Rajasthan Patriots coach Naya Chandra Singh speaks on growth of handball in Manipur

Rajasthan Patriots reached the semi-finals in the inaugural edition of Premier Handball League.

Rajasthan Patriots finished the inaugural edition of Premier Handball League as the semi-finalists, losing to Maharashtra Ironmen). The North-Indian side finished the group stages third with 14 points, including seven wins three losses. The team was led by Indian captain and goalkeeper Atul Kumar alongside upcoming star Sumit Ghanghas.

Naya Chandra Singh shared his experiences on coaching the franchise and the potential the sport has got going forward. Here are excerpts from the interaction:

Q: Can you please introduce yourself and provide some background information about your experience as a handball coach?

Naya Chandra Singh: I was an ex-handball player. I participated in handball for many years and was a national player for services then played for India for ten years which includes two Asian Games. And currently, I am the chief coach of the Indian Navy handball team.

Q: Handball is not as widely known or played in India compared to other sports like cricket or football. How did you develop an interest in handball, and what motivated you to become a coach?

Naya Chandra Singh: Handball in India was never as popular as cricket or football. I first came into handball in 1998 then I participated in two national games. There is only one academy in India. National Academy of Handball which is in Chhattisgarh. I was selected there. Then after a good practice, I improved a lot and started winning medals even at the national level.

"So yes, in the academy I got interested in handball. And yes, I am from Manipur and at that time handball was improving in my state. I was greatly inspired by our coaches M Suresh and Syed Mustafa. They were very famous coaches and their training style was really very good. So, yeah, seeing them I realized that I should also start coaching after my playing career.

Q: Manipur is known for producing talented athletes in various sports. Can you tell us about the handball scene in Manipur and the role it plays in promoting sports in the region?

Naya Chandra Singh: Well if you see handball is now at least quite famous in Manipur along with football, fencing, and other sports. There are many centres from SAI and Clubs where players practice and coaches give training. Players from Manipur are very fast and speedy with short heights. And yes, there are many male and female players from Manipur who have played for India.

Q: What are some unique challenges that handball coaches in Manipur face compared to other regions in India?

Naya Chandra Singh: In Manipur the main challenge a coach faces is to make their players qualify for the Olympics or Asian Games. They train their players in the hope that one day they will participate in the Olympics or Asian Games.

Q: How do you identify and select players for your handball team? Are there any specific criteria or qualities that you prioritize in potential players?

Naya Chandra Singh: In a handball game a player is selected who has a good height, physic, and speed. After checking up on his/her full playing skills we select a player for the team.

Q: Could you share some insights into your coaching philosophy and the key principles or strategies that you emphasize when training your handball team?"

Naya Chandra Singh: My coaching philosophy is based on our opponent. I study my opponent thoroughly including their strengths and weaknesses then plan my strategy.

Q: Manipur has a rich cultural heritage and tradition of sports. How do you incorporate the cultural aspects of Manipur into your coaching and team dynamics?

Naya Chandra Singh: In Manipur all types of sports are very famous. They follow a culture, tradition, and discipline. And now coming to handball in Manipur you will find more than twenty players practicing in each club. Both men and women. So yes, handball is growing in Manipur.

Q: Handball requires teamwork and coordination among players. How do you foster team spirit and unity within your team?

Naya Chandra Singh: First of all there should be discipline in the team. The more the players understand each other the more it builds up good coordination in the team. As a coach, you have to first combine your team into one family. You must keep them motivated even after practice sessions. And then finally you can achieve a good team.

Q: What is your approach to handling setbacks or losses? How do you motivate and inspire your team to bounce back after a defeat?

Naya Chandra Singh: Sometimes it is good to lose. Because after a defeat you always learn and realize your mistakes. Then it helps the team to play better in the upcoming games.

Q: Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your handball team in the upcoming years? How do you plan to achieve them?

Naya Chandra Singh: As of now I am fully concentrating on the Rajasthan Patriots team. We have tournaments coming up. Our goal is clear and we want to do well in the upcoming matches.

Q: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the development of women's sports in India. How do you promote gender equality and encourage girls to participate in handball in Manipur?

Naya Chandra Singh: The Women's team in Manipur is doing well now. The girls’ team comes first or second in the National Championship. Recently in the Federation Cup Manipur did well by reaching the Quarter Final. So yes, both the junior and senior women's teams are practicing now in the SAI centre and clubs and they will do good in the future.

Q: Are there any initiatives or programs you are involved in to support the grassroots development of handball in Manipur or India as a whole?

Naya Chandra Singh: As I told you I am the coach of the Indian Navy team. So, whenever I find any junior player from the grassroots level, I train them and keep them with the Navy team.

Q: As a handball coach, what do you consider to be your biggest achievements or memorable moments in your coaching career?

Naya Chandra Singh: My biggest achievement is winning the gold medal in the tri-services Championship. Lifting the trophy is still a big achievement for me.

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in handball coaching? Are there any specific resources or platforms you rely on for continuous learning?

Naya Chandra Singh: My senior coaches were there and helped me. And for the latest trends, I watch YouTube about the club championship and other tournaments that can help me to stay updated.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring handball coaches, particularly those from Manipur or other regions where handball is not as popular?

Naya Chandra Singh: For the upcoming coaches I will just say that please if you find any talented players then please give them training. Handball has developed and is getting famous now. Please give advanced training and do your duty with proper dedication and devotion.