Blasters men and Lucknow Lioness women emerged champions in inaugural edition of Handball Pro League (HPL) that concluded at the indoor hall of Divisional Sports Complex, Mankapur on Sunday. Nagpur men finished third while city’s women team had to be content with a fourth-place finish. The men’s final between Bhopal Blasters and Bhilai Battalions started on an aggressive note. Both teams scored briskly and by end of the first quarter, they had totalled twenty goals. Bhopal led 21-17 at the halfway mark. Bhilai had a good third quarter but Bhopal players upped the ante in the last session and finally won 41-34 to make history. Joginder, who fired in 13 goals, was named Player of the Final. Lucknow Lioness, who remained unbeaten in the tournament, lifted the crown getting better of Chandrapur Think Tank 24-18. At the end of first quarter it was three all as nothing separated the two sides.

 

Chandrapur took a three-point lead at the lemon break and were leading 9-6. But things took a drastic turn when Chandrapur skipper got injured and had to leave field. Lioness pounced on the opportunity and scored goals at will. Lucknow goalkeeper Chetna, who kept her cool in trying circumstances was once again declared Player of the Match. Earlier, Nagpur Tigers defeated Wardha Momentum Warriors 29-25 for the third place. Mohammad Suja was adjudged Player of the Match. Nagpur Ajit Nectars could not match their men counterpart and went down to Mumbai Esha’s Marvels in the hard-line final 17-27. Mumbai’s Mitali Sharma was named Player of the Match. Winners in both men and women categories were richer by Rs 10 lakh each. The losing finalists took home Rs 5 lakh each while the third placed teams including Nagpur men won a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for their effort.