Sport

Seoul, South Korea – A dedicated forum held at the National Assembly on February 24th explored the potential of integrating handball into South Korea’s Sports Toto betting system, a move proponents believe could be transformative for the Olympic sport. The discussion centered on securing a more sustainable financial future for handball, which, despite international success, struggles with consistent domestic funding and public recognition.

The “Sports Toto Incorporation of Handball and Sports Innovation Strategy Forum” brought together lawmakers, sports administrators, and representatives from the Korea Handball Association and Federation to discuss how diversifying funding sources could revitalize the sport. The initiative is gaining momentum as stakeholders seek to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem for handball, allowing it to compete effectively on the global stage and build a stronger base within Korea. The core argument revolves around the potential for increased financial stability through the inclusion of handball in Sports Toto, a system designed to promote national sports.

Rep. Jo Gye-won, of the Democratic Party of Korea and a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, hosted the forum and emphasized the demand for institutional support. “Handball, like some unpopular sports, is currently faced with a reality where it is difficult to maintain competitiveness without institutional support,” Rep. Cho stated, adding that Sports Toto is “not a simple profit-making business, but a system for the public purpose of promoting national sports.”

Growth Potential Demonstrated by H-League Success

The forum highlighted the recent positive trajectory of the H-League, Korea’s professional handball league. According to the Korea Handball Federation, the 2024-2025 season, just two years after its launch, saw a remarkable 175% increase in paid spectator and ticket sales compared to the previous season. This growth translated into a sponsorship effect of 20.1 billion won (approximately $15.2 million USD as of February 24, 2026) for the 2024-2025 season. All H-League games are now broadcast live through Mac Sports, a dedicated handball TV channel, as well as major online platforms Naver and Daum, with real-time data likewise being sold on a global sports platform.

SK Group’s long-term commitment to handball was also presented as a model for future investment. Over the past 20 years, SK Group has reportedly sponsored more than 150 billion won towards infrastructure development and base expansion for the sport, including the construction of a dedicated handball stadium.

Government Support and Sustainable Models

Professor Kim Dae-hee of Pukyong National University’s Department of Smart Healthcare, speaking on the topic of a sustainable Korean sports model, pointed to a potential unintended consequence of limiting Sports Toto participation. “The limitation of the number of games held in existing Sports Toto sports is causing the side effect of a continuous increase in overseas sales,” Professor Kim emphasized. He argued that including stable and growing leagues like handball in Sports Toto would help retain betting revenue within Korea and foster a more robust domestic sports economy.

The forum also addressed the broader need for policy innovation within the sports sector. Rep. Lim Oh-kyung led discussions on system improvements centered around sports fields, aiming to create a more favorable environment for both athletes and coaches. The goal is to establish an “independent virtuous cycle ecosystem” where handball can thrive without being solely reliant on government budgets or corporate sponsorships.

Several other members of the Democratic Party of Korea co-hosted the forum, including National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chairman Kim Kyo-heung, and representatives Min Hyeong-bae, Park Soo-hyun, Yang Moon-seok, and National Assembly Education Committee member Kim Moon-soo.

What’s Next for Handball and Sports Toto?

The forum represents a significant step towards potentially including handball in the Sports Toto system. The discussions will inform future policy decisions and could lead to legislative changes aimed at expanding the scope of the betting program. The next steps involve further analysis of the potential financial impact and a thorough assessment of the logistical requirements for integrating handball into Sports Toto. The outcome of these deliberations will likely determine the future financial stability and growth trajectory of handball in South Korea.

The conversation surrounding handball’s inclusion in Sports Toto underscores a broader trend of seeking innovative funding models for Korean sports. As the H-League continues to gain momentum and demonstrate its potential, the case for expanding Sports Toto eligibility to include sports with demonstrated growth potential becomes increasingly compelling. Share your thoughts on the future of handball in the comments below.

The recent capture of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has unleashed a wave of violence across Mexico, raising concerns about security ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. The CJNG, estimated to have between 18,800 and 33,100 members, responded to El Mencho’s capture with widespread blockades and attacks, impacting travel and daily life in at least 20 states. This surge in activity is prompting questions about whether Mexican authorities can maintain control and ensure the safety of the tournament.

The coordinated response by the CJNG, including the deaths of at least 25 National Guard members during the operation to apprehend El Mencho on February 22nd, demonstrates the cartel’s reach and organizational capacity. While previous cartel leader captures have resulted in retaliatory violence, experts suggest this response is unusually broad and well-coordinated. The cartel’s actions, amplified by social media, appear designed to project strength and demonstrate its continued influence, even with its leader in custody. The scale of the disruption has prompted travel advisories and flight cancellations, directly impacting international travel to affected regions.

CJNG’s Rise and Influence

Founded in 2009, the CJNG rapidly expanded its operations, becoming one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels, surpassing even the Sinaloa Cartel in some areas. The cartel’s success is attributed to its control of key trafficking routes, dominance in the synthetic-opioid (fentanyl) supply chain, and a highly militarized structure. According to the U.S. Department of State, the CJNG rose to prominence as leaders of the Valencia/Milenio Cartel began to lose power due to arrests and captures. The cartel is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking, fuel theft, and money laundering.

The CJNG’s influence extends beyond criminal activity, with reports suggesting some cartel figures maintain a degree of popularity within local communities by providing financing for local infrastructure and facilities. This complex relationship complicates efforts to combat the cartel, as targeting its leaders can disrupt essential services and alienate local populations. Dr. Eskauriatza noted that the cartel’s response is, in a way, “required by the rules of the game – if you have your leader nabbed, you have to respond, otherwise you look weak.”

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The immediate impact of the violence has been felt by travelers. The U.S. Government has advised Americans in Jalisco to shelter indoors until further notice. Canada has cancelled flights to the Puerto Vallarta airport, and flight tracking apps showed many aeroplanes returning to their departure destinations. Karina Garcia-Reyes, a senior lecturer in criminology at UWE Bristol, suggests there is a “moderate risk” for tourists, but believes authorities will likely be able to address potential risks in the most affected areas, provided Notice no further large-scale military operations.

The potential for disruption extends beyond air travel. The widespread blockades, with a reported 252 incidents across 20 locations, have hampered ground transportation and disrupted supply chains. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution scholar, highlighted the interconnectedness of the CJNG’s regional cells, suggesting a “tighter” organization than previously understood. This coordinated response underscores the cartel’s ability to exert influence across a significant portion of Mexican territory.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

While the current situation is concerning, experts emphasize that the CJNG’s actions appear to be a display of force rather than an insurgency. Jaime López-Aranda, a former intelligence official, noted that the cartel largely avoided direct confrontations with government forces and did not target military installations or police stations. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Mexico faces in ensuring security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Mexican government will need to demonstrate its ability to maintain control and protect both residents and visitors. Increased security measures, enhanced intelligence gathering, and continued cooperation with international partners will be crucial. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the authorities can effectively contain the CJNG and prevent further disruptions. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring of cartel activity and government response will be essential as the World Cup draws closer.

What steps will the Mexican government take to ensure the safety of World Cup attendees? Share your thoughts in the comments below and assist spread awareness by sharing this article.