Indian team finish sixth in Asian Women’s Handball Championship 2024

New Delhi: The Indian handball team placed sixth at the Asian Women’s Handball Championship (AWHC) 2024, matching the country's best-ever finish in the competition even as Japan stunned reigning champion South Korea to win the title here on Tuesday. Team India gave a tough and spirited fight to heavyweights and 10-time silver medalists China in the 5th/6th place playoff, pushing them to the very end in a 41-30 reverse.

Japan overcame the record champions South Korea in a gripping finale, overturning a 12-9 deficit at half-time into a 25-24 win. Japan claimed their second title, breaking South Korea’s streak of seven straight championship wins.

On Tuesday, Team India gave a tough and spirited fight to heavyweights and ten-time silver medalists China in the 5th/6th place playoff, pushing them to the very end in a 41-30 reverse. Presented by the World Handball League (WHL) and organised by the Asian Handball Federation, India hosted the AWHC for the first time at the Indira Gandhi Arena.

India began their match with China in high spirits, leading to a combative opening in which both teams tussled for zonal domination. As the game progressed, however, China, using their considerable experience at this level, opened up a small gap, before racing away with the win. Regardless, Team India’s Menika remained upbeat about her side’s performance across the tournament.

“This was the first time India has hosted the event. Our experience playing in front of our fans was very good. But, our target was a medal this time and in terms of those expectations, we fell short. We’ll learn from our mistakes and we’re looking forward to the next opportunity,” said Menika, one of India’s shining stars at the tournament. IANS

Also Read: Asian Women’s Handball Championship: India suffer two-point loss to Iran in second Group B match

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