The Surinamese national korfball team, after winning its third consecutive Pan-American title, also wants to strengthen the development of the sport in its own country. During a reception hosted by DNA Chairman Michael Adhin on Tuesday, October 13, part of the team discussed the possibilities for a school programme and recognition by the Surinaams Olympisch Comité (SOC, Suriname’s Olympic Committee).
Suriname won the title at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal by convincingly defeating Brazil three times: 20-2, 27-12 and 20-3. The team thus qualified for the World Championship, to be held in the Netherlands from October 15 to 24, 2027. Suriname previously became Pan-American champion in Cali in 2018 and Buenos Aires in 2022.
At the reception, also attended by parliamentarian Tashana Lösche, the delegation pointed to the need to train more local talent. Most international players live in the Netherlands. The korfball federation wants to build a broader base in Suriname, so that young people can develop and eventually progress to the national team.
According to the delegation, recognition by the SOC is an important condition for that development. The korfball federation currently does not have this recognition. Recognition could give the federation a formal place within the national sports structure and offer opportunities for structural support.
Adhin and Lösche have pledged to promote consultations between the korfball federation, the SOC and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.
“These players have shown what they can do beyond our borders. Now it is up to us to give young people in Suriname the same opportunity, starting in the gymnasium,” Adhin said.
The federation wants to start a school programme in the 2027-2028 school year. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports previously discussed the introduction of korfball during physical education classes with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the Schoolsportfederatie. Physical education teachers have already attended clinics for this purpose.
According to the delegation, equipment has been pledged by the Dutch korfball community. Support has also been offered for the training of referees and other officials.
The national team has achieved several international results in recent years. Suriname finished sixth at the 2019 World Championship and fifth in 2023. The team also finished fifth at the World Games in 2022 and 2025. The Surinamese U17 team Futuru participated in a World Championship for the first time this year and finished seventh in Eindhoven.
