Prasar Bharati Handball MoU signed to broadcast national and international handball events via DD Sports and Waves OTT, aiming to boost the sport’s visibility and grassroots development in India.
Boosting Handball in India: Prasar Bharati Enters a Landmark Broadcast MoU
In a major step forward for Indian sports, Prasar Bharati, the national broadcaster, and the Handball Association of India (HAI) have signed a three‑year MoU to produce and broadcast all national and international handball events organized by HAI.
Key Signatories and Platforms
The MoU was formally exchanged in Jaipur by Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, and Anandeshwar Pandey, Executive Director of HAI. The event was also attended by Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal and HAI Secretary General Tejraj Singh Under the agreement, these handball events will air on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other platforms under the Prasar Bharati umbrella.
Expanding Reach and Visibility
This collaboration aims to elevate handball’s presence across India, making it accessible to millions via television and digital streaming. HAI emphasized that consistent coverage will spur interest at the grassroots level and support talent discovery
Quotes from Leadership
- Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, called it “a new era for handball in India,” underlining the role of media in nurturing emerging talent .
- Gaurav Dwivedi noted the commitment to providing handball with national and international visibility
- Anandeshwar Pandey added that the MoU would “popularise handball at grassroots and elite levels”
Impact on India’s Global Presence
By showcasing domestic tournaments and international matches, Prasar Bharati is setting up Indian players for global recognition. This partnership aligns with the broader mission of enhancing Olympic sports infrastructure and media backing in India
Why This News Matters
Strategic Promotion of Emerging Sports
Handball has historically received limited media attention in India. This MoU signals a shift in strategy—centralizing handball under a national broadcaster ensures visibility and resource mobilization. This is vital for athletes vying for positions in Indian Railways, defence services, and sports quota recruitments.
Encouraging Grassroots Development
Regular broadcast of various tournaments will inspire youth participation. Increased access to live events and coverage can lead to better talent identification programs—important for UPSC/PSC aspirants preparing for questions on sports initiatives, national development, and policy.
Enhancing India’s Olympic Aspirations
As India prepares for international multi-sport events, a stronger domestic focus on handball could translate into better performance at the Asian Games and Olympics. Government exam takers should note this MoU as an example of public institutions aligning with national sports goals.
Historical Context: The Journey of Handball in India
Origins and Evolution
Introduced in India in the mid-20th century, handball has grown with intermittent success. However, compared to cricket and hockey, its reach remained limited due to scarce media coverage and infrastructure.
Previous Support and Performance
India has participated in international handball competitions but largely underperformed. Limited visibility affected sponsorship and grassroots development.
Renewed Institutional Focus
This MoU follows similar recent agreements involving national broadcasters and lesser‑highlighted sports. It reflects a coordinated effort by government bodies, sports federations, and media to uplift Olympic sports, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat ethos.
Key Takeaways from Prasar Bharati–HAI MoU
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three-year MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Handball Association of India. |
| 2 | Broadcast coverage will include national & international matches on DD Sports and Waves OTT. |
| 3 | Signatories: Gaurav Dwivedi (PB CEO), Anandeshwar Pandey (HAI), among others. |
| 4 | Aim: Enhance visibility, boost grassroots talent, and strengthen Olympic sports. |
| 5 | Alignment: Supports India’s international sports ambitions and public policy objectives. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the MoU between Prasar Bharati and the Handball Association of India?
The MoU aims to broadcast national and international handball events to promote the sport across India and boost its popularity and grassroots participation.
2. Which platforms will telecast the handball events under the MoU?
The matches will be broadcasted on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms.
3. Who signed the MoU on behalf of Prasar Bharati?
Gaurav Dwivedi, the CEO of Prasar Bharati, signed the MoU.
4. Why is this MoU important for competitive exam aspirants?
It highlights government-backed initiatives to promote lesser-known sports, a frequently asked topic in current affairs and sports policy questions in exams like SSC, UPSC, and State PSCs.
5. What impact will this MoU have on grassroots sports development?
The MoU will improve the visibility of handball and inspire youth participation, helping in talent discovery and future national representation.
6. How does this move align with India’s Olympic goals?
Broadcasting handball events supports the broader objective of nurturing Olympic sports, in line with India’s efforts to improve international sports rankings.
7. Which organization governs handball in India?
The Handball Association of India (HAI) is the governing body for handball in India.
8. Where was the MoU signed?
The agreement was exchanged in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
9. What kind of matches will be covered under this MoU?
All national and international handball matches organized by HAI will be covered.
10. Who are the other key officials involved in this MoU?
Navneet Kumar Sehgal (Chairman, Prasar Bharati) and Tejraj Singh (Secretary General, HAI) also participated in the agreement exchange.
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