Semiconductor manufacturer SK hynix said Monday it would launch a men’s handball team in a bid to contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.

Since signing a sponsorship deal with the Korea Handball Federation, an umbrella association for handball, in 2007, SK Group, the parent firm of the chip company, has been supporting the sport in Korea.

SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won has served as the chief of the handball organization since 2009.

The conglomerate also took over a women’s handball team of the Yongin City Government in 2012, which was on the brink of being disbanded due to financial constraints.

“SK hynix hopes that it can boost the morale of the executives and employees through the sport and help Korea to increase its presence in the global handball sector,” an SK hynix official said.

Handball is one of the most popular sports in Europe and is played in 190 countries.

The chip company’s handball team, which will consist of 20 coaches and players, plans to take part in the SK Handball Korea League to be held in March.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)