HIGHLIGHTS: Premier Handball League opens with Rajasthan edging Maharashtra by 1 point

Rajasthan Patriots faced Maharashtra Ironmen in the first ever match of the Premier Handball League. The tip-off was won by Rajasthan Patriots as they looked to pile on early pressure on the Maharashtra Ironmen. Hardev Singh of the Patriots became the first ever scorer in the league within 3 minutes of the game.

Igor Chiseliov inspired the Ironmen and they slowly found a way into the game. The Patriots went a man down as Dmitry Kireev was shown a red card in the first half when the scores were 10-8 in favour of Rajasthan. The first half ended at a score of 14-12 in favour of Rajasthan Patriots.

Maharashtra Ironmen came out for the second half with fire in their bellies and looked to put the Patriots on the back-foot. The second half saw both teams put in a marvellous display as half-way through in the second half the scores read 21 all. The game took a thrilling turn as both teams were exchanging blows constantly. The game had a nail-biting conclusion as till the very last minute the game was tied at 27 all. However, a goal via a penalty in the dying embers of the game by the Patriot’s Mohit Ganghas saw them come away with the win in the first ever match of PHL. The final score of the first game was 28-27 in favour of Rajasthan. 

For Rajasthan Patriots, Mohit Ganghas and Sahil Malik emerged as the top scorers with 5 goals each, while for Maharashtra Ironmen Jalal Kiani and Igor Chiseliov were the top scorers with 7 goals apiece. Mohit Ganghas was adjudged to be the best player of the match for his dynamic and inspirational performance that proved to be the difference between the two teams at the end of the tie.

PHL Media Release