The Handball Federation of Nigeria, HFN, has issued a stern directives to all the newly elected Zonal representatives and the State Handball Association Chairmen, concerning the development and grassroot programs, emphasizing the significance of reviving and repositioning the sport.
The Federation further disclosed that part of its mandate on assumption of office is to revive and reposition the sport, ensure regular and constant competitions in all the zones as well as organize seminars and programs for coaches and administrators on the latest best global practices obtainable in the game.
President of the HFN, Saidu Jibril Ojih, made the comment shortly after the closing ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Southeast Under-15 Handball championship, tagged “Catch them Young’, at the Handball Court of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, at the weekend.
According to him, the primary objective of the Federation is to diversify the game through the zones, thereby granting full authority to the zones to develop the sport by coordinating and organizing constant activities in the areas of talent discovery, mentorship, seminars and programs for coaches to update their knowledge with the latest best global practices.
Also Speaking, Southeast Zonal Rep and Chairman Enugu State Handball Association, Emmanuel Asogwa, reaffirmed that the mission statement under his leadership is grassroot oriented activities, just as the Association frowns against any form infusion or inclusion of players outside of the region to compete any tournament within the zone.
The handball administrator also expressed delight over the level of participation at this year’s event, while assuring that the championship will be an annual event.
In his words, Chairman, Lions and Grasshoppers International Handball Legends, Ferdinand Emeana, who noted that early preparation and planing are key elements to success, is optimistic that the region has the potential to produce the next generation of players that can take the world by storm, citing early preparation and planning, key principles to achieving success.
Reflecting on the organization and performance of the championship, Abia State Handball Coach, Chinedu Aforma, embraces the primary target of the such event, saying that the championship avail the coaches the opportunity to assess the players.
A visibly excited Nwatuegbo Chikamso, a Senior Secondary Student of Community Secondary School (Obuagu, Enugu State) appreciated the organizers and their coaches, promised that they will continue to improve in subsequent tournaments.
Meanwhile, Team Enugu emerged overall winner in the male and female categories of the 3-day championship, that saw participation from Abia, Anambra and Imo States.
To this end, Organizers of the event, Lions and Grasshoppers International Handball Legends in conjunction with the Handball Federation of Nigeria and Enugu Handball Association, conferred the awards of Associate Member to the President and Zonal Rep of the HFN, for their immense contributions to the growth of the game.
