In a significant development for the sport of handball in India, the Sports Ministry has recently decided to recognize the Handball Association of India (HAI) as the official body to run the game in the country. This recognition comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also gave HAI its approval following a merger with the Handball Federation of India (HFI). With the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games on the horizon, this recognition is expected to bolster India’s preparations for the event.
HAI’s Responsibilities in Promoting and Regulating Handball
The Handball Association of India (HAI) has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of promoting and regulating handball sports within the country. As a fully functional National Sports Federation (NSF), HAI holds affiliations with international governing bodies such as the International Handball Federation and the Asian Handball Federation. Additionally, HAI maintains ties with the Indian Olympic Association, which further solidifies its position as the governing body for handball in India.
Supervised Election Process
The election of the Handball Association of India (HAI) was closely supervised by Retd. District Judge Justice Deepak Kumar Srivastava. This transparent and meticulously conducted election ensures that the association’s leadership is chosen democratically, adhering to the principles of fairness and accountability.
Founding and Historical Significance of HAI
The origins of the Handball Association of India (HAI) can be traced back to 15th June 1972 when it was founded by Jagat Singh Lohan. His significant contributions during the Munich Olympics played an instrumental role in the establishment of the association. Since its inception, HAI has been actively involved in promoting and developing the sport of handball in India.
International Affiliations
Over the years, the Handball Association of India (HAI) has garnered widespread recognition in the international handball community. HAI has been a proud member of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and the International Handball Federation (IHF) since 1974. Furthermore, it also holds memberships in the Commonwealth Handball Association and the South Asian Handball Federation, thereby ensuring a global presence and collaboration in the sport.
National Sports Federation of India’s Commitment to Sports Development
The National Sports Federation of India (NSFOI), under which HAI operates, is committed to promoting the principles of sports on a national level. One of the primary objectives of NSFOI is to support athlete development and inclusive sports programs. By recognizing HAI as the official governing body for handball, NSFOI aims to strengthen the sport’s infrastructure and reach, enabling more athletes to engage and thrive in handball.
Fostering High-Performance Sports Nationwide
Another key focus area of the National Sports Federation of India (NSFOI) is to foster high-performance sports throughout the country. With the recognition of HAI, NSFOI envisions enhanced training facilities, coaching programs, and talent identification initiatives for handball. This approach is expected to contribute to the overall growth of Indian handball and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional and international competitions.