Thrilling new chapter in sports aims to promote, develop grassroots sportspersons in India

Premier Handball League (PHL) stormed onto the Indian sports scene with its highly anticipated inaugural season, held from 8th to 25th June 2023, at the prestigious Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium, Jaipur, Rajasthan. 

As the adrenaline-pumping matches unfolded, the stadium came alive with roaring crowds and electrifying energy, making it a hugely popular event that captured the hearts of handball enthusiasts nationwide. The first season of the PHL set the stage for a thrilling new chapter in Indian sports, showcasing the immense talent and passion among the country's handball players and fans.

Handball was originated in Scandinavia and Germany at the end of the 19th century and has since become recognized globally as a game of spirit, speed, fitness, and skill. Till date Handball is the fastest Olympic Sport. 

Ajay Data, Chairman - Premier Handball League said, "India began participating in the Asian Men's Handball Championship in 1979 and the Asian Women's Handball Championship in 1993. The Indian men's handball team made their Asian Games debut in 1982 when the event was hosted in New Delhi, while the women's team debuted in 2006 in Doha. The Indian men's handball team has established itself as the second-best team in the Asian Games."

"Premier Handball League (PHL) was launched to promote further and develop the sport from Grassroots in India," Ajay Data added. The league offers a platform for bottom-of-the-pyramid players to elevate their game by providing exposure to better players, both Indian and foreign. Like the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, the PHL aims to widen the pool of quality handball players and potentially form format-specific international squads.

The Premier Handball League comprises six franchises, each representing a State in India. The franchises include Delhi Panzers, Garvit Gujarat, Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra Ironmen, Rajasthan Patriots Team, and Telugu Talons.

The first auction for player acquisitions was held in April 2023 at Mumbai. 116 players, including foreign players, India internationals, and domestic handball talents, were up for bidding.