Shimla, Jan 1,
The ongoing feud between the Himachal Pradesh Handball Association (HPHA) and the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA) has escalated further with the HPHA announcing separate trials for the state’s women’s handball team.
The HPHA, citing concerns over the HPOA’s handling of the selection process for the upcoming 38th National Games, has decided to conduct its own trials on January 2nd in Sundarnagar. The trials will be overseen by former national-level players and coaches to ensure fairness and transparency.
“The HPOA has consistently disregarded the Indian Olympic Association’s guidelines and failed to involve the HPHA in the selection process,” stated Nand Kishore Sharma, HPHA Secretary. “Their unilateral decision to hold trials on December 30th in Una without proper consultation, without providing details about the venue, time, and required documents, and without considering the availability of National-level players who were out of station for another competition, raises serious concerns.”
Sharma further alleged that the HPOA’s actions were driven by a desire to favor players from a specific academy in Bilaspur. He pointed to the previous year’s selection process for the National Games, where the HPOA allegedly appointed a biased selection committee that favored players from a particular academy.
The HPOA, on the other hand, maintains that its actions are in accordance with the rules and regulations. They have accused the HPHA of creating unnecessary hurdles and attempting to disrupt the selection process.
Pertinent to mention that the dispute highlights deeper issues regarding the governance of sports in Himachal Pradesh, with both organizations accusing each other of violating rules and regulations.
The situation has created a confusing and potentially detrimental environment for aspiring handball players in the state.
The outcome of these parallel trials and the resolution of the dispute between the HPHA and the HPOA will have significant implications for the future of handball in Himachal Pradesh.
