Dilli Dhurandhars crowned inaugural Korfball Premier League champions after 17-15 final win - International Korfball Federation

October 4, 2026/ inKorfball News,Popular/byDani Ezpeleta Dilli Dhurandhars are the first champions of the Korfball Premier League. On the final day of a 16-day season at Thyagraj Indoor Stadium, they edged Dangal Warriors17-15to close India's first professional mixed-gender korfball competition.

Dilli led 8-7 at the break and held their nerve in the second half to secure the title under the league's slogan "Naya Khel, Nayi Soch" (New Sport, New Thinking). The victory completes a campaign that began on 19 September and brought Indian and international players onto the same court in a franchise format new to the sport.

Eight franchise teams competed in a single-venue programme designed to fit a full league-and-knockout schedule into just over two weeks. Squads mixed players selected through Indian pathways with international athletes from more than 15 countries; roughly 62 of the 112 registered players were Indian and about 50 came from abroad.

Every match was played under International Korfball Federation rules, with four women and four men on court at all times, shared coaching staffs, and IKF-standard officiating that paired an IKF referee with a local official. The group stage ran from 19 September to 2 October, generally with two matches a day.

The top four advanced to semi-finals on 3 October. Dilli Dhurandhars defeated Thala Strikers in the first semi-final.

In the second, Dangal Warriors beat Telugu Legends, the decisive moment coming via a golden goal. Other franchises in the inaugural field included Gujarat Royals, Fateh Warriors and UP Hustlers.

The league also trialled a Decision Review System (DRS), giving teams the chance to challenge selected decisions with video replay - the first professional use of the technology in korfball. Matches were broadcast in India on Star Sports and JioHotstar and streamed more widely, including on ABP Sports YouTube channel.

Final and individual highlights The championship match itself reflected the season's character: high intensity, close scores and shared responsibility between the men's and women's divisions. Dilli Dhurandhars, captained by Sarang Sharma, controlled the key passages after the interval to finish 17-15 winners.

Dangal Warriors, who had reached the final through the golden-goal semi-final, pushed them all the way. Across the tournament the leading scorers underlined the international mix.