Lucknow: Lucknow, known as the City of Nawabs, is set to make history by hosting the prestigious IHF Trophy Men’s Youth and Junior (Continental Phase – Asia) handball championship for the first time. The tournament, organized under the aegis of the Handball Association India and hosted by the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association, will be held at the newly constructed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Multi-Purpose Hall at KD Singh Babu Stadium from January 3 to January 7, 2025.
Unveiling of the Trophy
The championship trophy was unveiled during a press conference attended by distinguished dignitaries and officials. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Alka Das, President of the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association, announced that the competition would see four teams vying for top honors in both Youth (Under-18) and Junior (Under-20) categories. Participating nations include India, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
High-Profile Participation and Technical Support
For the smooth execution of the championship, technical delegates from the International Handball Federation (IHF), including Saleh Mohammed Saeed from the UAE, will oversee the matches. Referees from Thailand, Korea, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong will also be present to ensure adherence to international standards.
Format and Schedule
Dr. Anandeshwar Pandey, General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association and Executive Director of Handball Association India, outlined the tournament’s structure:
- Total Matches: 20 matches, including league games, semi-finals, and finals.
- Daily Matches: Four matches per day, each lasting 75 minutes (two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 15-minute break).
- Schedule: League matches will be held from January 3 to January 5, semi-finals on January 6, and the finals on January 7.
The finals will feature the Youth category at 6 PM and the Junior category at 8 PM.
India’s Campaign
India, the host nation, will open its campaign on January 3 against Uzbekistan. The Youth team will play at 6 PM, followed by the Junior team’s match at 8 PM. Notably, India clinched gold in both categories during the previous phase of the tournament.
Treasurer of the Handball Association India, Vinay Kumar Singh, highlighted that the championship winners will qualify for the IHF World Championship, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
A Historic Moment for Lucknow
While Lucknow has previously hosted national championships and the South Asian Handball Championship, this marks the first time it will host such a prestigious international event. Dr. Anandeshwar Pandey expressed pride in the city’s capability to host such high-profile tournaments, adding that this event is a significant milestone for both the sport and the city.
Officials and Supporters
Key figures like Amit Pandey, Organizing Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association, and Dr. Sudharma Singh, Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association, were also present at the unveiling ceremony, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support for the championship.
As Lucknow gears up to welcome the international handball fraternity, the championship promises to be a landmark event, further cementing the city’s position on the global sports map.
