Rajasthan Kicks Off Women's Handball Championship with Double Victory and Ministerial Backing
The 20th All India Hanuman Singh Women's Handball Championship 2025-26 commenced on a vibrant note at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday, with hosts Rajasthan making a strong start to their campaign. The three-day tournament was officially inaugurated by Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the state minister of youth affairs, sports, and industry, who is also an Olympic silver medallist.
Minister Rathore Emphasizes Player Development and Infrastructure
Addressing the assembled athletes at the inauguration ceremony, Rathore highlighted the critical importance of providing ample opportunities for players to enhance their skills. "Sports only improve when players get opportunities. The more matches players play, the more their match temperament will develop," he stated. Rathore, who revealed his own background in handball during his Army days, offered motivational advice to the competitors: "When you play, don't look at the scoreboard; concentrate only on your game. Success is good; if not, you will surely succeed tomorrow. But you should never give up. Always respect the referee's decision."
In a significant announcement, Rathore shared that he has submitted a proposal for the construction of an indoor practice hall for handball, following discussions with coaches who expressed the need for such facilities. He expressed optimism that Chief Minister Bajan Lal Sharma would soon approve this initiative, aiming to bolster the sport's infrastructure in Rajasthan.
Tournament Inauguration and Honors
The event was graced by key figures from the Rajasthan State Handball Association (RSHA), including president Lalit Kumar Kalal and honorary secretary Yash Pratap Singh, who welcomed Rathore alongside prominent international players participating in the championship. RSHA patrons Mahendra Sharma and Jai Ahuja were also present, adding to the occasion's prestige. As part of the inauguration, Rathore honored these international players by presenting them with mementos, recognizing their contributions to the sport.
Match Results: Rajasthan and Defending Champions Shine
On the court, the action was intense as teams battled for early advantages in the tournament. Defending champions Himachal Pradesh began their title defense with a convincing 24-19 victory over Punjab, showcasing their prowess from the outset. Hosts Rajasthan delivered an impressive performance, securing wins in both of their opening matches:
- In their first match, Rajasthan defeated Uttar Pradesh with a score of 19-15.
- They followed this up by edging past CISF 20-17 in a closely contested encounter.
Other notable results from Thursday's matches included:
- LPU-Phagwara dominated Delhi in a one-sided affair, winning 27-7.
- Last year's runners-up, Northern Railways, overcame BSF with a score of 19-14.
- CISF bounced back to defeat Delhi 20-15.
- BSF secured a narrow victory over Haryana, finishing 19-17.
- Northern Railways continued their strong form by defeating Punjab 24-13.
Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Outlook
As the championship progresses, Friday's schedule promises more thrilling handball action with key matchups that could shape the tournament's outcome. The fixtures include:
- Rajasthan vs LPU-Phagwara
- Uttar Pradesh vs CISF
- BSF vs Himachal Pradesh
- Northern Railway vs Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh vs LPU-Phagwara
- BSF vs Punjab
- Haryana vs Himachal Pradesh
- Rajasthan vs Delhi
- CISF vs LPU-Phagwara
- Haryana vs Punjab
With Rajasthan off to a flying start and strong support from government officials, the tournament is set to be a showcase of talent and competitive spirit in women's handball. The commitment to infrastructure development, as highlighted by Minister Rathore, underscores a growing focus on nurturing sports at the grassroots level in India.
