HFI officially launches HSL
As expected, Handball Federation of India on Friday officially launched Handball Super League on the lines of Indian Premier League, Premier Badminton League, Hockey India League, Wrestling League and Pro-Kabaddi League.
The HFI inked a 10-year deal of Rs 6-10 crore with event hosts Kan Sports World here. The first edition of HSL will take place at New Delhi in December, and is expected to be a new beginning for the game.
“There would be six teams, including one from Uttar Pradesh would be seen in action in the first edition of the HSL, and a final shape to the event would be given in September,” HFDI secretary-general Anandeshwar Pandey told HT after signing the deal.
“We too have a special emphasis on fast-caked game to make it more attractive and entertaining so four quarters of 10 minutes each would produce more thrill and excitement. Every quarter will have five minute break so it would be full one-hour entertainment for fans,” added Pandey.
Kan Sports World’s director Nittin Agarwal confirmed that like other cash-rich leagues in the country, HSL too will have the participation of foreign players, and out of seven playing members in a team of 14, there would be one or two foreign players.
“The participation of players would be based on invitation n in the maiden edition, whereas the routine auction of players as well as teams would be done from the second edition of HSL,” added Agarwal.
In the first edition players from Kzakistan, Japan, Korea and Malaysia would be invited, and if everything goes right, players from Pakistan too would be invited for the participation. “We will try to have players from Europe in the second edition as such a league is very popular in Europe,” said Agarwal.