The Handball International Championships are yearly held competitions where many countries and regions play the handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume. It is organized by the International Ball game Confederation, and there are three official varieties (International fronton, International game, and Llargues), but local modalities are also played. Statistics 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Relevant facts of the Handball International Championships The Valencian players represent Spain, but they show the Senyera and wear suits under the name Valencian Pilota Squad . 1994: Belgian Handball Federation quits from the International Confederation and the country is represented by Second division players. 1995: The Valencian Squad doesn't take part due to an argument with the CIJB because of the kind of ball Italy proposed to play with. 1996: The Belgian Federation threats with fining the First division players who wanted to take part. 2004: The Belgian Federation allows First division players to take part. 2005: The European Championship should be played on Belgium, but the CIJB decides to let place to Colombia to host in January 2006 the World Championship. 2006: The World Championship on Colombia is not played, first due to security of the players and later due to the eruption of the Galeras volcano. Best players Every year the most relevant players are awarded as the Best player: 1993: Sarasol I (Genovés, Valencia) 1998: Grau (València) 1999: Grau (València) 2002: Sarasol II (Genovés, Valencia) 2004: Silverio Deiby Mena, Colombia 2007: Johan van der Meulen, Netherlands See also Frisian handball Longue paume Pallone Valencian pilota External links International Ball Game Confederation Pallapugno World Championship 2004 VII European Championship, at Belgium, 2007 1993 establishments in Europe Handball sports