# Jodhpur Teacher Pooja Rathore Named First Indian Woman Referee for Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Spain > Senior physical education teacher Pooja Rathore from Jodhpur has been appointed as India's first female referee and technical delegate for the 4th IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Spain. The international tournament will take place in Granollers, Barcelona, from September 16 to 20, 2026. **Type:** article · **Category:** Sports · **Published:** 2026-09-16 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/sports/jodhapura-ki-pooja-rathore-ne-racha-itihasa-vhilacheyara-haindabola-vishva-chainpiyanashipa-men-bharata-ki-pahali-mahila-rephari-b-32649 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Pooja Rathore, Jodhpur, Rajasthan Sports, Wheelchair Handball, World Championship, Female Referee Pooja Rathore from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has achieved a landmark milestone in Indian sports officiating by becoming the first female referee from the country nominated for the 4th IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship. The prestigious global event will feature teams from across six continents competing in Spain, marking a historical moment for female representation in handball officiating. ## Appointment for the Global Event in Barcelona Organized by the International Handball Federation, the 4th IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship stands as one of the major competitions in the sport. The championship is scheduled to be held in Granollers, Barcelona, Spain, from September 16 to September 20, 2026. A total of 12 national teams representing all six continents will gather for the global tournament. Representing India on this stage, Pooja Rathore has been designated to serve as a referee and technical delegate. ## From Local Educator to International Officiating Pooja Rathore currently serves as a Senior Physical Education Teacher at MGGS BJS in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Her journey to international officiating is built on years of dedication, rigorous training, and strong discipline within the sport. Alongside her professional duties in physical education, she has consistently maintained an active presence in handball. Her technical knowledge, rule enforcement, and extensive match handling experience at national and international levels contributed to her nomination by the governing body. ## Inspiration for Women Athletes in Rajasthan Her achievement goes beyond individual success, standing as a prominent benchmark for aspiring female athletes and officials across Rajasthan and India. Balancing regular teaching responsibilities with high-level officiating demonstrates the scope for talent from regional centers to reach global sports administration. Following the announcement of her nomination, sports organizations, educators, family members, and residents of Jodhpur extended their congratulations for her upcoming role in Spain. ## What this means for you Pooja Rathore's selection opens up new avenues for Indian sports officials, particularly women looking to serve on global platforms. - **Across India:** Increased representation in international handball will raise awareness and encourage interest in officiating and wheelchair sports across the country. - **In Rajasthan:** Young female athletes and physical education instructors in the state gain a role model showing that local talents can reach the global stage. - **For Sports Management:** The nomination proves that Indian match officials meet international standards, paving the way for more assignments for Indian referees in global events. - **Women Empowerment:** Her presence strengthens female participation in sports officiating and technical delegacy, fields traditionally dominated by men. ## Why this happened Pooja Rathore was selected by the International Handball Federation due to her extensive experience and consistent record in match officiating. - **Technical Expertise:** She demonstrated high competency in rule enforcement and match management across national and regional tournaments. - **Dedication and Consistency:** While serving as a physical education teacher, she continually refined her skills as an official through practice and discipline. - **Global Diversity Push:** International sporting bodies are actively giving opportunities to qualified female officials across all continents to promote inclusivity. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Who is Pooja Rathore? Pooja Rathore is a Senior Physical Education Teacher at MGGS BJS in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and an international handball official. ### 2. Which event has Pooja Rathore been selected for? She has been appointed as a referee and technical delegate for the 4th IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Spain. ### 3. When and where will the championship take place? The tournament will be held in Granollers, Barcelona, Spain, from September 16 to September 20, 2026. ### 4. How many teams are participating in this championship? A total of 12 teams representing all six continents will participate in the global event. ### 5. What record did Pooja Rathore set with this appointment? She became the first female referee from India to be nominated for this world championship event. ## Inspiration & Lessons Pooja Rathore's achievement illustrates how focus and persistence can lead to global success despite routine professional duties. - **Balancing Profession and Passion:** Managing her career as a school teacher while pursuing sports officiating proves that dedication bridges the gap to high goals. - **Step-by-Step Growth:** Progressing from school-level teaching to national events and ultimately world championships highlights the power of steady improvement. - **Breaking Barriers:** Excelling in match officiating encourages more women to step into technical roles in sports. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._