High handball gamers in India are experiencing a excessive of types. There was an improve when it comes to amenities, infrastructure and publicity. With the inaugural Premier Handball League (PHL) being launched, gamers who often prepare and play outside are attending to play in indoor courts, switching from rubber balls to gum balls which might be used globally in worldwide competitions, together with Olympics and Asian Video games.
Certified trainers, coaches, physiotherapists and nutritionists and five-star lodge keep are additionally new, by no means earlier than skilled. Atul Kumar, 32, who has been the India handball staff captain for over a 12 months, is over the moon with PHL offering a fillip to the game. He’ll lead Rajasthan Patriots within the six-team June 8-25 competitors.
“India would have got its own handball league three years ago but the pandemic halted everything. We are now there and trying to make the most of the opportunity. The organisers have put thought and relevance into PHL. We never play indoors in India with gum balls and when we participated in international tournaments, we struggled. Despite having skilful and talented players, we have always been at a disadvantage,” mentioned Kumar, a goalkeeper who was India vice-captain from 2016-18. India completed tenth within the 2018 Asian Video games in Jakarta.
“The Indian Premier League (IPL) set a great example for other sports federations. The success of pro kabaddi league was a game-changer,” mentioned Atul, who’s from Chandigarh and is with the Indian Air Pressure. “And when you play alongside international handball players during a league, it raises your skills and confidence.”
“Our federation has limited resources. Still there is passion in the players to do well for India. We have Asian Games coming up in China. The players can benefit from the exposure in the league.”
The format has 30 round-robin matches adopted by three knockout matches. Gamers from Thailand, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Philippines and Jordan are anticipated.