Zambia has chosen to withdraw from the Youth Africa Cup of Nations Handball Championship, and the reason is financial.
“It is a very painful decision,” writes Josab Changa, secretary general of the Handball Association of Zambia.
The reigning champions of the U18 Zone 6 IHF Trophy Games, Zambia, were in the midst of their preparations for the Youth Africa Cup of Nations Handball Championship. But suddenly, plans have changed. Both the nation’s U18 and U20 teams have been withdrawn from the competition, and as has happened many times before in handball history, the reason is money and logistics.
“There are a number of logistical challenges that we have so far considered from past experiences, where up to now we still have financial obligations to fulfill regarding international competitions,” writes Josab Changa, secretary general of the Handball Association of Zambia, on Facebook. He continues:
“It is a very painful decision, especially since our boys have been undergoing intensive training in preparation for the tournament, but we have no option. It is in the interest of the country and the association at large, as funds are scarce.”
The competition is scheduled to be played from the 7th to the 27th of September 2024 in Tunisia, but Zambia will no longer take part. Because the draw hasn’t taken place yet, the Handball Association of Zambia does not have to pay any fines.