The National Handball U-20 teams’ preparations for this month’s U-20 African championship in Ivory Coast have been delayed due to lack of funds from the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Federation officials have told Times Sport.The game governing body made a request of Rwf50million to enable the women and men teams to participate in the competition which will be staged from August 26 to September 3.However, while the discussions are going on over a possible adjustment to the original budget, the delay could have a negative impact on the teams’ performances.The Permanent Secretary in the Rwandan Handball Federation, Anaclet Bagirishya, said yesterday "We hope to reach an agreement with the Ministry on the release of the funds. But we can’t hide the fact that the delay is affecting our preparations”.