Indian Sporting Goods Maker Nivia Sports Partners Women’s Handball League  

In a boost for women’s sport, Indian sporting goods manufacturer Nivia Sports is poised to partner the Women’s Handball League (WHL).  

This multi-year deal will see Nivia as an official sponsor, providing essential sporting equipment and kits for the WHL, which is run by Pavna Sports Venture. 

The collaboration will also see WHL and Nivia developing Indian handball by launching the “Future Handball Champions Program”. These  nationwide talent hunts are meant to develop promising young Indian handball players.   

Following the deal, Priya Jain, Executive Director of Pavna Industries & Chairperson of Pavna Sports Venture,said, “This strategic alliance with Nivia Sports will be a major milestone in our quest to position handball as a leading Olympic Sport in India. By partnering with a brand synonymous with excellence, we are set to establish world-class standards that will elevate the Women’s League and the sport as a whole.”

“This collaboration will also enhance the quality of play at every level, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions, and inspire countless young athletes to embrace handball. Together, we envision a future where handball flourishes as a premier sport, cultivating the next generation of champions.”

Rajesh Kharabanda, Managing Director of Nivia, added, “The Indian Women’s handball team is currently ranked 5th in Asia, and our ambition is to see them reach new heights, with the potential to qualify for the 2032 Olympics. We believe that using top-notch balls, gear, and equipment will significantly boost the sport’s popularity. The Women’s Premier League will be instrumental in this journey. This partnership is more than just a sponsorship; it is a strategic alliance in our mission to elevate handball in India and across Southeast Asia.”

The WHL is poised to debut in January 2025, and will feature prominent handball players from India and across the globe.  

According to ASN data, handball is still a niche sport in the region and has seen sponsorship investment of almost US$6.8m since Q321, with a quarterly average investment of US$565k during this period. The forecast for Q224 is tipped to hit US$874k, over 1.5X  of the usual quarterly average investment. The two biggest markets for the sport continue to be Japan (51.9%) and South Korea (41.8%).