Tanzania's national under-17 beach handball team will not participate in the upcoming World Championship scheduled for June 17–22 in Tunisia, due to a lack of funding.
The Tanzania Handball Association (TAHA) confirmed the withdrawal, citing an urgent shortfall of TZS 120 million (approximately USD 45,000) needed to cover travel and preparation costs for the tournament.
Tanzania had secured a spot in the global competition after the African Handball Confederation canceled the continental qualifiers that were initially planned to be held in the country.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, TAHA Deputy Secretary General Yehofat Kalulu expressed disappointment, noting that the government communicated it currently lacks the resources to support the team’s participation.
“Unfortunately, Tanzania will not be taking part in the World Championship because the government informed us there are no available funds at this time,” Kalulu said.
“We are now looking ahead to the senior team’s upcoming competition in August in Sierra Leone and will engage with the National Sports Council (BMT) on how they might support us then.”he added
Kalulu emphasized the missed opportunity for young athletes to gain international exposure and experience, calling for greater investment in youth sports development to avoid similar setbacks in the future.