Having been a demonstration sport at the three previous World Games in 2001, 2005 and 2009, Beach Handball is now an official part of the Games for the first time. In the Colombian city of Cali, host of the “Olympic Games of the non-Olympic sports” from 25 July to 4 August 2013, Beach Handball will have it’s premiere as part of the official programme. After a training day on 1 August the men’s and women’s competitions will be played from 2 to 4 August in Cali. 13 of the 16 participants – eight men’s and eight women’s teams – are confirmed following their results at the 2012 Beach Handball World Championship in Oman.

Both defending champions Brazil and the hosts Colombia have qualified directly, with a team for both men and women. Adittionally, Ukraine, Croatia, Egypt and Qatar are qualified as Continental participants in the men’s tournament. The two remaining spots will be decided at the Continental qualifications of Oceania (23 to 24 February) and Pan-America (20 to 23 March). Denmark, Norway, Uruguay, Australia and China have qualified for the women’s tournament, the last spot is reserved for an African team. The Beach Handball championship at the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) was won by Brazil (men) and Italy (women).