The Indian men's U-21 handball team defeated Uzbekistan in the final to win the International Handball Federation Trophy in Bangkok, their maiden title in a top-flight international event. Handball Federation of India said that it was the first time the country had won a tournament held under the aegis of the world governing body of the sport.
With this title win, the men's team also qualified for the Intercontinental Trophy. "The U-21 men's team defeated Uzbekistan 39-35 and secured the gold medal. It is a historic moment for us. This is the first time an Indian men's handball team got a medal in an IHF Handball Trophy. The men's team also qualified for the Intercontinental Trophy," HFI General Secretary Anandeshwar Pandey told PTI.
"This was Indian handball's best performance in an International Handball Federation event," he added. Vikas Yadav, Tinku, Ashok Nain were the key performers for the Indian team. The Indian U-21 women's team also secured a bronze medal in the same event, which was also the first time in any IHF event.
Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajeev Mehta congratulated the players and HFI for the achievement. "This is the first time the Indian handball team has won a top-flight international title. This was a tournament held under the world body IHF. No Indian team had done this earlier. It is a big achievement. I congratulate the players and the officials for their hard work to make this possible," Mehta said.
The men's and women's team today met Sports Minister Vijay Goel who congratulated the players and the officials for their achievement.
