Premier Handball League: Maharashtra Ironmen launch jersey in grand ceremony

Pune, May 30: Maharashtra Ironmen, who are set to compete in the Premier Handball League (PHL) starting from June 8, 2023, launched their jersey for the inaugural season in a glitzy event in Pune on Tuesday (May 29).

The unveiling took place in the presence of team owner Punit Balan and Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, who is also a Maharashtra Ironmen fan, at a star-studded event. Sunil Kumar, Head Coach, and Ajay Kumar, Assistant Coach were also in attendance.

(L-R) Player Ankit Kumar, Asst. Coach Ajay Kumar, Indian Cricketer Kedar Jadav, Mr Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of Punit Balan Group, Head Coach Sunil Kumar and Star player Igor Chiseliov during jersey launch in Pune

With Handball being an Olympic sport, it perfectly aligns with Punit Balan Group's vision and passion for promoting and developing non-cricketing sports in India so that the nation could reach new heights in the Olympic Games.

Punit Balan, the Chairman and Managing Director of Punit Balan Group said the vision is to take the sport to the next level and get India competing with the best at events like the Olympics.

"As we all know Handball is an Olympic sport and our vision is to take the sport to the next level in India, so, our players can also dream of playing and winning medals at the Olympics," said Punit Balan.

"We aim to provide our athletes with the right opportunities and support, giving them a holistic experience. The Maharashtra Ironmen will attract many fans from all parts of the country."

Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, also present at the event, stated that he has a special connection with handball and will support Maharashtra Ironmen throughout the season.

"I have played Handball in school and have a special connection with the sport. We all have seen the sport in the Olympics and I am sure with the vision of Punit Balan and Maharashtra Ironmen we will reach that level soon," Jadhav said.

"I am from Maharashtra, so, the love for Maharashtra Ironmen comes naturally to me. My best wishes to all the players and staff and I am sure they will do their best to win the league," commented Kedar Jadhav.

The Head Coach of Maharashtra Ironmen, Sunil Kumar added, "Our preparations are going on well for the tournament. We are focusing on players' fitness as the Premier Handball League is going to be a long competition. We will play a lot of matches and are carrying out our preparations accordingly."

The Premier Handball League will be played at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan, from June 8-25, 2023. It will be broadcast LIVE across the Viacom 18 Network - Sports 18-1 (HD & SD) and Sports 18 Khel and JioCinema.

Maharashtra Ironmen PHL 2023 Players List

Sr No.	Player	Position	Nationality
1	Alexander Lesnik	GK	Russian
2	Jalal Kiani	RB	Iranian
3	Igor Chiseliov	LB	Russian
4	Naveen Deshwal	GK	Indian
5	Mohammed Sohail Akhtar	RB	Indian
6	Vijay Singh	LB	Indian
7	Manjeet Kumar	CB	Indian
8	Ankit Kumar	RW	Indian
9	Aman	LW	Indian
10	Ranjeet Singh	PIVOT	Indian
11	Rajat Khatkar	GK	Indian
12	Mohit Punia	RB	Indian
13	Sushil Kumar	LB	Indian
14	Sumit Kumar	CB	Indian
15	Sunil	RW	Indian
16	Sumit Ghanghas	LW	Indian
17	Shubham Kumar	PIVOT	Indian