Shimla, Jan 2,
The conflict between the Himachal Pradesh Handball Association (HPHA) and the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA) has escalated, with the HPHA accusing the HPOA of disregarding the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) guidelines for selecting the state’s women’s handball team for the National Games.
In a media note the HPHA claims that the IOA, in a letter dated December 20, 2024, mandated joint selection of teams by the respective State Olympic and Handball Associations. Despite sending multiple requests for cooperation, the HPOA unilaterally conducted trials on December 30th in Una without proper consultation or considering the availability of national-level players.
The HPHA alleges that the HPOA’s previous selection process for the National Games was also biased, with officials from other sports associations involved in the selection committee. This, along with the lack of transparency and consideration for player concerns, has led to a deep rift between the two bodies.
“In an attempt to reconcile, a delegation from the HPHA, including President Bharat Sahni, Vice President Deshraj Thakur, General Secretary Nand Kishore Sharma, Technical Committee Chairman Dr. Pravesh Monty Sharma, and senior player Ravindra Bhatia, claimed to have met with the HPOA President Virendra Kanwar and General Secretary Rajesh Bhandari at Indira Stadium in Una.” Adding,” However, when questioned about organizing the selection process in violation of IOA guidelines without HPHA involvement, the HPOA General Secretary failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, they informed.
The HPHA has now independently selected the women’s team and will organize its training camp and participation in the National Games, they stated in the media note. Adding,” if the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association tries to create obstacles by not cooperating in the participation of the team selected by the Himachal Pradesh Handball Association in the national competitions, then necessary action will be taken against it.”
