Congress's Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand Pradeep Balmuchu was nominated as an associate vice-president of Handball Federation of India (HFI) during its annual general meeting at Hotel Centre Park in Bhilai on Sunday.

Balmuchu, who happens to be the head of Jharkhand State Handball Association (JSHA), was present at the meeting along with secretary Khurshid Khan.

According to sources, Balmuchu, after taking over as the president of the state handball body in June last year, played a key role in bringing the senior national handball meet to the steel city. The senior politician also took charge of the organising committee for efficient conduct of the national meet, winning accolades from HFI secretary general Akhileshwar Pandey.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, city-based Khan said the HFI had allotted the sub-junior national meet to Jharkhand.

"Though the final schedule is not ready yet, the national meet is most likely to be held in June. We will hold a meeting soon and inform the parent body about the dates that suit us," he added.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand's journey has come to a disappointing end at the 43rd Senior National Handball Meet (for men) being held at Bhilai. Jharkhand had moved into the pre-quarters by defeating Maharashtra (29-28) and Kerala (38-25). But, the state lost 22-37 to Delhi in the pre-quarters.