Mumbai: Golden Eagles Bharat Club secured third place at the seventh Asian Women’s Club League Handball Championship, defeating Uzbekistan’s Uzbechka HC in a penalty shootout at the Dostyk Universal Sports Complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Captain Menica Thakur’s penalty sealed a three-two shootout win after a 22-22 draw. Priyanka's last-second equalizer forced the game into penalties, marking the second consecutive year an Indian club finished on the podium.
“This victory means a lot to us and reflects how far Indian handball has come. The sport is growing, and we’re starting to see what’s possible with the right effort and support. I’m proud to be part of this team and excited for what the future holds for Indian handball,” said Menica, whose performances earned her a spot in the tournament’s all-star team.
As the Golden Eagles Bharat Women’s Team competed in Almaty, 1700 kilometers away in Aligarh, the next batch of hand-picked handball talents was hard at work at the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence - Handball. Pavna Industries has recognised India’s untapped handball potential and is supporting its development through the Pavna Sports Venture and the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence.
So far, academy players have partaken in International Handball Federation events and the Youth World Championships, showing clear evidence of the program’s progress.
“The Golden Eagles' victory is a testament to the incredible potential of handball in India, a sport we are deeply committed to developing from the grassroots to the international stage. Our focus on women’s development is central to this mission, as we aim to create a balanced and thriving sporting culture that inspires generations to come. With every success, we’re showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage and paving the way for future champions.” explained Pavna Industries executive director and Pavna Sports Venture chairperson Priya Jain.
The Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence - Handball trains 40 selected athletes to become elite handball players while supporting their overall development. The enrollees learn tactics, refine their skills, and develop core values on the field while continuing their education at the adjacent DPS School.
Priyanka said: “It is an amazing place. The facilities here are top-notch, and we get everything we need to improve our game. The competition here is really tough, and that pushes us to get better every day. But it’s not just about handball—they make sure we’re taken care of in every way, from our training to our education. We’re taught to work hard on the court and in school, and that really helps us grow as players and as people.”
The goal is to create a talent pipeline that begins at the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence - Handball in Aligarh, progresses through domestic leagues, advances to international competitions, and ultimately produces Olympic-level athletes. With a strong focus on grassroots development, the Pavna-led handball initiative continues to grow quietly, with no limits on its potential.
