.  The current form of indoor handball commenced in October 1917 when the modern rules were published.

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Men's Handball emerged on the Olympic Stage in 1936 as an outdoor field sport and was introduced as an indoor sport at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games with the women's competition being added in 1976. Handball has been a feature at every Olympic Games since then with competition in both genders. 

Australia competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and has a two step qualification pathway to the Summer Olympic Games through being the top placed Oceania Continental Handball Federation team at the Asian Handball Championships.