The Secretary General, Commonwealth Handball Association, Saidu Jibril Ojih (FNIQS) has saluted the resilience of Handball Fraternity in the Territories and Realms of Commonwealth, pledging an upscale of its activities in 2024.
The CHA boss in his new year message he personally released on Monday, expressed optimism on completion of ongoing development projects and implementation of policies.
He highlighted the busy schedules for National Handball Federations; notably the African Games in Accra, Olympic Games in Paris, Club Championships, Regional and Sub-Regional tournaments as platforms to entrench the development of Handball across all levels.
Saidu believes that the survival of the sport despite the global challenges and realities in 2023 is a reminder that Handball can be used to repair damaged bonds among communities and nations.
The Ex-Handball International assured on the inevitable take-off of operations at the Commonwealth Handball Association Secretariat in Maitama Abuja in 2024.
He acknowledged the immense contribution from the International Handball Federation and called on other administrative bodies of the sport to see the C.H.A as a melting point to advance the sport in the Territories and Realms of Commonwealth.
“I must commend the International Handball Federation for their commitment to our mission. Funding an operational secretariat is never an easy task. The Royal Commonwealth Games Federation continues to play a very crucial role but I call for improved support from the Confederation of African Handball . We collectively call on those working against the C.H.A to sheathe their swords this new year as we cannot allow Handball to suffer because of personal interests and gains”
He also disclosed that key decisions would be reached at the Commonwealth Games Federation Meeting concerning elevating handball from the Commonwealth Youth Games to the professional status it deserves at the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and also a new host city for the games after Australian Cities of Victoria and Gold Coast withdrew from hosting the Games.
Saidu Jibril Ojih also confirmed that the Commonwealth Senior Men Beach Handball Championship will hold from 26th day of May – 1st day of JUNE, 2024 in Varanasi/Ayodhya INDIA and urged member nations to intensify preparations for the championship.
