In a gripping finale that celebrated determination, talent, and teamwork, the Railway Sports Promotion
Board emerged victorious at the 53rd Senior Women’s National Handball Championship, defeating Himachal Pradesh with a scoreline of 25–21. The six-day national-level championship, held at the Pavna International School Sports Complex, Agra Road, Aligarh, brought together India’s finest female handball athletes in an inspiring display of athletic excellence.
Organized by the Handball Association of India and hosted by the Pavna Group, the tournament saw
participation from 24 state teams, each vying for the coveted title. The event opened on April 1 with a grand inauguration ceremony, graced by Mr. Swapnil Jain, Managing Director of Pavna Group, and Mrs. Priya Jain, Chairperson. In his stirring welcome, Mr. Jain emphasized Pavna Group’s commitment to promoting handball as a national sport, stating, “Just as cricket has found a special place in the heart of India, we believe handball too has the power to inspire millions and unite communities.”
The opening ceremony was marked by the hoisting of the championship flag, an athlete’s oath of fair
play, and a vibrant march-past. Special guest Mr. Jasveer Singh Bisla, Chief Referee of the Handball Association of India, extended his best wishes to all participants, encouraging them to uphold the true spirit of the sport. The event was elegantly anchored by Ms. Nirdali Chauhan, and smoothly coordinated by Ms. Saanchi Wadhwa.
Over the course of six electrifying days, teams battled it out on the court with passion and grit. The final showdown between Railway and Himachal Pradesh drew a packed audience. While the first half saw a fierce neck-and-neck competition, Railway surged ahead in the second half, displaying tactical brilliance and exceptional teamwork. Team captain Monika dedicated the win to the unbreakable spirit of the
players and the relentless support of coaches Sanchan Chaudhary and Sangeeta.
Mr. Anandeshwar Pandey, Executive Director of the Handball Association of India and General
Secretary of the South Asian Handball Federation, attended the final as the chief guest. He applauded the high level of play and praised the tournament for empowering women athletes on a national stage. “This championship is more than a competition—it's a movement for equality, recognition, and inspiration in women’s sports,” he said.
*Rajasthan* and *Uttar Pradesh* were jointly awarded the runner-up positions for their commendable
performances throughout the tournament.
The states represented included Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu &
Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Railway Board, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi, Lakshadweep, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jharkhand, Manipur, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh.
The 53rd Senior Women’s National Handball Championship concluded not only with cheers and medals
but with a renewed commitment to empowering women through sport. The Pavna Group’s flawless execution and visionary leadership were widely appreciated, setting a new standard for national-level sporting events in India.
