This summer's Olympics in Tokyo included impressive victories against teams such as Spain and the Russian Olympic Committee (ROK).
It ended up being a fourth place for the Swedes after a loss in the bronze match against Norway.
Now a new championship awaits for Sweden, which starts the World Cup against Uzbekistan tomorrow.
Federation captain Tomas Axnér is pleased to come to the World Cup with a good result in the back.
What do you think it shows, that Sweden is coming to the World Cup as Olympic four?
- That there is a capacity that we should be able to be up there when we play the very best and be among the best in the world.
I think it shows, says Tomas Axnér to SVT Sport.
"Taken a step every time we gathered"
Axnér does not believe that fourth place was a one-time event, but still believes that Sweden has a long way to go before top places in each championship are to be reckoned with.
- To do it over time, championship after championship, I do not really think we are there yet but it is clear that we aim for that.
To eventually be able to be one of the four best teams in the world.
But I think we have a bit left, he says.
In the World Cup group stage, Sweden will face the aforementioned Uzbekistan as well as Puerto Rico and the reigning world champion the Netherlands.
If you move on from there, nations like Norway and Romania in the main round and France or the Russian handball federation's team will probably wait in a possible quarter-final.
- We have a very tough draw and if we are to repeat that semi-final place now, we will have to beat almost all medal teams from the Olympics on the way forward.
But I think we have taken a step every time we have gathered and that it has looked better every time and I hope that this development will continue, that is the goal, says Axnér.
CLIP: Clara Lerby joins the World Cup squad: "Something you dreamed of" (November 3, 2021)
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Clara Lerby joins the World Cup squad: "Something you dreamed of" Photo: Bildbyrån