India Handball Team Prepares for 15th Asian Championship in Kuwait

The Indian Handball Team is gearing up for the 15th Asian Championship in Kuwait, scheduled from January 15 to 29. With a month of rigorous training at the Sports Authority of India’s Gandhinagar camp, captain Atul Kumar and coaches Naveen Punia and Binoy DS are optimistic about their performance. They aim for a top-eight finish to qualify for the Asian Games and are hopeful of bringing home medals. The team is set to face tough competitors including the UAE, Kuwait, and Hong Kong. Read on to discover their preparations and aspirations for the championship.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 15:39 IST

Team Confident After Strong Preparations

The captain of the Indian Handball Team, Atul Kumar, along with coach Naveen Punia and assistant coach Binoy DS, expressed their optimism ahead of the 15th Asian Championship set to take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 29. Atul Kumar highlighted that the team has undergone rigorous preparations, including a month-long training camp organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Gandhinagar. He is confident that the team will perform admirably against competitors such as the UAE, Kuwait, and Hong Kong.

"We have made excellent preparations, and after several years, SAI has provided us with this opportunity. Our training camp was very effective. Following this month-long camp, our team is ready to depart for Kuwait tomorrow. Our objective is to perform well there. We have matches lined up against UAE, Kuwait, and Hong Kong. With our solid preparations, we are confident in our performance," Atul Kumar stated.

Coach Hopeful for Medal Win

Coach Naveen Punia emphasized the hard work put in by the Indian team during their training at SAI's Gandhinagar facility for the upcoming championship. He expressed hope for winning medals and encouraged athletes nationwide to engage in and support sports actively. "Our current camp at SAI in Gandhinagar is focused on the 15th Asian Championship in Kuwait. The team has been training diligently, and I am hopeful we can secure medals for our nation. I urge all players across the country to participate and support sports with enthusiasm," Naveen Punia remarked.

Aiming for Asian Games Qualification

Assistant coach Binoy DS pointed out that the Asian Championship serves as a qualifier for the Asian Games, with the team aiming for a top-eight finish to secure their spot. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well in Kuwait. "The Asian Championship is crucial for qualifying for the Asian Games later this year. Finishing in the top eight will ensure our qualification. This is what we have been preparing for, and I believe our team will excel in the Kuwait tournament," Binoy DS stated.