In a significant development for Indian sports administration, Anandeshwar Pandey, the Executive Director of the Handball Association of India, has been elected to the prestigious council of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF). The election took place during the AHF meeting held in Cairo, Egypt, with representatives from thirty-six Asian nations in attendance.
A Prestigious Election for Indian Handball
Pandey's election marks a notable achievement, as he becomes the only representative from Uttar Pradesh to hold a top position within the AHF's governing body. According to Tejraj Singh, Secretary General of the Handball Association of India, Pandey was one of five new members elected to the council. The other newly elected officials are Mohammad Guldar (UAE), Ahmed (Iraq), Chung Hyukung (Korea), and Amir Albarwani (Oman).
This appointment is a testament to India's growing stature in the continental handball community. Pandey is only the second Indian ever to secure such a prestigious role, following the legacy of Padmashri Dr. RL Anand.
Rinki and Kajal Storm into Boxing Semis
In other sports news from Uttar Pradesh, pugilists Rinki Kishori and Kajal delivered impressive performances to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing State Senior Women's Boxing Championship. The quarter-final bouts were held at Lucknow's KD Singh 'Babu' Stadium on Monday.
Rinki Kishori (Jhansi) and Kajal (Varanasi) both competed in the Light Flyweight (45-48 kg) category. They were among a strong contingent of boxers who progressed, including:
- Rashmi Baghel (Agra) and Chanchal Chaudhary (Meerut) in Light Flyweight.
- Kusum (Aligarh), Aashika Tyagi (Saharanpur), Sejal Sharma (Moradabad), and Rashi Sharma (Meerut) in Flyweight (48-51 kg).
- Sania Nafees (Prayagraj), Babita (Agra), and Nida Khan (Jhansi) in Bantamweight (51-54 kg).
- Anjali Chaher (Agra) in Welterweight (54-57 kg).
Local Cricket Leagues See Dominant Wins
Monday also witnessed decisive victories in the 21st Babu Banarasi Das Cricket League 2025. In the 'C' division league matches, several teams posted massive wins:
- RK Senior Secondary thrashed BBD University by a huge margin of 211 runs.
- KVS Cricket Club crushed Friends Cricket Club by 192 runs.
- Gurman Cricket Academy defeated Kriative Cricket Club by 143 runs.
- Bravers Cricket Club beat KD Singh Babu Sports Club by 9 wickets.
- SAR Sports Club triumphed over Jigyasa Cricket Club by 103 runs.
- Standard Cricket Club beat Playfit Cricket Club by 53 runs.
In a separate tournament, the Sindhi Premier League concluded with Awadh Hospital Runners For Victory emerging as champions. They defeated JB Group by five wickets in the final match to lift the SPL trophy.
These events collectively highlight a vibrant period for sports in Uttar Pradesh, from international administrative recognition to grassroots athletic competitions.
