Date: 2021-02-18

The President, Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Sam Ocheho believes Kwara state can host a world class National U-18 and U-21 Handball Championship.

Ocheho stated this during a visit to the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Honourable Kayode Alabi in his office on Tuesday.

Th HFN President while appealing to the state government to hasten the ongoing rehabilitation work of the outdoor handball courts as well as help provide health personnel for the championships, revealed that the technical department of the handball federation will visit the venue of the championship 10 days to the event to ascertain the level of readiness of Kwara state before the championship kicks off.

He said, "I am optimistic that Kwara state can host a world class National U18/21 Handball Championship because of the zeal I am seeing in this current government.

I visited the outdoor court and I believe it can be ready fixed for the competition in two week before the state government before the government decides to import materials for a standard court.

Fixing of the outdoor courts should remain our priority because most of the states are ready to come to Kwara for the championships.

Before the players will arrive, the technical officials of the Handball Federation will visit the venue of the championship to inspect the facilities".

In his response, the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Honourable Kayode Alabi commended the leadership of the Handball Federation of Nigeria led by Sam Ocheho.

Alabi, who was a former handball player, said the current administration is concerned about the development of sports in the state.

He also said the state government will look into the request of the federation in terms of accommodation, feeding, security, medical and transportation.

He said, "The state government is excited that Kwara state was ceded the hosting of the National U18/21 Championship. One of the core cardinal points of this administration is to empower the youths via sports and this is why we keyed into the agenda of the handball federation.

"You have presented some issues bothering on accommodation, feeding, security, medical and transportation; I want to assure you that His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq will consider your appeal on these things.

"As you are aware, I was a former handball player and teammate to the current Vice Chairman of Kwara State Volleyball Association, Pastor Owoeye. I won gold for Kwara state at the U15 National Championship in Lagos. This is to tell you that Kwara state is the home of handball and we assure you of a successful hosting".

The National Under 18/21 Handball Championship 2021 will hold from March 25 – April 2, 2021 in Ilorin, Kwara State.