Asian body extends support to PHL as Indian handball set to grow globally

In a huge boost for the Premier Handball League (PHL), the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) has promised to support the event by facilitating entry of top Asian players, officials and other experts. The PHL has been conceptualised with an aim to transform the game in India, and the support of the Asian body will be crucial in that direction. 

The AHF’s gesture of support came when a PHL delegation met with the AHF recently in Tehran and discussed the development roadmap. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Anandeshwar Pandey, Executive Director of Handball Federation of India, who was accompanied by Mr. Manu Agrawal, CEO of Bluesport Entertainment Private Limited, and Mr. Aseem Merchant, Director of Bluesport Entertainment Private Limited. Bluesport Entertainment is the exclusive licensee of the league under the aegis of the HFI.

The AHF said it always encouraged the growth of handball in the region and would support the PHL in every possible manner for its successful conduct.

Bader Al-Theyab, IHF Vice President and Finance Director-AHF, commented:

“We are delighted to know the vision and commitment of PHL to popularise handball in India. India has great potential to be the next handball destination and we believe this league is a concrete step towards that direction.”

Muhammad Shafiq, AHF Executive Director Ahmad Abu Al-Lail and Secretary General, stated:

“We would be glad to facilitate the Asian countries to send players, referees as well as other expert and excellence exchanges to take part in the league. It will bolster the promotion of handball and also help raise the level of the competitions.”

Manu Agrawal, CEO, Bluesport Entertainment, added:

“We discussed several aspects related to the league and the ways it can benefit with the support of AHF. The support from Asian body will further strengthen our mission to revolutionise Indian handball and having the best of the talents and experiences in the league will help in showcasing world class handball to the Indian audience for the very first time. This will also be an opportunity for Indian players to take their game to the next level.”

Anandeshwar Pandey, HFI Executive Director, said:

“Our girls are not only the reigning Asian Champions but also have qualified for the Junior World Championships for the first time. This is a huge milestone moment for Indian handball and on behalf of HFI, I thank AHF for their commitment to help Indian handball grow and develop.

“There is immense talent in India and we are working on transforming and nurturing that talent into champions and PHL as well as AHF support is the right move for the game.”

The AHF has 44 countries as its members, who are committed to provide expertise and participation of top Asian players in the first edition of the PHL. The meeting between the officials of the AHF and the PHL was also an opportunity to discuss the recent success of the Indian handball ecosystem along with the unprecedented growth of the sport at the Asian level with the help of the Asian Confederation.