The Men's Handball tournament at the South Asian Games concluded on Saturday with Pakistan defeating archrival India, 37-31 for the gold medal. Pakistan and India were the two class teams of the tournament as no other side came closer than 12 goals to those two sides. Bangladesh beat Nepal for the bronze.

News reports indicate that this was the first time that Handball was included in the South Asian Games which is a multi sport competition for nations on or near the Indian subcontinent: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. In addition to the four nations previously mention Afghanistan and Sri Lanka also sent teams. News reports indicate the that the matches were played in an outdoor stadium with a packed house witnessing the final.

Editor’s Note: I would like to do a feature article on Handball in South Asia. If you are a handball player or administrator in any of the countries mentioned please contact me at john.ryan@teamhandballnews.com.

Asian Games Website Handball page: http://rubaisport.com/sag/?competition=handball
Dawn.com (6 Feb 10): Pakistan edge India to win handball gold in SAG: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/sport/08-pakistan-edge-india-to-win-handball-gold-in-sag-ts-05