What Did HFI Chief Say About the India-Pakistan Handball Match?

New Delhi, May 10 (NationPress) After India's recent handball encounter with Pakistan at the Asian Beach Championships in Muscat on Friday, Anandeshwar Pandey, the Executive Director of the Handball Federation of India (HFI), spoke out regarding the controversy surrounding the decision to participate in the match.

The fixture, which was part of the league stage of an ongoing international tournament, ignited discussions due to the political sensitivities involved.

Pandey clarified that the tournament's schedule had been finalized four months earlier, and the federation had taken the initiative to seek guidance from the Indian government. "We reached out to the government, the Sports Ministry, and the Indian Olympic Association for clarification on whether we should compete against Pakistan," he informed IANS. "However, we did not receive any response from any of these entities."

Without a formal directive, the HFI encountered pressure from the International Handball Federation (IHF), which allegedly warned of sanctions if India chose to withdraw from the match. "In the absence of clear instructions, we had no choice but to go ahead with the game," Pandey elaborated. "The IHF even threatened to impose a ban on us."

Pandey emphasized that the match was merely part of the league phase and that henceforth, the federation would adhere to any official directives issued by the government. "If our Sports Ministry provides explicit instructions, we will refrain from playing against Pakistan again," he asserted, reiterating the HFI's nationalistic position. "For us, the nation comes first. We are prepared to face any consequences, including a ban, but we require proper and timely guidance from the authorities."

This statement underscores a growing concern among sports administrators about the lack of timely communication from governing bodies regarding sensitive geopolitical matters. As international sporting events become increasingly complex, organizations like the HFI are advocating for more structured policies and support from the government to navigate such challenges.

On Saturday, India asserted that Pakistan was escalating tensions along the Western border by advancing troops into forward positions, implying an offensive intent to heighten hostilities.

The Indian armed forces, while reaffirming their commitment to non-escalation, stated that any further provocations would be met with proportionate and decisive action.

During a press briefing on 'Operation Sindoor', Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, remarked, "The Pakistan military has been noted moving its troops into forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness. All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to appropriately."

"Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military," she added.