Handball lovers and the sport in India will get a boost with the launch of the Premier Handball League (PHL) later this year. The league will have six franchise teams in its inaugural season. Maharashtra Ironmen, Garvit Gujarat, Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Wolverines have been confirmed as four franchises so far.

Manu Agrawal, CEO, Bluesport Entertainment Pvt. Ltd (official license holder of the league), is confident that the league will help the sport grow in terms of popularity, just like the Pro Kabaddi League. "We are convinced that the sport of handball and the league itself shall in years to come break all expectations in terms of popularity and create immense opportunities for those looking at taking on this sport professionally," Agrawal told mid-day.com recently.