Niharika Handa becomes King Faisal’s first female Board Chair

Niharika Handa has become King Faisal’s first female Board Chair, taking charge of the board at the Kumasi club after more than four decades of its existence. The appointment was announced on Saturday, August 15, and places her at the centre of the club’s governance and long-term planning.

Handa arrives with more than 30 years of experience in leadership, international business, sports administration and finance. She founded Gold Crest Refinery and Rika Holdings, and has worked in organisational expansion, strategic planning and transformational leadership.

King Faisal founder and president Alhaji Karim Grunsah backed the decision, highlighting Handa’s management record, leadership qualities and commitment to sports development. Her responsibilities will include strategic oversight of the board, the club’s organisational structure, commercial growth and future development.

Handa has identified player support as an early priority. She wants the club to improve nutrition, training equipment, technology, and playing and training conditions while giving players stronger support for their development, wellbeing and long-term prospects.

The new chair also intends to work with the board, management, coaches and players to build the institution collectively. She has linked stronger player welfare with the wider health of the club and wants King Faisal players to gain recognition in Ghana and beyond.

Her appointment also carries a wider significance for football leadership. Handa hopes becoming the first woman to lead King Faisal’s board will encourage more women to pursue senior positions in the sport. Her role will require cooperation with the management and technical team as the club seeks progress both on and off the pitch.