The local handball governing body (FERWAHAND) has announced that the 2023 Handball Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) will be held from June 3-4.

The annual tournament is organized to remember and pay respects to players, coaches, fans and administrators of the sport who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

According to federation Secretary General Pascal Tuyisenge, the two-day competition will bring together all topflight local clubs and some international clubs.

Tuyisenge told Times Sport that it is part of the federation’s responsibilities to join the country in commemorating the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi, especially to ensure that young generation in the handball sport understands "where the country has come from, but most importantly, where it is headed”.

In 2022, Gicumbi handball club lifted the title in men’s category after beating Police 44-37 in the final, while Kiziguro SS overcame Gicumbi 33-22 to win the women’s title.

Over 20 people associated with the handball federation including; players, coaches and administrators were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Some handball players killed during the Genocide include: Evariste Simbaburanga, Augustin Rutamu, Augustin Nsabimana Ndikubwimana, Vital Uwitibagiwe, Emile Uwihirwe, Leonard Hakizimana, Charles Shumbusho, Evariste Nsengiyumva, Eugene Munyambano, Augustin Hakizimana, Agatha Kayirege, and Claude Isabwe.