'Any player can become star now', says Rajasthan Patriots' left winger Sumit Ghanghas

He also spoke about the help from the foreign players in the Premier Handball League and what India must do to improve the level in the country.

The emergence of Premier Handball League has helped Indian handball ecosystem providing quality game time and offer players opportunities to play alongside reputed foreign players. One player who has benefited from the league is Sumit Ghanghas, representing Rajasthan Patriots in the inaugural edition. He recently became the first Indian men's player to be included in the all-star playing seven at the IHF Emerging Nations Cup. The left winger has played an integral role in Rajasthan's semi-final run scoring 25 goals in 10 matches.

Sumit Ghanghas spoke with Khel Now in an exclusive interview ahead of the semi-final. Here's what he said:

Experience playing in PHL and early career

"I took up handball during my school days (in 2013) and it was my cousin (senior player and currently in navy) who helped me understand the nuances of sport. In a few years' time, I got selected to play for my school team and then the district team. Also, I had the backing of my brother who supported and helped me progress in the game."

Rajasthan Patriots finished third at the end of league stages, scoring 14 points (wins 7 and loss 3) and in the process progressed to the semi-finals alongside Maharashtra Ironmen, Telugu Talons, and Golden Eagles UP.

"The journey has been pretty good. We have only lost three matches so far, which can be attributed to team's mistakes or not having a good time on that particular day. Since the start we have been working pretty hard and it is paying off now."

Rajasthan were trailing 6-13 against Garvit Gujarat in the one of the group stage match, but the former made a great comeback in the end to win the match by a point (31-30).

"We were very hopeful of winning the match but at the start took them lightly. The team never had a doubt even once during the match. We always had in our mind that we can cover up the game in the end and with constant support from our captain Atul Kumar from the back, we won the match.

"Atul Kumar and I play together for the Air Force, Indian team and now in the PHL. He has been always supportive and is a good mentor. Even if the team doesn't perform well, he stands by us and motivates the players to come back strong.

"Before the start of the season I had few things stacked up to be executed in the league but to be honest I am not satisfied rather will look to achieve more in the coming matches. On the other hand, it is the first time we are being streamed live with people getting to see our performance."

A few months prior to the PHL, the Indian team participated in the IHF Emerging Nations Cup and made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time. The Indian colts defeated Malta and Andorra in the group stages to reach the semis.

"It was a surreal moment at the IHF emerging nations cup. We got a lot of support from the federation and we performed to our best. And now we are pretty much confident of securing a medal in the further competitions as we have started to compete hard."

Playing alongside foreign stars

Dmitrii Kireev from Russia has been the backbone of Rajasthan Patriots' contingent. Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-Otabi (Jordan) and Thanawat Sanyamud (Thailand) are the other foreign player to feature for the Northern side.

"The foreign players helped us in various aspects, one of which is when to release the ball (i.e., the right moment to release it) and reading the match situations. They are very experienced and have good understanding of the game which in the process of 10 matches has benefitted us.

"Any player now can become a star and vice versa. Federation will now be looking at our performances regularly and monitoring us on regular intervals. The sport I believe has got a wider reach and audience with the telecast and streaming.

"Going forward with the help of PHL we will find new talents and India ultimately can win medals at the international stages. Before we hardly used to play indoors as most of our training sessions and matches were held outdoors.

"At the start (pre-season of PHL), it was a bit difficult to adapt to the indoors as many dealt with injuries. Slowly we have started adapting to the conditions and if we are provided with similar infra throughout then it will be highly beneficial.

Handball is an indoor sport and India hardly has any infrastructure with maximum players practising the sport outdoors. Europe has dominated the sport at the Olympics and the reason for their success has been the infrastructure which India too needs to have a look at.