Sanna Solberg-Isaksen #24 of Team Norway celebrate after her team defeated Team France during the Women's Gold Medal match between Team Norway and Team France GETTY IMAGES

The women's handball final took place on Saturday, as Norway and host nation France locked horns. Taking the gold was the Norwegian team edging their opponents 30-25. It meant Denmark took the bronze after beating Sweden by the same scoreline.

The final took place at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Paris, where France aimed to secure gold on home soil, continuing their streak of reaching the final since Rio 2016. Meanwhile, Norway sought to reclaim the gold medal they last won in London 2012, having settled for bronze in the previous two editions.

The match began with France taking an early lead, scoring three quick goals and dominating the opening minutes. However, Norway swiftly responded, closing the gap and eventually overtaking France on the scoreboard. By halftime, Norway held a two-goal advantage with a score of 15-13.

Members of Team Norway react from the bench during the Women's Gold Medal match between Team Norway and Team France GETYY IMAGES
Members of Team Norway react from the bench during the Women's Gold Medal match between Team Norway and Team France GETYY IMAGES

Determined not to let the gold slip away on home turf, France focused heavily on their attack in the second half. However, they struggled to find the back of the net, managing only one goal in the first ten minutes, while Norway capitalized by scoring three, widening the gap significantly.

This left France in a nearly impossible position to stage a comeback. In the final fifteen minutes, Norway continued to dominate, adding eight more goals to France’s five. The match ended with a decisive 29-21 victory for Norway.

With this win, Norway not only reclaimed the gold medal but also matched Denmark's gold tally, becoming the team with the most medals in the sport: three golds, two silvers, and three bronzes.



The bronze medal was also disputed between Denmark and Sweden. The Danish team tried last day to reach the final, which they had not reached since Athens 2004, where they won three gold medals in a row (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004). On the Swedish side, they were facing the opportunity to win their first Olympic medal in this discipline.

The match was closely contested, with momentum shifting between both teams throughout the game. Denmark held a slight advantage in the first half, finishing with a 15-13 lead. In the end, Denmark emerged victorious, securing the bronze medal with a 30-25 win.

This victory delayed Sweden’s pursuit of their first Olympic medal in this category, while Denmark strengthened their position as the second most successful team in Olympic handball history, trailing only behind the gold medalists of this edition, Norway.