New Delhi, 4 December (Hindustan Reporter). The Indian women’s handball team started their campaign at the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship (AWHC) 2024 with a 31-28 win against Hong Kong on Tuesday, courtesy of stellar performances from Bhavana Sharma and Manika.
Amid chants of ‘Chak De India’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, India made a positive start to the match as they scored their first goal of the tournament through Priyanka Thakur, who scored in India’s historic win at the 2022 Asian Women’s Junior Handball Championship. Played an important role. Moments later, veteran player Manika opened her account and put India in a strong position.
SAFF Games gold medalist captain Diksha Kumari played a key role in this by stopping three opposition penalties within the first 30-minute period, giving India a 16-10 lead at half-time.
Hong Kong stepped up its game after the restart and changed its tactics. However, India with its strong defense thwarted every attempt of the opposition team and ultimately registered a resounding victory.
Bhavana also won the Player of the Match award along with her Best Player award in the Junior Championships.
Earlier, Kazakhstan defeated heavyweight China 28-26. In the second match, Japan defeated Iran 34–14 thanks to a stellar performance from center back Kaho Nakayama.
Defending champion South Korea defeated Singapore in the last match of the day with a score of 47–5. Winger Jeon Jeon won the Player of the Match award.
