On July 11, 2025, Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, signed a transformative three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Handball Association of India (HAI) to catapult handball into the national spotlight. This historic agreement, formalized in New Delhi, promises to broadcast all national and international handball events on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms, igniting a new era for the sport. With a vision to boost handball’s popularity and nurture talent, this partnership is a game-changer for a sport often overshadowed by cricket and hockey.
- Key Points:
- 3-year MoU signed on July 11, 2025, between Prasar Bharati and HAI.
- All handball events to be broadcast on DD Sports and Waves OTT.
- Aims to increase handball’s visibility and inspire grassroots participation.
Broadcasting Handball to Every Village
Prasar Bharati’s extensive network, including Doordarshan and All India Radio, reaches millions across urban and rural India. Under this MoU, every major handball event—from national championships to international tournaments—will be produced and telecast, making the sport accessible to households nationwide. The inclusion of Waves OTT, Prasar Bharati’s digital platform launched in 2024, ensures that even tech-savvy audiences can catch live matches and highlights in over 12 languages, bridging the digital divide.
- Key Points:
- Leverages DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms.
- Reaches rural and urban audiences, fostering inclusivity.
- Waves OTT offers multilingual content for broader accessibility.
Boosting Grassroots Talent and Popularity
Handball, despite India’s participation in international events like the Asian Handball Championship, struggles with limited visibility. This MoU aims to change that by showcasing the sport’s fast-paced, dynamic nature. Naveen Poonia, vice-captain of the Indian handball team, hailed the partnership as a “pivotal moment” that will bring handball to every village, inspiring young athletes. The deal aligns with initiatives like the “Handball at School” program, launched by the International Handball Federation (IHF) and Asian Handball Federation (AHF), to promote grassroots development.
- Key Points:
- Targets increased popularity for handball, a lesser-known sport.
- Supports grassroots initiatives like “Handball at School.”
- Encourages young talent through nationwide visibility.
Revenue Sharing: A Win for Sports Federations
In a groundbreaking move, Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal announced that revenue from telecast events, after production costs, will be shared with HAI. This financial support aims to make sports federations self-sufficient, enabling them to fund training, infrastructure, and talent development. Similar agreements are in the works with federations like Hockey India and the Badminton Association of India, signaling a broader push to uplift lesser-known sports.
- Key Points:
- Revenue-sharing model to support HAI’s growth and sustainability.
- Strengthens financial independence for sports federations.
- Plans to extend similar deals to hockey and badminton federations.
A Strategic Vision for Indian Sports
Led by CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, Prasar Bharati’s collaboration with HAI reflects its broader mission to promote diverse sports, culture, and education. Building on past partnerships, such as with the Big Cricket League and IIT Delhi for DD-Robocon, this MoU underscores Prasar Bharati’s role as a catalyst for sports development. By leveraging its 39 existing MoUs with global broadcasters, Prasar Bharati aims to showcase Indian handball on an international stage, fostering pride and recognition.
- Key Points:
- Aligns with Prasar Bharati’s mission to promote diverse sports.
- Builds on successful partnerships like BCL and DD-Robocon.
- Aims to elevate Indian handball globally through existing MoUs.
Why This MoU Matters
The Prasar Bharati-HAI partnership is a bold step toward diversifying India’s sports landscape. By bringing handball to millions of screens, it not only amplifies the sport’s appeal but also nurtures a new generation of athletes. As Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other leaders celebrate such initiatives, the MoU reflects India’s commitment to inclusive sports development. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a curious viewer, this collaboration invites you to rally behind handball’s rise in 2025.
- Key Points:
- Diversifies India’s sports culture beyond cricket and hockey.
- Inspires a new generation of handball players and fans.
- Reflects India’s commitment to inclusive sports growth.
