Shiva shines as UP bags bronze in national handball c’ship

Lucknow: Goalkeeper Shiva Singh's stellar performance helped the Uttar Pradesh women's team secure a bronze medal at the 53rd Senior National Women's Handball Championship, held in Hathras from March 31 to April 5. Uttar Pradesh shared the bronze medal with Rajasthan.Shiva Singh of SSB played a crucial role in the team's journey to the semifinals, delivering match-winning performances in both the pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal stages against Haryana and Punjab, respectively. Her brilliant saves earned her the Player of the Match award in both knockout matches. However, despite a valiant effort in the semifinal, UP lost 32–36 to defending champions Railways.UP topped its pool after dominant wins over Odisha (44–13) and Jammu & Kashmir (35–8) in the league stage. UP Handball Association Secretary Dr Anandeshwar Pandey congratulated the players for bringing laurels to the state.