HANBALL: AN EMERGING SPORT IN INDIA

Handball a team sports evolved in the 19^th century, under which two teams would participate with 7 players each on the field. Six outfield players and one goalkeeper. Handball Federation of India (HFI) was formed in the year 1972, founded by Mr. Jagat Singh Lohan from Rohtak, Haryana.

Recently, Indian men’s have defeated Uzbekistan in the finals and won the International Federation Trophy at Bangkok, they defeated Uzbekistan by 39 – 35 score. This probably the first time an Indian handball team has won top fight international title and this tournament was regarded as the best performance of Indian handball team so far.

The Indian women’s handball team (Under – 21) secured the third position in the same tournament. This is big achievement for both the teams.

SOME POPULAR NAMES IN INDIAN HANDBALL:

1.     PRABHA NAYYAR (Goal keeper) – Won silver medal in common wealth games and received Vikram award.

2.     SHABANA QUARESHI – Received Vikram award.

3.     GURPREET KAUR – International handball player.

4.     Firoz Khan – International handball player.

Slowly Handball is emerging as a career sport in India, now also few places and people are there in different parts of India who does not know, what is handball all about?

It’s all about team sport, team work and dedication. Handball is the combination of fitness, management, techniques and team spirit, which is slowly being adopted by Indian youth and emerging as a career choice in India. Although handball is far behind other games in India because the popularity and awareness related to this sports is in India but recent achievements of Indian handball could establish a base for it.  Our Indian men’s and women’s team are practicing hard day and night to achieve many more International title and ultimate goal would Olympics.

Handball is one of the successful sports in other countries but soon India will be one of those in coming years.