(Sports news) Ahead of the Inaugural season of Premier Handball League various International and national stakeholders met at the International Handball Federation World Cup final match between Denmark and France on 29th January, 2023. The meeting revolved around the presence of the sport in South Asia with light specially being shone on India.
Secretary of the South Asian Handball Federation Dr. Anandeshwar Pandey along with President of Handball Association India, Mr. Jagan Mohan Rao met with President of the International Handball Federation Mr. Hassan Moustafa and Managing Director of the International Handball Ms. Amal Khalifa. Secretary General of the Asian Handball Federation Mr. Mohammad Shafiq was also present during the meeting.
Managing Director of the International Handball Ms. Amal Khalifa, said, “We wish South Asia Handball Federation and Handball India Association luck ahead of the revolutionary maiden season of the Premier Handball League. Dr. Anandeshwar Pandey and Mr. Jagan Mohan Rao have a very clear vision of making Handball as successful as it can be in South Asia starting with India, which fills us with joy. I am sure the Premier Handball League will help in achieving that goal.”
She added, “The International Handball Federation is looking forward to Handball Association India for a good performance by Indian Men’s and Women’s teams in the Asian games later this year, which will further help showcase the potential of the sport in the nation.”
Dr. Anandeshwar Pandey, spoke on the same as he said, “India has been acknowledged as the next hotbed of Handball, especially in Asia. We are delighted that the report and roadmap we presented was met with such positive responses by the International governing bodies of Handball present here today.”
“We are glad the concept of the Premier Handball League was recognized as a much-needed step that will provide a structural push to Handball in India and in-turn Asia. Now with the complete backing of the IHF and AHF I am sure the introductory season of the league will be a massive success at promoting the sport and attracting prospective life-long fans to the stadiums to take in the high-octane action first hand.”, he added.
President of Handball Association India, Mr. Jagan Mohan Rao said, “The Premier Handball League is set to take our cricket crazy nation by storm. The league will surely help amplify the reach of the sport in the nation as fans will have a chance to witness an exceptional standard of the sport. We are delighted with the eagerness that the IHF and AHF have shown at helping to promote the sport in India as they recognized the dormant potential of Handball in the nation and how India in the very near future will be a major player on the global stage.”
He concluded by saying, “This is great for our League as it will encourage every team and player in the Premier Handball League to put on stellar displays on court. In turn attracting fans and boosting participation in the sport across the nation.”
Also read: India to host Asian Youth Women’s Handball next year
