SAI all set to introduce game of handball in Andamans

Port Blair, May 22 (UNI) The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is all set to introduce the game of Handball in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in collaboration with Department of Sports and Directorate of Education this session.

''Handball is a very thrilling game which requires speed, endurance, strength and agility. It is also known as active recreational game for preparation in all major sports, including most popular game of cricket,'' Joy Kumar Roy, Deputy Director, SAI in Andaman told UNI today.

Roy added that Handball is a very low cost game more or less similar to football. A 40 x 20 mtrs grassy field and a ball is sufficient to play the game.

''It can also be played indoors,'' he added.

The SAI is deputing a handball coach to Port Blair initially for a period to two months. During the stay of the coach talent scouring will be conducted all over the islands.

To start with 40 talented children, including 20 boys and 20 girls in the age group of 14-16 years, will be selected in and around Port Blair as non-residential trainees. They will be trained under a long term coaching programme for National level competitions.

''Once hostel facilities are created at Car Nicobar, handball will be included as residential programme both at Car Nicobar and Port Blair,'' The Deputy Director added.

To take the game in all comers of the Islands, two weeks training course for physical endurance teachers and other interested sportspersons will be conducted in collaboration with the Director Endurance and Department of Sports, Arts&Culture, he added.

UNI