India is set to host the 20th Asian Women's Handball Championship (AWHC) for the first time, a significant milestone for both the country and the sport in South Asia. The prestigious event will take place from December 3 to 10, 2024, at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi. Organized by the Asian Handball Federation and presented by the World Handball League, this marks the first time the AWHC is being held in South Asia, underlining India’s growing influence in international handball.
The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four. India, as the host nation, is placed in Group B alongside Japan, Hong Kong, and Iran. Meanwhile, Group A includes some of the strongest teams in Asian handball: reigning champions South Korea, Kazakhstan, China, and Singapore. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the tournament culminating in the grand finale on December 10.
For India, the championship holds special significance. As hosts, the team is aiming for a top-four finish, which would secure their qualification for the 2025 World Women’s Handball Championships in Germany and the Netherlands. Achieving this goal would be a major milestone for Indian handball, as it would put the country’s women’s team on the global stage. India has participated in the AWHC seven times before, with their best performance coming in 2000 when they claimed a historic victory over Qatar in their third appearance. The team has shown considerable improvement in recent years and is hoping to make a strong impact in front of home fans.
South Korea, with a record 16 titles, remains the powerhouse of women's handball in Asia. The Korean team’s dominance in the AWHC is well-established, having won the championship 16 times since its inception in 1987. Their success isn’t limited to regional tournaments; they have also enjoyed Olympic success, with two golds, three silvers, and a bronze. South Korea will be one of the teams to watch, as they aim to extend their dominance in the Asian Handball Championship.
Kazakhstan, another strong contender, ended South Korea's long-standing winning streak when they defeated them in Almaty in 2002 to win their first AWHC title. Kazakhstan repeated their success in 2010, making them a formidable opponent at this year’s championship. Japan, who won their first title in 2004, will also be looking to challenge for the top spot, with a well-balanced team that has the potential to cause upsets.
The participating teams will be keenly aware that this is a highly competitive tournament, with the top nations vying not just for the Asian title but also for the chance to qualify for the 2025 World Women’s Handball Championships. With teams like South Korea, Kazakhstan, Japan, and China involved, the level of competition will be intense, making for an exciting and unpredictable week of handball action.
India’s role as hosts adds extra significance to the tournament. The Indian women’s team, led by coach Hina Shah, is looking to take advantage of the home crowd and deliver their best performance yet. The team has shown a steady improvement in recent years, and with a strong blend of youth and experience, India will be hoping to make a strong push for a top-four finish.
Overall, the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship promises to be an exciting and historic event for both India and the sport of handball. With the best teams in Asia coming together for this prestigious competition, fans can expect thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and a showcase of top-tier handball skills. As the tournament unfolds in New Delhi, all eyes will be on India as they strive to achieve their goal of qualification for the 2025 World Championships while also challenging for a spot at the top of the Asian handball rankings.
