The Handball Pro League (HPL) 2026 wrapped up in spectacular fashion on Day 6 at the Mankapur Indoor Stadium in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This inaugural season, held from February 10 to 15, 2026, brought together top handball talent from across South Asia in a high-stakes tournament filled with speed, strategy, and sheer athleticism. Organized by N-KASH Events and Khel Sena Mandal, the league showcased eight teams in both men’s and women’s categories, battling it out over six intense days. The final day, broadcast live on Doordarshan Sports, featured placement matches and the championship finals, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with dramatic comebacks, stellar goals, and unbreakable defenses.
Women’s Category: Lucknow Lioness Roar to Victory
In the women’s final, the Lucknow Lioness demonstrated why they were favorites throughout the tournament, securing a convincing 24-18 win over the Chandrapur Think Tank. The Lioness dominated from the outset, leveraging a disciplined defense that stifled Chandrapur’s attacks and allowed for quick counter-attacks. Key performers included standout players like Bhavna, who capped off an incredible tournament with her 50th goal, showcasing her scoring prowess and leadership on the court.
Chandrapur fought valiantly, with Menika contributing five crucial goals in a bid to mount a comeback, but Lucknow’s clinical finishing and strategic play proved too much. The match highlighted the growing depth in women’s handball in India, with both teams displaying exceptional teamwork and endurance.
In the women’s third-place match, Mumbai Esha’s Marvels outclassed Nagpur Ajit Nectars with a 27-17 victory. Mumbai’s efficient attacking plays and solid goalkeeping ensured they claimed the bronze, rounding out a strong showing for the category.
Men’s Category: Bhopal Blasters Blast Their Way to the Title
The men’s final was a nail-biter as Bhopal Blasters edged out Bhilai Battalion 41-34 in a high-scoring affair. Bhopal’s exceptional attacking strength shone through, particularly in the final quarter where they pulled away after a competitive third session from Bhilai. Joginder emerged as a hero for Bhopal, firing in multiple goals and orchestrating plays that kept the Battalion on the back foot.
Bhilai showed resilience, mounting a strong challenge in the middle quarters, but Bhopal’s consistency and ability to capitalize on opportunities sealed their historic win as the first HPL men’s champions.
The men’s third-place contest saw the home team, Nagpur Tigers, delight the local crowd with a 29-25 triumph over Wardha Momentum Warriors. Despite a spirited effort from Wardha, Nagpur’s tactical edge and home advantage helped them secure the bronze.
Highlights and Standout Moments
Throughout Day 6, the Mankapur Stadium buzzed with energy as fans witnessed hat-tricks, dramatic saves, and intense one-on-one battles. The league not only promoted handball in India but also highlighted emerging talents like Sonika and Manika, who made significant impacts in their respective matches. With live commentary mixing Hindi and English, the broadcast captured the raw excitement, from last-minute goals to strategic timeouts that shifted momentum.
This season’s success, blessed by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, sets a high bar for future editions. As South Asia’s biggest handball league, HPL 2026 has undoubtedly elevated the sport’s profile, drawing attention to its fast-paced thrills and potential for growth in the region.
For more updates on Indian sports and upcoming leagues, stay tuned to our website. What were your favorite moments from HPL 2026? Share in the comments below!
Video Source: YouTube
