When India open their account at the 2024 IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championships in Egypt later this month, they will make history as the only nation to have appeared at all three editions of the world championships.

With the Netherlands’ not qualifying this time around, India will be the only nation to have been present at Egypt 2024 and the two previous editions held – both in 2022, with one in the six-a-side version of the game (held in Portugal) and one of the four-a-side version (held in Egypt).

In Portugal, wins against Romania and the Netherlands, combined with a loss to Portugal (13:18) were enough for a quarter-finals spot, where the Asian side saw off Croatia (13:11), before losing again to Portugal (11:23) in the semi-finals. This set up a 3/4 placement match, where Norway narrowly edged them out (14:15).

Egypt two years ago – in the four-a-side version of the sport, the same for Egypt 2024 – was less successful with India losing against Egypt (0-2), Chile (0-2), Brazil (0-2) and Slovenia (1-2) in the preliminary group stage. A solitary win came against the Dutch (2-0). This meant a 5/6 play-off game, against the Netherlands’ again, but this time, the Europeans turned it around to win 2-1 to send the Indian side home in last place.

Therefore, on paper at least, their preliminary group at Egypt 2024 featuring Chile, Portugal and Egypt does not look good for a possible qualification through to the medal rounds, but that will not stop the side, coached by Anand Mane and captained by Javed Ramjan Choudhari, from aiming high.

“Our preliminary group is strong; we’ve faced all of these teams in previous tournaments,” said captain Choudhari ahead of the championship to ihf.info. “But we’ve learned from those experiences and have prepared thoroughly for them this year – the challenge will be tough, but we’re ready.

“We are incredibly excited to participate at Egypt 2024. It’s a huge opportunity for us as a team and a fantastic platform to showcase our skills, both as individuals and as a united Indian squad.”

“Our team is a mix of talented individuals and each player brings their unique strengths to the game,” added coach Mane. “Together, we’ve developed a strong bond that fuels our team spirit and the atmosphere within the team right now is very positive and focused.

“We are motivated, and everyone is committed to the goal of making our country proud. Competing in a tournament as big as Egypt 2024 gives us the chance to test our mettle against the best.”

After becoming the first side from their continent to qualify for a Wheelchair Handball semi-final in the six-a-side edition two years ago, everyone connected with India will be hoping to repeat that in the four-a-side event, not only for success on the court, but to expand and promote off of it.

According to the Handball Association of India, six states currently have Wheelchair Handball teams in the country, with more than 100 players in different classifications spread around its urban areas. 

Plans are also being made to stage a national championship every year to provide a platform for those athletes to showcase their skills and attract participation from more states, including those from the rural areas.

“Wheelchair Handball is still a relatively new sport in India, but we are blessed with a pool of talented athletes who have been waiting for an opportunity like this,” explained Mane.

“Thanks to the efforts of the IHF and the Handball Association of India, we now have a platform to develop and showcase our skills. Looking forward, we hope to see Wheelchair Handball gain more recognition, both in India and globally, with our ultimate hope of seeing it included in the Paralympic Games.

“With the dedication of athletes and the support of organisations, we believe the future of Wheelchair Handball is bright, not just in India but around the world.”

Mane has named an experienced squad for Egypt 2024 including Javed Ramjan Choudhari, who was the top scorer and MVP of the six-a-side 2022 IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship.

Coach: Anand MANE

Previous appearances: 2022 (4-a-side): 6th, 2022 (6-a-side): 4th

Preliminary Group at Egypt 2024: Group B – India, Chile, Portugal, Egypt