The handball world championship in Oslo has experienced a significant decline in public enthusiasm following Norway’s exit from the tournament. Initial excitement, marked by royal attendance and a packed arena, quickly faded after the national team’s defeats. Attendance for subsequent matches plummeted, contrasting with lively venues in Denmark and Croatia. While interest slightly revived for the semifinal match between Portugal and Denmark, local support remained low, casting uncertainty on future royal appearances as the event concludes.
Handball World Championship in Oslo: A Dwindling Enthusiasm
The handball world championship is drawing to a close in Oslo, but the hosts have already exited the competition, leading to a notable lack of interest from the Norwegian public. What began as a spirited event has seen a significant decline in enthusiasm as the tournament progressed.
A Fading Celebration: From Royal Enthusiasm to Disappointment
At the commencement of the championship, excitement was palpable. King Harald V made a personal appearance at the opening ceremony in Baerum, demonstrating his support for the national team. Nearly 10,000 fans packed the Unity Arena to cheer on Norway. However, the mood soon shifted dramatically after the national team suffered a shocking defeat to Brazil, losing 26:29. The optimism quickly transformed into despair, and even the king’s demeanor reflected the disappointment.
Local newspapers echoed this sentiment, describing the start of the championship as “terrible,” while others lamented that the tournament was being ruined before it truly began. By the time Norway faced Portugal and lost 28:31, the excitement had dissipated completely. Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon attended the games with grace, but the initial sparkle of the event had already diminished significantly.
Attendance for subsequent matches plummeted, with only around 5,000 spectators showing up for the key game against Spain in an arena designed for 13,500. Meanwhile, the atmosphere at other championship venues in Denmark and Croatia remained lively when home teams were in action, yet the absence of the Norwegian squad left a void in Oslo.
Despite Norway’s proud history as a handball nation, including being vice-world champions in 2017 and 2019, local support has waned. The Unity Arena, built on the site of the former Oslo airport, lacks charm, surrounded by uninviting gray landscapes that do little to attract fans. Unlike the vibrant venue in Herning, which featured interactive exhibits, Oslo’s arena offered limited amenities, contributing to a less engaging experience for attendees.
As the championship heads into its final stages, the arena has seen a slight resurgence in attendance for the semifinal match between Portugal and Denmark, thanks to the latter’s participation. The arena was adorned in red and white, reminiscent of a Copenhagen atmosphere, yet the lack of local support from Norwegians remained evident. The final showdown on Sunday between Denmark and Croatia will be the culmination of this handball event, but as the dust settles, it is uncertain whether the royal family will make another appearance.