They were among eight sports or disciplines which still have to discover whether they will receive any more money from National Lottery distributor UK Sport to help them prepare for the Games.

 

But, after an emergency meeting of the British Handball Association Board, officials have vowed to try to keep their programme going.

 

Britain has never competed in handball at the Olympics and the sport has little history in this country.

 

A group of male and female players have been recruited by British Handball for London 2012 and are currently being hothoused at a special academy in Denmark.

 

Paul Goodwin, the chief executive of British Handball, said: "During the coming weeks we will be engaging with key partners, UK Sport, the BOA (the British Olympic Association), the International and European Handball Federations along with existing and potential sponsors.

 

"Whilst early offers of help have already been received from Denmark and Germany, the Board do not underestimate the challenge that lies ahead.”

 

"The Board will also be working with the Home Nation handball associations and their funding partners to ensure that every opportunity is exploited in order to support the British 2012 objectives and to create a lasting legacy for handball in Britain.

 

"During December, the Board will be presenting UK Sport with a least cost proposal to ensure that the athletes dreams can be kept alive and to ensure that London does not become the first host nation not to enter men's and women's handball teams in the Olympic Games since 1972.

 

"These plans will involve difficult decisions and sacrifices to be made by the athletes, staff and coaches alike, but the Board are confident that everyone will rise to the challenge and Handball will take its rightful place at the Games."