Jaipur: Krida Pvt Ltd owned franchisee, Rajasthan Patriots today announced their squad for the inaugural season of the Premier Handball League which will kick start from June 8, 2023 onwards in the capital city of Rajasthan. Having 6 players in the squad who earlier have either competed in Asian Championship or in Asian Games would definitely add balance and strength in the team. Captain of the Indian Handball team, Atul Kumar along with Ramesh Godara, Hardev Singh, Arjun Lakra, Sahil Malik and Sumit are some key players of the Patriots to be looked out for in upcoming Premier Handball League.
With a total of 8 teams to be seen in action, each of them will field 7 players on the mat with 2 international players being a part of the playing squad.
Rajasthan Patriots will kick-off their campaign on the opening day of the league as they take on Maharashtra Ironmen at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. All the action from the matches will be broadcasted LIVE on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema from 7 PM onwards.
The squad of the Rajasthan Patriots comprises a mix of players from all across India, with a few amongst them being a part of the Indian National Handball Team including the national team captain, Atul Kumar. He also represents Indian Air Force while his teammates Robin Singh and Thoufeeq VM who represent Indian Navy and Sahil Malik being a part of Indian Army have been picked up by the franchisee. Team’s goalkeeper, Ramesh Godara who had represented Indian Air Force from 2014-17 and later Indian Services from a time period of 2017-20 now represents his home state, Rajasthan in Nationals. Hardev Singh and Bhupender Jangra, picks of the team are representing Punjab Police and Indian Railways respectively.
The squad also includes 3 international players who hail from Russia, Jordan and Thailand are Kireev Dimitrii, Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al- Otabi and Thanawat Sanyamud.
Parina Suresh Parekh, Spokesperson of Rajasthan Patriots said, “We are super delighted to have such a talented squad for the inaugural season of the PHL. We have many senior players on our team including Atul Kumar who is the national handball team captain. I am sure that he along with our senior players who come with a lot of experiences will help mentor the team’s young talent and this camaraderie will lead our team to victory as we fight for #ForTheGlory.”
On the occasion of the squad announcement, Rajasthan Patriots team member and Indian Handball team captain Atul Kumar said, “Our experience so far has been amazing with the Rajasthan Patriots in the PHL as we are emerging as a one strong unit. I have played with a few of the squad members earlier and we all have a good connection. Each member of the squad brings forward a unique experience and all our talents combined will surely help us bring out the result that we are aiming for.”
Rajasthan Patriots squad for PHL:
Goalkeepers :
Atul Kumar, Ramesh Godara, Thanawat Sanyamud (Thailand)
Right Back :
Sahil Malik, Bhupender Jangra, Kireev Dmitrii (Russia)
Centre Back :
Happy, Arjun Lakra
Left Back :
Robin Singh, Mohit Ghanghas, Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Al-Otabi (Jordan)
Right Wing:
Hardev Singh, Siddharth Singh
Left Wing :
Rohit Kumar, Sumit
Pivot :
Thoufeeq VM, Manish Malik
Coach :
Naya Chandra Singh
Assistant Coach:
Inderjeet Singh
