Gritty india

Despite Nina Shil: Despite Nina Shil’s heroic defence, the Indian women’s handball team fell to a two-point defeat 32-30 to Iran in their second Group B match at the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship (AWHC) 2024 here on Wednesday. Taking positives from their spirited performance, India will now look to bounce back when they take on Japan in their final group game of the tournament.

Drawing from her considerable experience at the top level, Shalini Thakur tip-toed her way past a rigid Iran defence to open the scoring for India with a rousing finish. Shortly after, Bhawana Sharma, India’s player of the match from their win against Hong Kong-China, scored from the penalty spot, to give the hosts the start they desired.

India’s revolving goalkeepers, the seasoned Nina Shil and captain Diksha Kumari, both gold medallists from the SAF Games, thwarted attack after Iranian attack, ensuring that the two teams headed into the breakneck and neck.