The first edition of the Handball Federation of India’s (HFI) ‘Women’s Power Cup’ took place over the weekend of 12-14 January at the Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi, India with aim of continuing to popularise the game across the Asian nation.

 

Six teams, featuring squads of 11 each, were divided into two groups, playing each other in a round-robin/league format before the semi-finals and final with cash prizes for the winning team in the competition which was supported by Kan Sports World. Teams came from across India and included the UP Challengers (Uttar Pradesh), Himachal Snatchers (Pradesh), J&K Snow Eagles (Jammu and Kashmir), Delhi Fighters, Punjab Pacers and Haryana Panthers.

 

The final saw UP Challengers beat Haryana Panthers 19:17 after they had overcome Himachal Snatchers in their semi-final clash. The Challengers had also opened the competition with a match-up against Punjab Pacers.

 

"I felt really good to become the first and only player from across Maharashtra to play in the first handball league,” said top-scorer for UP Challengers Poonam Kadav to local media after the tournament.

 

“Playing with and against the seniors and scoring goals will help me become more mature as a player and give me more confidence for future tournaments. Leagues like these help us gain confidence and I look forward to more tournaments which the organisers have promised to conduct on a regular basis.

 

“They have also said that this was on an experimental basis and they are planning to conduct a bigger and better league in future,” concluded Kadav, who recently represented India in the U25 Asian Handball Championship.

 

Along with many other distinguished guests, HFI Secretary General Anandeshwar Pandey was present throughout the competition and helped to hand out the prestigious trophy and awards at the competitions’ conclusion.

 

For further information about handball in India, visit www.handballindia.in.

 

Photo: Women’s Power Cup