The 54th Senior Men’s National Handball Championship 2025, a premier event in Indian handball, concluded on December 20, 2025, with hosts West Bengal emerging as champions for the first time in the tournament’s history. Held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium and Techno India Sports Complex in Chinsurah, Hooghly district, West Bengal, the six-day extravaganza from December 15 to 20 brought together 35 teams and over 1,000 athletes from across the country. Organized by the West Bengal State Handball Association under the aegis of the Handball Federation of India, and in association with the Techno India Group and Sister Nivedita University, the championship showcased intense competition, skillful plays, and the growing popularity of handball in India.
The event kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony, featuring cultural performances and a parade of teams, setting the tone for a week of high-stakes matches. As the host state, West Bengal not only provided top-notch facilities but also demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and organizational prowess, drawing thousands of fans and inspiring young talents to take up the sport.
Thrilling Path to the Podium: Key Matches and Performances
The tournament followed a format of pool stages leading into knockout rounds, with teams battling it out in fast-paced, high-scoring games typical of indoor handball. One standout story was the journey of the Chhattisgarh men’s team, who secured a joint bronze medal. Placed in a challenging pool with Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh dominated with convincing wins: 50-34 against Himachal Pradesh, 27-12 over Odisha, and 35-32 versus Jharkhand. They continued their strong run in the pre-quarterfinals, defeating Telangana 27-12, and then Karnataka 43-29 in the quarterfinals.
However, their campaign ended in a heart-pounding semifinal against hosts West Bengal. The match went into extra time, with West Bengal clinching a narrow 37-36 victory. This loss positioned Chhattisgarh for the bronze, shared jointly with Rajasthan, the loser of the other semifinal.
The Chhattisgarh squad, comprising 21 players including talents from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Bhilai and various districts, featured notable performers like Pardeep, Mandeep, and Mohd Amir Hussain. Their resilient performance throughout the tournament highlighted the depth of handball talent in central India.
Other notable moments included strong showings from teams like Gujarat, who impressed with their gameplay, and individual accolades such as the best player award going to Ravi, who also helped his team secure a silver medal.
The Grand Finale: West Bengal’s Triumphant Moment
The championship culminated in an electrifying final between West Bengal and Chandigarh. In a thrilling encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, West Bengal outplayed Chandigarh to lift the trophy. This victory marked a historic milestone for West Bengal, as it was their first-ever title in the Senior Men’s National Handball Championship. The win not only celebrated the team’s preparation and passion but also underscored the event’s role in elevating handball’s profile in the state.
Medal Standings and Legacy
- Gold: West Bengal
- Silver: Chandigarh
- Bronze (Joint): Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan
This edition of the championship was more than just a competition; it was a platform for unity, excellence, and growth in Indian sports. With collaborations like those from the Techno India Group, the event emphasized education and sports integration, inspiring future generations. As West Bengal basks in its newfound glory, the 54th Senior Men’s National Handball Championship sets a high bar for upcoming tournaments, promising even more excitement in the years ahead.
