PARAMARIBO — DNA chairman Ashwin Adhin and assembly member Tashana Lösche want to work together to promote the recognition of korfball by the Surinamese Olympic Committee (SOC). In doing so, they want to contribute to the further development of sport in Suriname and increase the opportunities for local talent to develop. This emerged on Tuesday during a meeting with part of the Surinamese korfball selection, which recently won the Pan-American championship title for the third time in a row.
During the conversation in the National Assembly, not only the international performance of the selection was discussed, but also the challenges of developing korfball sustainably in Suriname. Adhin and Lösche have promised to promote consultation between the korfball federation, the SOC and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and to bring the parties involved into contact with each other where necessary.
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 gym
Suriname won the title after three convincing victories over Brazil, 20-2, 27-12 and 20-3. The selection also secured participation in the world championship, which will be held in the Netherlands from 15 to 24 October 2027.
The title is the third Pan American Championship title in a row for Suriname, after previous victories in Cali in 2018 and Buenos Aires in 2022. The selection has also distinguished itself at other international tournaments. During the world championships, Suriname finished sixth in 2019 and fifth in 2023. The team also took fifth place at the 2022 and 2025 World Games. In addition, this year marked the first time that a Surinamese youth team took part in a world championship. The U17 team Futuru finished in seventh place in Eindhoven.
Despite these results, there is an important challenge in the development of the sport in our own country. Most of the players in the national selection live in the Netherlands, where interest in korfball among young people with Surinamese roots is reportedly growing. The association’s ambition is to also lay a solid foundation in Suriname, so that young people can become acquainted with the sport locally and talent can further develop.
Recognition by the SOC is seen as an important step. This recognition can offer korfball a formal place within the national sports structure and create opportunities for structural support.
There are also initiatives at a practical level to stimulate the sport. According to the delegation, the Dutch korfball world has promised material and offered support in the form of training for referees and other officials. In addition, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has previously consulted with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the School Sports Federation about the introduction of korfball during physical education lessons. In this context, PE teachers have already attended clinics.
The korfball federation aims to start a school program in the 2027-2028 school year. With this she wants to introduce young people to the sport in an accessible way and lay the foundation for the development of new korfball talent. “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 gym,” said Adhin.
With a view to the 2027 World Championships in the Netherlands, the selection is focusing on a new international challenge. At the same time, according to the ambitions discussed, success must contribute to the further development of korfball in Suriname, so that young people in their own country also have the opportunity to practice the sport and grow to a higher level.
