The new agreement began on January 1, 2014, and runs until January 1, 2018.

It follows on from a similar four-year deal which expired on December 31, 2013.

All major IKF events including World Championships, regional championships and IKF World Cups will use the Mikasa K5-IKF match ball.

"Both Mikasa and IKF strive to achieve the maximum quality in what we do," said IKF senior vice-President Frans Walvis.

"Korfball benefits from the high quality product that Mikasa delivers.

"For the past four years, the Mikasa K5-IKF, which was a bold step forward from previous ball designs, has helped project korfball as a unique, dynamic and innovative sport.

"Our players appreciate and enjoy the handling characteristics and aesthetics of the ball, which quickly became an integral part of our sport's image.

"We are delighted that Mikasa has agreed to continue the relationship, and we look forward to working together to further enhance korfball as a sporting and spectator experience."

Head-quartered in Hiroshima, Mikasa has been a ball-supplier for a number of sports since its foundation almost 100 years ago and has been particularly associated with football, basketball, handball, water polo and volleyball.

It was the official volleyball supplier for the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and has been the official game ball supplier for all International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) volleyball and beach volleyball competitions since 2013.

Mikasa were the official ball suppliers for the volleyball competitions at London 2012
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