Hyderabad-based Team Sets High Goals with Strong Roster and Dedicated Preparation

In a bid to secure victory in the inaugural season of the Premier Handball League (PHL), the Telugu Talons have emerged as a formidable force, with seven players hailing from Hyderabad. The PHL, taking place in Jaipur from June 8 to June 25, has witnessed a promising start for the Talons, who clinched victories in their first two games. Backed by team owner Abhishek Reddy Kankanala, who holds associations with various clubs in different sports, the Telugu Talons are optimistic about their chances this season.

Boasting a total of 14 Indian players and three international players, including two from Russia and one from the Philippines, the Telugu Talons possess a diverse and talented roster. The team’s star player, Davinder Bhullar, holds the left-back position and is lauded by Kankanala for his strength akin to a powerful bull. Bhullar’s remarkable track record includes securing Gold for India in the 2016 South Asian Games held in Guwahati and another Gold in the 2017 IHF Trophy in Thailand. He has been instrumental in the Talon’s triumph in the first two matches of the tournament, earning the title of the team’s player of the match.

Leading the Telugu Talons on the court is team captain Shubham Sheoran, who is highly regarded as an exemplary team leader, capable of uniting players. Kankanala describes Sheoran as the “team’s glue,” emphasizing his previous experience representing the Indian national side. Assisting Sheoran in leadership duties is the team’s vice-captain, Kailash Patel.

Amidst the roster, a rising star has emerged in the form of 17-year-old Rahul Nain, who stands as the youngest player in the team. Nain’s accomplishments include winning gold for Madhya Pradesh in the Junior Nationals in 2023 and securing silver for MP in the Federation Cup 2023, underscoring his potential and talent.

The Telugu Talons have left no stone unturned in their preparations for the season. With a dedicated management and support system, the team has prioritized player well-being and performance. Measures such as ice baths and hot showers have been implemented to aid recovery, while training regimens have been carefully tailored to maximize each player’s potential. Notably, the Telugu Talons enjoyed a substantial advantage in terms of preparation, having practiced for a month before the tournament, while other teams had only two weeks of preparation.

Overseeing the team’s progress is head coach Fernando Nunes, a seasoned coach from Portugal. As the sole foreign coach in the PHL, Nunes brings a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from coaching several teams outside of India. His guidance and tactical acumen are expected to play a pivotal role in the Talon’s quest for success.

Beyond their ambitions on the court, team owner Abhishek Reddy Kankanala holds a larger vision for the tournament’s success. He hopes the PHL will propel lesser-known sports into the mainstream, and his dedication to various sports ventures exemplifies this commitment. Apart from owning the Telugu Talons, Kankanala is also a part-owner of the Bengaluru Raptors in the Premier Badminton League, Bengaluru Brawlers in the annual national tournament, Hyderabad Black Hawks in the Prime Volleyball League, and Devpixel Devils Golf in the Telangana Premier Golf League.