The 2026 edition of the Southeast 4-on-4 handball championship tagged “handball for all”, is set to get underway., as Nsukka town in Enugu State iwilll experience a unprecedented atmosphere of excitement and passion.

The event which is happening for the first time in the state after being introduced by the national body, Handball Federation of Nigeria,, HFN,  will witness teams, coaches and officials from the five Southeastern States jostling for the star prize from tomorrow, 7th till 11th July, 2026.

Organizers , the Ministry for Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with the Southeast Handball Zonal Representative and the National Sports Commission, have reiterated that logistics, accommodation and transportation arrangements have been put in place for a hitch free outing.

They disclosed that the choice of Nsukka as venue for the championship, was as  a  result of the ongoing massive renovation and construction works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, while reaffirming their deep commitment towards the development of the game especially grassroot level.

The organizers further hinted that the program will avail some of the coaches and officials to discover, nurture and mentor the next generation of players that would give a good representation at any major championship as well access the mental and physical condition of the teams.

On the issue of the  exclusion of the sport from the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu, they expressed displeasure over the situationt, saying that the idea of leaving out some sports for others does not augur well  for the development of sports in the country.

According to the schedule by the organizers, arrival, accreditation and documentation of the various participating teams will commence from today, Monday (6th July),  just as hostilities will take center stage at the Handball Court of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka tomorrow.

Meanwhile, an International Referee Training, IRT, course, designed to elevate and upgrade officiating standards of the game will also take place at the Nsukka Sports Club.