NEWS
Abia Takes Delivery of Olympic Standard Handball Equipment as National Div. One Championship Begins in Umuahia
As the National Division one Handball Championship Kicks-off today in Umuahia, the Abia State Government has taken delivery of Olympic Standard equipment in readiness to host the entire nation.
Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the equipment, the State Director of Sports, Obioma George said that Governor Alex Otti approved the procurement of an Olympic Standard Handball goalposts as to meet the requirements of the game.
George, explained that the goalpost in use has been identified to be of substandard and needed to be changed.
The imported Olympic standard goalpost
“Today you can see by yourself the imported Olympic standard Handball goalposts. This can only be seen in a few states in Nigeria.
“Want to thank God for what he is doing in Abia through the Governor. I want to thank the governor as well for bringing a man who knows his onions when you talk of sports and its development, the Honorable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development. The road map he has handed over to us is what is carrying us so far.” George said.
The Director of Sports maintained that with the equipment in place, Abia State is fully prepared to host the championship.
He added that accommodations have also been booked for the national officials who have arrived at the state.
“We are very ready tomorrow (today). The national officials will be arriving at the state and as I speak the hotel accommodations are ready and We’re expecting plus minus 15 states. We’re anticipating 18, but we are sure of 15 states and of course Abia will be parading two teams, male and female.”
Also speaking, the HOD, Ballgames and Chief Coach of Abia State Handball Team Chinedu Ochoma expressed optimism that with the preparation put in place, the State handball team will meet the expectations of Abians.
Ochoma thanked Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the hosting in the state and for approving the fund for the procurement of standard equipment.
He appealed to the Governor to also approve a new turf from the current one to a standard one.
“I want to appeal to the Governor that this tuff is outdated. We need a terra-face to match the indoor Hall and the goalpost. The terra-face is the latest kind of tuff,” he said.
On the target for the handball team in the state, Ochoma said he intends to qualify for the premiership adding that the Abia Handball team, the Villains would bounce back to where it used to be in years past.
The National Division One Handball League will take place from 7 to 18 August, 2025 at the indoor Hall of Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State.