Asian Women’s Handball Championship 2024: India beat Singapore, eye best-ever finish
Goalkeeper Nina Shil was named Player of the Match in the 5th/8th playoff. The Indian women’s handball team will next play China for fifth place on Tuesday.
Handball
India overcame Singapore with a commanding 35-22 win on Sunday at the Asian Women’s Handball Championship 2024 in New Delhi, opening up the opportunity for their best-ever finish at the tournament.
The Indian women’s handball team, which has never finished above sixth in the competition, will face the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday in the 5th/6th place playoff match.
India opened the placement match against Singapore on a high, leading 9-6 midway through the first half, thanks to Menika and Bhawana Sharma's consistent scoring.
At the other end, captain Diksha Kumari and goalkeeper Nina Shil - who also saved a penalty and was adjudged Player of the Match - made key saves to keep Singapore at bay. The hosts maintained their overall dominance on the other side of the interval, securing a comprehensive win.
The relatively young Indian handball team has been impressive against Asia’s best teams in the ongoing championship. In the group stage, India beat Hong Kong China 31-28 in their opening match, lost by two points to the previous edition’s semi-finalists the Islamic Republic of Iran and recorded the most goals in the group against Japan.
“Our team has shown incredible spirit and resilience throughout this tournament, whether against Hong Kong China, Singapore, Iran, and even Japan,” captain Diksha Kumari said. “Every match has been a learning experience for us and we have pushed ourselves to compete with some of the best teams in Asia at our home.
“Scoring consistently and staying strong defensively has been our focus, and we’re proud of how we’ve come together as a unit. This journey inspires us to aim higher,” she added.
Earlier in the day, China ensured their place opposite India in the 5th/6th place playoff by beating Hong Kong China with a resounding 38-14 scoreline. In the top bracket, meanwhile, the Republic of Korea booked their berth in the final - scheduled to be played on Tuesday - by outclassing Iran 33-20. South Korea will play the victor of the match between Japan and Kazakhstan for the title.