For the first time in its history, India will host the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship, from December 3 to December 10, 2024, at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. This landmark event, presented by the World Handball League (WHL) and organized by the Asian Handball Federation, promises to elevate the sport’s profile in India and inspire countless young athletes.
The championship will showcase Asia’s best teams, including 16-time champions South Korea, alongside formidable squads from Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. These teams will compete for the ultimate title, with the added incentive of securing qualification for the 2025 IHF World Women’s Handball Championship in Germany and the Netherlands.
In a bid to popularize handball across the nation, Doordarshan, India’s largest broadcaster, will provide live coverage of the tournament. Known for making international sports accessible, Doordarshan’s outreach spans over 90 percent of India’s population, with 200+ million viewers. The matches will also be streamed on SportCast India’s YouTube channel, ensuring digital accessibility for younger audiences.
According to Swapnil Jain, Managing Director of Pavna Group and Co-Promoter of WHL,
“This is a defining moment for Indian women’s handball. Doordarshan’s grassroots approach will make handball a household name, sparking interest among aspiring athletes.”
The tournament is supported by entities like Pavna International School, Golden Eagles, and Kolkata Thunder Strikers, which aim to nurture handball talent and foster development at the grassroots level. This effort reflects India’s growing stature in international sports and underscores the potential for handball to emerge as a mainstream sport in the country.
With the championship set to unfold, India’s hosting of this event is expected to leave a lasting impact. By highlighting women’s achievements in sports, it serves as a transformative moment for aspiring female athletes. The event promises a celebration of talent, resilience, and teamwork, inspiring a new wave of sports enthusiasts.
Catch the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship live on Doordarshan and SportCast India’s YouTube channel starting December 3, 2024.
Credit: This article is based on information from The Times of India and Sportskeeda.
Key Highlights:
- India will host the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship from December 3–10, 2024, in New Delhi.
- Top teams like South Korea, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan will compete for the championship and 2025 IHF World Cup qualification.
- Doordarshan will broadcast the tournament live, expanding the sport’s reach to over 200 million viewers.
- Grassroots efforts by WHL and partners aim to make handball a popular sport in India.