Nagpur: Nagpur Tigers survived an opening round scare as they managed to pip Mumbai on the first day of the maiden Handball Pro League (HPL) at the indoor hall of Divisional Sports Complex, Mankapur on Tuesday. HPL is the first professional men’s and women’s handball league and is being held under the aegis of Handball Association of India.
In their first match, Nagpur Tigers recorded a narrow 30-28 victory to move up in the tournament. In another match, Bhopal Blasters edged past Bhilai Battalion 31-27 while in women’s section, Lucknow Lions thrashed Ahmedabad Angels 36-19.
Gold Rate
Feb 11th, 2026 - Time 11.45Hrs
Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by Bollywood star Esha Deol. On the occasion, Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State, Government of Maharashtra was the chief guest. Chief Patron Kundatai Vijaykar, NDHA Chairman Babanrao Taywade, Ex-Indian handball captain and Regional Director, Sports Authority of India (Retd) RK Naidu, CEO, HPL and Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee and international gold medallist R Naidu, Managing Director and others graced the function.
Five men and five women’s teams will fight for the coveted trophy. Top two teams at the end of league phase will directly play the final while the hard-line final will be played between the team finishing third and fourth.
