Overview
- Governing body
- HAI
- Origin
- 19th century Europe
- Olympic discipline
- Yes
- Category
- Team
- Total players listed
- …
Handball is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The HAI oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Handball is a recognised Olympic discipline, which shapes the entire high-performance pipeline in India. Athletes who break into the senior national camp become eligible for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which funds international training stints, foreign coaches, sports science support, equipment and travel for ranking events. Below the senior tier, the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games and Winter Games act as the country's largest scouting net, feeding talent into the Khelo India Talent Development scheme where annual stipends, boarding and dedicated coaching are provided at SAI National Centres of Excellence and accredited academies. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports tracks every selected athlete's progress against published benchmarks, and underperformance can mean a drop from the scheme — the pathway is rigorous by design.
As a team sport, Handball in India is built around a club, district and state structure that culminates in national-level inter-state competition. State associations affiliated to the HAI run age-group leagues from under-14 upwards, with the strongest pools historically coming from states with established grassroots infrastructure. Franchise leagues — where they exist — sit on top of this pyramid and have transformed athlete earnings, broadcast visibility and the professionalisation of coaching and support staff. School and college tournaments under SGFI and AIU remain the primary discovery route for players who do not come through a private academy.
At the grassroots, the route into Handball typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Handball originated in 19th century Europe, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Handball, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the HAI, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Handball is played and developed across India under the HAI, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How handball evolved globally and took root in India.
Handball traces its modern origins to 19th century Europe. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and HAI is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, handball grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under HAI, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Handball being on the Olympic programme reshaped its Indian pathway: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) selection, Khelo India Talent Development stipends and international training stints became the norm for the country's leading athletes.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aarvi BegumHimachal PradeshPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Aarvi GoswamiMadhya PradeshRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Aditi KispottaTamil NaduLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Aditi RawatHaryanaPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Aditi SahooGoaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Aditya MarandiSikkimGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Ajay MarandiManipurGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Akash DubeyUttarakhandCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Akash HembromOdishaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Akash SenAndhra PradeshLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Akash TiwariOdishaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Akash TyagiMadhya PradeshLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Amit NegiBiharRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Amit PalKeralaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Amit PillaiTelanganaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Anaya ChakrabortyTripuraCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Anaya KumarGoaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Anaya KumarGoaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Anaya MukherjeeTripuraCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Anaya PandeyChhattisgarhLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Anaya TuduMeghalayaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Anjali BhardwajTripuraLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Ankit KulkarniAndhra PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Ankit RathodUttar PradeshLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Anya ChauhanMaharashtraGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Anya KarKeralaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Arjun ChatterjeeTelanganaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Arjun ChopraMizoramGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Arjun MenonOdishaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Aryan BhattacharyaWest BengalRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Asha ChakrabortyGoaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Atharv KispottaWest BengalLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Atharv PradhanChandigarhCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Atharv ShindeTripuraGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Avni SaxenaUttarakhandLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Bhakti AggarwalGoaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Bhakti PawarTelanganaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Bhakti RawatTelanganaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Bhumi RoyChandigarhLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Charvi MenonChandigarhRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Deepak DasBiharRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Deepak DuttaArunachal PradeshRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Deepak SrivastavaTelanganaPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Deepika ChopraKeralaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Deepika KaurJharkhandGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Deepika YadavBiharLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Dev RaoMeghalayaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Divya BhosaleAssamLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Divya GoswamiSikkimRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Divya NairBiharGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Divya TrivediArunachal PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Diya ChatterjeeRajasthanRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Diya PawarWest BengalRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Eklavya DasBiharRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Eklavya JadhavManipurRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Eklavya LakraTamil NaduGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Eklavya SrivastavaDelhiLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Faizan KispottaBiharRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Faizan KulkarniTripuraRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Faizan MukherjeeJharkhandRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Faizan YadavWest BengalLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Gagan BeheraAssamRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Gagan ChauhanBiharGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Gaurav BhosaleMadhya PradeshPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Gaurav MishraPunjabGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Gaurav SenTamil NaduLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Gauri SenHaryanaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Geeta ChauhanUttar PradeshPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Geetika GuptaMeghalayaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Geetika NegiMaharashtraPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Hema MukherjeeNagalandRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Hema PillaiHimachal PradeshLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Hemant ShindeSikkimRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Hemant TiwariWest BengalLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Hrithik MarandiAndhra PradeshPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Hrithik MukherjeeJharkhandGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Imran NairPunjabPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Imran SinghUttar PradeshLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Ishaan ChauhanJharkhandLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Ishaan DeviWest BengalLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Ishan DubeySikkimLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Ishan KarJharkhandRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Ishita RoyChandigarhLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Janvi BosePunjabRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Janvi PradhanHaryanaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Janvi SenOdishaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Kabir BeheraGujaratRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Kabir BhosaleMizoramLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Kabir KhatunHaryanaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Karan PatelWest BengalRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Karan YadavKeralaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Kavya DasArunachal PradeshLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Kavya SharmaMeghalayaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Krish BoseGoaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Krish TiwariBiharPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Kritika KaurBiharLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Kritika RawatDelhiRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Lakshmi BoseTamil NaduLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Lakshmi MurmuHimachal PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Mahima DashGoaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Mahima ShindeGujaratLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Mahima ShuklaMizoramCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Mahima ToppoUttar PradeshGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Meera PalMaharashtraRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Meera SinghRajasthanGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Mira ChopraDelhiLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Mira SahooJharkhandGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Mohit DasUttar PradeshPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Mohit MenonMadhya PradeshRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Myra BoseKarnatakaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Myra PatilOdishaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Naina YadavWest BengalPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Naveen MenonKarnatakaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Neha BhardwajNagalandCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Neha KaurGujaratGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Neha VermaKarnatakaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Nikhil KaurTamil NaduLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Nisha GhoshArunachal PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Nisha TiwariTelanganaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Pallavi SaxenaPunjabPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Pankaj MurmuManipurGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Pankaj SrivastavaGujaratGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Pooja BanerjeeGujaratLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Pooja KumarArunachal PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Pooja SinghMizoramRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Pooja TirkeyTelanganaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Pranav HansdaAssamLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Pranav RawatGujaratLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Prateek KulkarniManipurCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Prateek TrivediUttar PradeshRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Prateek TuduChhattisgarhLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Preeti JoshiAndhra PradeshGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Preeti MalhotraWest BengalRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Preeti MohantySikkimRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Preeti SenUttar PradeshCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Priya DeshmukhDelhiGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Priya KhannaAndhra PradeshLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Rahul MohantyTamil NaduLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Rahul PawarManipurPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Rahul SahaSikkimLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Rajat JadhavSikkimLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Rakesh DuttaKarnatakaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Rakesh SaxenaWest BengalLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Ramesh PalTelanganaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Rekha DashChandigarhLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Rekha KaurChhattisgarhCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Rekha PillaiTelanganaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Rekha TiwariChandigarhGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Riya KhannaChandigarhGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Riya PatilKarnatakaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Riya SahooJharkhandRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Rohit GhoshOdishaPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Rohit SenKeralaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Rohit SharmaUttar PradeshCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Rohit ShuklaAssamCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Sahil BhattUttar PradeshLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Sahil MarandiChhattisgarhPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Sandeep GuptaManipurRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Sandeep MahantaManipurRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Sandeep SahooChandigarhPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Sandeep SharmaUttarakhandPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Sanket GoswamiKeralaLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Sanket MalhotraKeralaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Sanket SharmaAndhra PradeshGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Sanya BanerjeeTelanganaRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Sita IyengarTelanganaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Sita JoshiRajasthanCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Sita LakraUttarakhandCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Sneha BhattacharyaGujaratPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Sneha JoshiTelanganaCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Sneha PawarKarnatakaRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Sneha PradhanArunachal PradeshRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Sumit BeheraTamil NaduRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Sumit ChauhanTripuraLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Sunita BeheraMaharashtraLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Sunita SinghDelhiPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Sunita TirkeyRajasthanLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Suresh SahooAndhra PradeshRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Tanvi MehtaManipurGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Tanvi RathodManipurGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Tanvi SenKarnatakaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Tara PandeyTripuraRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Tarak DeviSikkimRight Wing
Sharp-shooting right wing with explosive jump shots.
- Tarak KhatunChandigarhPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Tarun PawarMaharashtraGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Urmila AggarwalManipurGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Urmila BoseAssamLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Urmila ChopraTelanganaPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Urmila SorenOdishaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Vaishali KumarChandigarhCentre Back
Playmaking centre back orchestrating the attack.
- Veer MishraUttarakhandGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Vikram PandeyBiharRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Vishal RathodManipurPivot
Strong pivot winning space inside the 6-metre arc.
- Vishal VermaTripuraRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Vivek JadhavChhattisgarhGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
- Vivek MalhotraHaryanaLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Vivek MohantySikkimRight Back
Right back with hard skips and reliable backcourt scoring.
- Vivek SrivastavaDelhiLeft Wing
Quick winger finishing tight angles with elevation.
- Yash PalManipurLeft Back
Powerful left back firing long-range shots over the defence.
- Yash RawatHaryanaGoalkeeper
Reflex-driven shot-stopper commanding the 6-metre line.
Rules
Two opposing sides contest a fixed-duration match on a marked field or court, with officials enforcing possession, out-of-play, foul and scoring rules published by the international federation. Teams field a set number of players plus substitutes, age and gender categories are strictly separated, and match officials use video review at the top level. India follows the international rulebook adopted by the national federation, with domestic tweaks for age-group and school competition durations.
Authoritative rulebook: HAI. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a handball squad or competition.
- Attackers / forwardsPrimary scorers who operate closest to the opposition goal or scoring zone.
- Midfielders / all-roundersLink play between defence and attack; usually the highest work-rate positions.
- DefendersDeny the opposition space and possession in the defensive third.
- Goalkeeper / last lineSpecialist stopper with distinct kit and rules; the final line of defence.
- Captain & vice-captainOn-field leadership, decision-making and communication with match officials.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in handball at a federation-recognised event.
- Match ball or puck to the federation's specification
- Team playing kit, warm-up gear and studded/turf footwear
- Personal protective equipment where the sport requires it (shin guards, mouthguard, helmet, pads)
- Training equipment: cones, agility ladders, GPS vests, video analysis rig
- Field or court markings, goals/nets and match-officials' equipment
Governing body
HAI is the recognised national body for Handball in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for handball. State associations under HAI run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- 19th century Europe
- Olympic
- Yes
- Category
- Team
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the handball calendar in India.
- HAI Senior National Championship
The primary domestic handball title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- HAI Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Handball
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Handball
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
- Premier Handball League
India's first franchise handball league, launched by the Handball Association of India and Bluesport Entertainment with six city-based teams.
- Senior National Handball Championship
HAI's flagship national-team championship contested annually by state and institutional sides.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in handball.
- Olympic Games
Handball is on the Olympic programme; qualification runs through HAI and the international federation's ranking events.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by HAI; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in handball.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the handball calendar outside the Olympic year.
- Asian Men's Handball Championship
Continental championship of the Asian Handball Federation and the primary World Championship qualification pathway for India.
- IHF World Men's Handball Championship
Top international handball competition, contested biennially by 32 national teams.
Leagues
Franchise and professional leagues catalogued for handball. Full season data, champions and schedule filters are available in the sidebar.
- Domestic · Since 2024Premier Handball League
India's first franchise handball league, launched by the Handball Association of India and Bluesport Entertainment with six city-based teams.
- Domestic · Since 1972Senior National Handball Championship
HAI's flagship national-team championship contested annually by state and institutional sides.
- International · Since 1977Asian Men's Handball Championship
Continental championship of the Asian Handball Federation and the primary World Championship qualification pathway for India.
- International · Since 1938IHF World Men's Handball Championship
Top international handball competition, contested biennially by 32 national teams.
International Players
Globally recognised handball athletes to know outside India.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)8-time Ballon d'Or; 2022 World Cup winner.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)5-time Ballon d'Or; Euro 2016 champion.
- Kylian Mbappé (France)2018 World Cup winner; multiple Ligue 1 top scorer.
- Erling Haaland (Norway)Manchester City forward; Premier League Golden Boot.
- Manuel Neuer (Germany)2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper; Bayern Munich legend.
Records
Where to find India's official handball record book.
- Olympic medalsTracked
Individual and team Olympic medals for India in handball are logged on the official IOC and IOA archives.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in handball are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the HAI.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in handball are maintained by the HAI.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for handball and mirrored by HAI.
- National record holdersFederation register
HAI publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in handball — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- Professional player in a domestic franchise league, state team or overseas club
- Coach at grassroots, state, national or franchise level (federation-certified)
- Match official — referee, umpire, video review, technical delegate
- Sports science support — strength & conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, video analyst
- Sports management, broadcast, journalism, commentary and creator careers
- Government-quota jobs in Railways, defence, police, PSUs and state services for state and national representatives
Related academies
0 listedNo handball academies are catalogued in the directory yet. Browse the full academy list or list your academy to appear here.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for handball athletes and academies.
Loading schemes…
All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about handball in India.
Who governs Handball in India?▾
HAI is the recognised national federation for Handball in India. State associations under HAI run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Handball an Olympic sport?▾
Yes, Handball is on the Olympic programme. Selection for India runs through HAI and the international federation's ranking events, and top athletes are typically funded through TOPS.
How do I start playing Handball in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Handball athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Handball?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Handball athletes selected for international events?▾
HAI runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Handball in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Handball in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Handball in Andhra Pradesh
- Handball in Arunachal Pradesh
- Handball in Assam
- Handball in Bihar
- Handball in Chhattisgarh
- Handball in Goa
- Handball in Gujarat
- Handball in Haryana
- Handball in Himachal Pradesh
- Handball in Jharkhand
- Handball in Karnataka
- Handball in Kerala
- Handball in Madhya Pradesh
- Handball in Maharashtra
- Handball in Manipur
- Handball in Meghalaya
- Handball in Mizoram
- Handball in Nagaland
- Handball in Odisha
- Handball in Punjab
- Handball in Rajasthan
- Handball in Sikkim
- Handball in Tamil Nadu
- Handball in Telangana
- Handball in Tripura
- Handball in Uttar Pradesh
- Handball in Uttarakhand
- Handball in West Bengal
- Handball in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Handball in Chandigarh
- Handball in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Handball in Delhi
- Handball in Jammu & Kashmir
- Handball in Ladakh
- Handball in Lakshadweep
- Handball in Puducherry