Deaf and wheelchair handball: The power of inclusion

Deaf handball operates almost identically to indoor handball, with one key difference: Referees use visual signals instead of whistles. Unlike many adaptive sports, deaf handball is not connected to the Paralympics or Para Sport, and their major events are organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and European Deaf Sport Organisation, which sometimes leads to the sport being overlooked. Yet, in Croatia, the deaf handball national side stands as one of the country’s most successful sports teams.

Part of Croatia's deaf handball story is Oliver Lušić — one of the most prominent deaf Croatian handball players, who also serves as president of the Croatian Deaf Sports Association. For Lušić, sport is more than just competition — it is a powerful tool for growth, self-confidence and inclusivity.

“Through sport, I've gained confidence and security — qualities that have guided me through life,” reflects Lušić, speaking about how team sports, and handball in particular, have had an impact beyond the game itself.

“Sport gave me a sense of togetherness and self-confidence, and helped me fit into society better. I tried a lot of different sports, but I fell in love with handball. It's a team sport and I was lucky enough to have great teammates and a coach who helped me. Because of handball I became who I am today.”

Without a hearing aid, Lušić hears very little. 

“Handball made me stronger,” he says. “I would recommend it to everyone. And not just handball — any sport. It is the most powerful tool for kids and young people.”

Reflecting on the progress of deaf athletes, Lušić takes pride in the Croatian deaf handball team’s achievements, which have paved the way for other sports within the deaf community.

“We’re now successful in many sports within the Croatian Deaf Sports Association. If it weren't for handball, many of these wouldn't exist today.”

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Players with hearing impairments often struggle with referee signals or instructions from coaches and teammates.

“Some of our players don’t benefit from cochlear implants or hearing aids, and they missed signals. By working closely with officials and educating those involved in the sport, the Association has managed to create better understanding and support for players who may otherwise feel misunderstood,” Lušić explains, acknowledging that sport can be both a source of frustration and empowerment.

“I know when I started playing handball I was often misunderstood. Coaches thought I was stubborn or not that smart. So, even the smallest adjustment can make a huge difference.”

The success of Croatia’s national deaf handball team has been remarkable — six European and three world gold medals, as well as nine medals from Deaflympics. However, the success goes beyond medals and trophies, as a family-like bond has been formed among the team members. Lušić, who is still playing indoor handball in Croatia's second division, at Metalac, speaks of respect and sacrifice.

“We are all like one big family, where everyone adjusts to the common goal. Many of us are taking vacation days to be with the national team, with the big support of our family and friends.”

Looking to the future, Lušić hopes to see a Croatia women's deaf national handball team and more young athletes enter the court through collaboration with the sports federations.

“We still don't have a women's national team in Croatia. So far, we had three or four players, but with that, we couldn’t do much more. But I hope we will in the near future,” he says.

“We planned a project in 2020, which started in 2022 due to COVID-19. We are creating a base for the development of children and young people in sport. However, regarding the overall representation of women in sports for the deaf, it is significant, and I must proudly emphasise that, apart from the men’s handball team, we have many more women than men in other individual sports.”

Wheelchair handball has also provided a path for athletes with physical disabilities and has seen big progress in recent years. Through adaptability, resilience and teamwork, these athletes redefine what is possible while showing us that the spirit of the game truly has no boundaries.

One player who embodies this spirit is Alexandra Dabek, a France national wheelchair handball team player and vice-captain of the side. Dabek began her handball journey four years ago and, within a short time, her dedication and love for the sport brought her to the international stage.

A year and a half ago, Dabek had the opportunity to play her first tournament, which led to her joining the national team and thus participating in the 2024 IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship, where France finished fourth. 

“I have fully appreciated this unique opportunity,” says Dabek. “This sport is experiencing remarkable growth and has gained momentum over recent years, with new teams forming in several countries. The encounters at the World Championship last September allowed us to face incredibly talented, competitive and passionate players. It’s a precious opportunity to showcase this sport on the international stage.”

While wheelchair handball is quite similar to handball, it adds one unique aspect to the game — men and women competing side by side.

“We are complementing each other, and that’s the true strength of this sport. This mix of genders allows us to combine our skills and bring a new dimension to team sports. Having the opportunity to play and compete together enables us to transcend differences, highlight each person’s talents, and build a richer, more complete team,” explains Dabek.

Dabek is just one of many players to have found joy in handball. When she is not with the national team, she plays for her club Meximieux. Dabek is one of 150 registered wheelchair handball players in 55 clubs (competitive and amateurs) within the French Handball Federation. Their project “HandEnsemble,” or handball for people with disabilities, encompasses wheelchair handball, adapted handball, which targets people with mental disabilities (intellectual deficiency and mental disorders), and deaf handball.

When Dabek is asked what is needed to bring wheelchair handball to a higher level, she has a straightforward answer:

“Work, work and more work. There’s no secret — hard work always pays off, and now it's up to us to make it happen.” 

Even though the athletes are still facing challenges, for Dabek there is no giving up.

“Self-reflection, hard work and determination are three essential elements for any athlete. Additionally, in a rapidly developing sport, we aim to increase its visibility and raise awareness of wheelchair handball in France and worldwide.”

There is one common conclusion — sport is for everyone, and it allows you to meet new people, explore new places and overcome any obstacle you are facing.

“Sport has no limits. It allows us to push ourselves and experience victories every day, regardless of the outcome, because there’s no real failure. Just four years ago, I wasn’t involved in sports at all; I only wanted to try a team sport. Since then, sports have become a part of my life and have allowed me to discover my true self,” says Dabek.

Wheelchair handball has made impressive progress, but its journey is just beginning. As the sport gains more visibility and attracts new players. It is clear that dedication on the part of players, teams and supporters will drive it forward. 

“In just a few years, wheelchair handball has transformed my life, giving me invaluable experiences both on a sporting and personal level. This sport is evolving rapidly, and it deserves as much visibility as possible to inspire new generations who are ready to push their own limits. I hope my journey can encourage others, young and old alike, to discover sports, embrace inclusivity, and push themselves fearlessly,” concludes Dabek.

Photos © FFHandball/Icon Sport (main and in-text), Hrvatski sportski savez gluhih (in-text)