Santiago, 29th November 2023: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team made a resounding start to their FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 campaign by securing a commanding 12-0 victory against Canada in their opening match of the tournament held in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday.

Annu (4’, 6′, 39’), Dipi Monika Toppo (21’), Mumtaz Khan (26’, 41’, 54’, 60’), Deepika Soreng (34’, 50’, 54’), and Neelam (45’) were the goalscorers for India.

India began the match with an attacking approach, consistently pressuring Canada and swiftly securing an early advantage as Annu (4’, 6′) scored two early goals through penalty corners. Despite taking a two-goal lead, India persisted in their aggressive style, maintaining pressure on Canada, however, they were unable to find more goals in the opening quarter as it ended 2-0 in their favour.

The momentum from the first quarter carried into the second for India, which sustained their dominance. They maintained possession, consistently penetrating the circle, resulting in Dipi Monika Toppo (21′) and Mumtaz Khan (26′) netting a field goal each, further extending India’s lead. In the meantime, Canada won a penalty corner but they were unable to make the most of it. As the second quarter concluded, the Indian team maintained a commanding 4-0 lead.

Despite having a healthy lead, the Indian team showed no signs of slowing down in the third quarter and continued to dominate the proceedings with Deepika Soreng (34′) converting a penalty corner, following which Annu (39′) completed her hat-trick, while Mumtaz Khan (41′) scored her second goal of the match. Also, Neelam (45′) smashed home her shot from a penalty corner to make it 8-0 for India by the end of the penultimate quarter. T

he Indian team’s hunger for goals persisted into the fourth quarter, resulting in strikes by Deepika Soreng (50′, 54′) and Mumtaz Khan (54′, 60’) which not only saw both players complete their hat-tricks but also India winning the game 12-0.

India will next lock horns with Germany in their second match of the tournament on 1st December at 01:00hrs IST.

Kovilpatti, 29th November 2023: Day 10 of the 1st Hockey India Junior Men Academy Championship 2023 – (Zone B) witnessed Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre and SAIL Hockey Academy emerge victorious in their respective Semi-Final matches in the Junior category.   

Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High PerformanceCentre books berth in Final:  

In the first Semi-Final of the Junior Men category, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre defeated Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati 12-0. Suresh Sharma Adhikarimayum (5’, 23’, 50’, 59’) set the ball rolling with four goals to his name while Munda Satish (22’, 26’, 53’) and Irengbam Rohit Singh (17’, 28’, 35’) scored hat-tricks for Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre. Harish Singh Leitanthem (27’) and Silheiba Lisham (38’) chipped in with a goal each as they confirmed their ticket in the Final.  

SAIL Hockey Academy sails into the Final:  

In the second Semi-Final, SAIL Hockey Academy defeated Hubli Hockey Academy 10-1. Toppo Amit (2’, 13’, 57) and Mohan Krishna (18’, 38’, 46’) scored a hat-trick each, Karan Lakra (11’, 42’) scored a brace each while Nabin Lakra (15’) and Majhi Ankit (60’) contributed one goal apiece for SAIL Hockey Academy. Raju Manoj Gayakwad (39’) scored the only goal for Hubli Hockey Academy in the third quarter as SAIL Hockey Academy confirmed their place in the Final with this resounding victory.  

Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre will take on SAIL Hockey Academy in the Final while Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati will play Hubli Hockey Academy in the 3rd/4th place match on 30th November.  

New Delhi, 29th November 2023: The conclusion of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023 on Tuesday brought forth a captivating showdown, leaving Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain and Hockey Punjab Skipper Harmanpreet Singh brimming with admiration for the exceptional standard of the tournament. Steering the victorious team, Hockey Punjab, Harmanpreet expressed profound praise for the tournament’s high standards following their well-fought shootout victory against Hockey Haryana in the title-deciding clash, which came after the game was tied at 2-2 (9-8 SO) at the end of regulation time.

Harmanpreet, who finished as the top scorer for Hockey Punjab in the tournament by netting nine goals, hailed the competitive edge prevalent in the domestic hockey scene. “The Final match truly portrays the escalating competitiveness within domestic hockey,” he said before adding, “The quality of hockey being played in the country has improved drastically and the remarkable exhibition of skills by individual players surpasses any previous displays.”

The 27-year-old defender, pivotal in the national squad, lauded Hockey India for its instrumental role in elevating the sport’s stature within the country. “Hockey India’s relentless efforts in enhancing hockey standards are commendable. By adhering to international protocols and standards, this championship almost mirrored an international event, which is a testimony to Hockey India’s efforts in raising the sport to unprecedented levels,” Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet also emphasized the tournament’s potential in honing players’ skills, rectifying weaknesses, and ultimately contributing to the betterment of the Indian national team. “The competition intensity witnessed in this championship will undoubtedly serve as a crucible for refining our players’ abilities and addressing their shortcomings, thereby fortifying the Indian team,” he affirmed.

Notably, a staggering count of 31 players from India’s core group participated in the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023. Highlighting the impact of elite Indian players gracing the tournament, Harmanpreet reckoned an upsurge in the players’ prowess, foreseeing an unparalleled escalation in Indian hockey’s stature on the global platform.

“The presence of numerous Indian international players in this tournament signifies a trajectory towards an unparalleled standard. I firmly believe this will propel Indian hockey to uncharted heights, amplifying our prowess on the international stage,” Harmanpreet concluded optimistically

Chennai, 28th November 2023: Hockey claimed the Gold medal after their penalty shootout triumph over defending Champions Hockey Haryana in the Final of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023 today at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai. Meanwhile, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu overcame Hockey Karnataka in penalty shootouts to claim the Bronze Medal. 

Hockey Punjab secures title in sudden death: 

Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Haryana 2-2 (9-8 SO) in the Final of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023 to clinch the title. Hockey Punjab started the match strong, scoring the first goal in the 13th minute thanks to Harjeet Singh. However, Hockey Haryana’s Sanjay (25′) scored from a penalty corner to level the score. In the second half, Hockey Punjab’s Captain Harmanpreet Singh (42′) scored a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner to put his team in the lead. But Hockey Haryana’s Rajant (50′) scored again to equalize and take the game to penalty shootouts.

During the shootouts, Sanjay, Deepak, and Abhishek scored for Hockey Haryana while Harmanpreet Singh, Simranjeet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh scored for Hockey Punjab, taking the match to sudden death. In the seventh penalty shootout, Simranjeet Singh scored, securing the hard-fought victory for Hockey Punjab.

Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu comes back from behind to finish third: 

In the 3rd/4th place match Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu defeated Hockey Karnataka by 5-3 in penalty shootouts after the game was tied at the 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time. BP Somanna (4’) scored the first goal of the game for Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu from a penalty corner. But Hockey Karnataka clawed their way back into the game with Captain Gowda Sheshe (12’), Harish Mutagar (34’), and Indian Men’s Hockey Team forward Mohammed Raheel Mouseen (38’) scoring a goal each. Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu equalised through Sundarapandi (40’) and Indian Men’s Hockey Team forward Karthi Selvam (52’), forcing the game to penalty shootouts. 

Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu Captain J Joshua Benedict Wesely, Kanagaraj Selvaraj, Dhanush M, Sundarapandi, and H Shyam Kumar all scored in the penalty shootouts while goalkeeper S Senthamizh Arasu stood tall for his side to complete the emphatic comeback victory and clinch the Bronze medal. 

New Delhi, 28th November 2023: As the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 ignites anticipation, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team gears up for a thrilling opener against Canada on the 29th November in Santiago, Chile. Eager to make their mark after securing a commendable 4th place in the 2022 edition, India stands poised to commence their journey in Pool C, a challenging group that includes 2022 runners-up Germany, Belgium, and their first opponents, Canada. 

With the opening clash against Canada, India aim to set the tempo early on. Their previous encounters against the Canadian team have seen India triumph in all three games, a statistic that adds fervour to their motivation. 

Moreover, India’s triumphant capture of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 title in Kakamigahara, Japan earlier this year stands as a significant psychological advantage as they step into the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023. 

Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Captain Preeti exuded confidence ahead of their opening game and stated, “We are entering the tournament with determination and focus. Our team’s preparation has been intensive, and we’re keen to translate that into our performance on the field. Playing against Canada in the opener is a chance for us to set the momentum for our campaign.” 

Coach Tushar Khandker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s readiness, saying, “Our players have trained rigorously and are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. We respect every opponent and are looking forward to a strong start against Canada.” 

The tournament’s format demands a top-two finish in the Pool stage for a direct berth into the Quarter-Finals. After Canada, India faces a formidable challenge against Germany on the 30th November, followed by a crucial encounter against Belgium on the 2nd December, culminating the group stage battles. 

The Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final of the tournament will take place on 6th, 8th, and 10th December respectively. 

It is worth noting that India are aiming to secure their maiden FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup title. India’s best finish in the prestigious tournament came in 2013 when they finished third.

The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team will take on Canada on 29th November at 2330hrs IST. 

Kovilpatti, 28th November 2023: Day 9 of the 1st Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2023 – (Zone B) witnessed Lakshmi Ammal Sports and SAIL Hockey Academy emerge victorious in their respective Sub Junior games. Meanwhile, Berar Hockey Academy and SAIL Hockey Academy registered wins in their respective Junior category matches.    

Lakshi Ammal Sports Academy goes past Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy:   

In the first Sub Junior category match, Lakshmi Ammal Sports Academy defeated Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy 3-1. Captain Kavisakthibose (19’, 32’) led from the front with a brace while Mugeshkumar (53’) scored in the fourth quarter for Lakshmi Ammal Sports Academy. Meanwhile, Ajay K (33’) scored the lone goal for Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy in the third quarter.  

SAIL Hockey Academy continues unbeaten run:    

The second Sub Junior category match of the day saw SAIL Hockey Academy defeat Thirumalavalavan Hockey Academy 9-0. Salil Kindo (15’, 52’), Lakra Sudeep (22’, 30’) and Kullu Nevil (24’, 32’) scored a brace each while Ekka Sayun (7’), Ekka Ranjan Paul (23’) and Ekka Rohit (45’) scored a goal each as SAIL Hockey Academy cruised into the Final where they will play Smart Hockey Academy, Raipur on 30th November.  

Lakshmi Ammal Sports Academy will play Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy in the 3rd/4th place match while SAIL Hockey Academy will play Smart Hockey Academy, Raipur in the Final of the Sub Junior category. Both games will be played on the 30th November  

Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati registers comfortable win:   

In the first Junior category match of the day, Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati defeated Cuddalore Hockey Academy 8-1. Anil Vilas Rathod (33’, 42’, 52’ 59’) led the goal-scoring spree for Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati with four goals. Aman Akil Teli (5’, 30’) scored a brace while Athrav Kundan Waghmare (23’) and Zakariya Kamran (45’) netted a goal each. Visvanathan (10’) scored Cuddalore Hockey Academy’s only goal in the first quarter.  

SAIL Hockey Academy tops Pool B with clinical win:   

In the second Junior category match of the day, SAIL Hockey Academy beat SDT Hockey Nilgiris Academy 5-0. Karan Lakra (3’), Majhi Ankit (23’), Sushil Kujur (25’), Nabin Lakra (30’) and Mohan Krishna (55’) scored a goal each as SAIL Hockey Academy went on to win their fifth match in as many games.  

Semi-final line-up in the Junior Category to be played on 29th November:  

1st Semi-final – Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre vs Berar Hockey Academy (Vidarbha) Amravati  

2nd Semi-final – SAIL Hockey Academy vs Hubli Hockey Academy 

Chennai, 25th November 2023: Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Hockey Haryana, and Hockey Punjab emerged victorious in their respective Quarter-Finals matches to advance to the Semi-Finals of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2023 today at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai.   

Hockey Karnataka brushes aside Hockey Jharkhand: 

The first Quarter-Final saw Hockey Karnataka defeat Hockey Jharkhand by 4-1. Hockey Karnataka took control of the game from the start courtesy of goals from Captain GOWDA Sheshe (23’) and Likhith Bm (32’). Hockey Jharkhand threatened to mount a comeback after Dilbar Barla (39’) found the back of the net but the momentum was squashed by a quick brace from Hockey Karnataka’s Harish Mutagar (46’, 49’). 

Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu registers thrilling comeback victory: 

The second game witnessed the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu register a 3-2 triumph over Uttar Pradesh Hockey. Manish Sahani (27’) and Sunil Yadav (30’) scored from penalty corners to grant Uttar Pradesh Hockey a two-goal lead. But the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu came out swinging in the second half, with J. Kavin Kishore (33’) and Captain J Joshua Benedict Wesely (52’, 59’) scoring to complete the comeback win. 

Hockey Haryana stands firm in penalty shootouts: 

Hockey Haryana defeated Hockey Association of Odisha 3-2 in penalty shootouts after the game was tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender Sanjay (8’, 15’) converted two penalty corners to present Hockey Haryana the lead but Hockey Association of Odisha answered back through goals from the Captain and Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender Amit Rohidas (22’) as well as Indian Men’s Hockey Team forward Shilanand Lakra (43’). In sudden death of the penalty shootouts Indian Men’s Hockey Team forward Abhishek stepped up to score and seal the victory for Hockey Haryana. 

Hockey Punjab books Semi-Final berth:  

The last Quarter-Final ended with Hockey Punjab beating Manipur Hockey 4-2. Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh (31’, 51’) led by example again, scoring twice from penalty corners. He was joined on the scoresheet by Indian Men’s Hockey Team forward Sukhjeet Singh (20’) and Pardeep Singh (6’). Manipur Hockey scored two goals through their Captain Singh Chinglensana (36’) and Rishi Yumnam (45’) but failed to threaten Hockey Punjab further. 

Semi-Finals line-up: 

Hockey Haryana vs Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu @1330 hrs on 27 November 2023

Hockey Karnataka vs Hockey Punjab @1530 hrs on 27 November 2023

Chennai, 25th November 2023: Indian Men’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton on Friday conducted a coaching session for the Head Coaches of the Member Units participating in the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023. The aim of the session, which was organized at the Conference Hall of the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, was to elevate coaching standards within the domestic circuit. The session provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange between the coaches.

Notable Head Coaches who participated in the session were Batham Sumit of Hockey Jharkhand, Vinay Kishor of Hockey Uttarakhand, Daljeet Singh of Hockey Punjab, Mukesh Kumar of Hockey Haryana, Yendala Sagar of Telangana Hockey, Satender Sharma of Delhi Hockey, Moirangthem Rinash Mettei of Manipur Hockey, Aravindan Ramachandran of Le Puducherry Hockey, Charles Dixon of Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, and Deepak Saini of Hockey Arunachal.

The interactive coaching session, facilitated by Fulton, delved into diverse topics, including the Indian principles of play both with and without the ball, strategic game management to the score and remaining time, and effective player management considering the demanding schedule, among other crucial aspects.

Speaking about the session, Craig Fulton said, “It was very satisfying to interact with coaches from the home setup. It was an interactive session, and I think we learned a lot. It is essential to keep raising the bar for coaching across the nation. The players who advance to the Indian setup will be more prepared to make big career advancements if this is done.”

Chennai, 23rd November 2023: Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Jharkhand, and Hockey Chandigarh claimed three points each after some high-octane performances on the seventh day of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2023, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai. Meanwhile, Manipur Hockey held Hockey Bengal to a 3-3 draw.

Manipur Hockey booked their Quarter-Finals spot with a draw:

Manipur Hockey delivered an electrifying performance in the first match of the day, drawing 3-3 with Hockey Bengal. Manipur Hockey took an early lead thanks to goals from Ningombam Jenjen Singh (2′) and Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who doubled the advantage in the 25th minute. Neupane Nitish’s brace in the 48th and 56th minutes, along with Rajendra Oram’s goal in the 56th minute, fueled Hockey Bengal’s late-game comeback. Nilakanta Sharma converted a penalty stroke in the 60th minute of the game, rescuing a crucial point for Manipur Hockey and ensuring their progression to the next round of the tournament.

Hockey Madhya Pradesh overpowers Hockey Jammu & Kashmir:

Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Jammu & Kashmir by 13-0 in the second game. The goalscorers for Hockey Madhya Pradesh were Mohd Nizamuddin (5’, 16’, 36’), Gladwin Shaun Glen (6’), Akshay Dubey (12’, 25’), Arjun Sharma (18’, 21’), Satyam Swamy (29’), Himanshu Sanik (46’), Sourabh Pashine (50’, 55’), and Swapnil Kawadkar (57’).

Hockey Jharkhand qualifies for Quarter-Finals with win over Goans Hockey:

Hockey Jharkhand defeated Goans Hockey 3-0 in their Pool F match to qualify for the Quarter-Finals. Noyel Topno (25’, 56’) scored a brace while Denis Kerketta (9’) scored a goal as Hockey Jharkhand stormed into the Quarter-Finals after winning all their Pool matches.

Hockey Chandigarh triumph over Hockey Andhra Pradesh:

The last match of the day witnessed Hockey Chandigarh defeat Hockey Andhra Pradesh by 6-2. Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Maninder Singh (3’, 19’, 42’, 51’) made his mark on the game, scoring four goals for Hockey Chandigarh. He was assisted in his goal-scoring efforts with a quick brace from Singh Vishaljit (9’, 11’). Galla Siva Pramod (28’, 54’) scored the two goals for Hockey Andhra Pradesh.

Bengaluru, 23rd November 2023: Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team defender Preeti is set to lead her side in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 to be held in Santiago, Chile from 29th November 2023 to 10th December 2023. 16 teams will be competing in the tournament divided into four pools. India are placed in Pool C along with Germany, Belgium, and Canada. The defending Champions the Netherlands are placed alongside South Africa, Australia, and Chile in Pool A, while Argentina, Korea, Spain, and Zimbabwe form Pool B. England, the United States, New Zealand and Japan are grouped together in Pool D.

India will begin their campaign in Chile on 29th November against Canada and will hope to get off to a solid start. In the landmark 50th episode of Hockey Te Charcha, a podcast series launched by Hockey India, Preeti, who also led India to a Gold medal at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup earlier this year, spoke on the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

“We are all quite excited to compete in the tournament. We have gained a lot of confidence since our title win at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup and we wish to carry forward the same momentum. We have been preparing well and have had really good training sessions under Coach Tushar Khandekar. In a short span of time, we have held important discussions about the team’s structure and how we can improve our skills. We are also working on developing in key areas.”

India defeated Korea 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in June to claim the Gold medal. The win helped India secure a position at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023. Preeti says the team is now vying to bring laurels from the prestigious tournament where a medal has been elusive since 2013 when India had secured a Bronze medal.

“After successful campaigns at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, hockey has been regaining prominence once again in the country. Hockey India has also been focusing on the development of players at the grassroots level and a lot of attention is now being also given to the junior teams. This has really boosted the morale of all the players. There are expectations from everyone that we will win a medal this year in Chile. So, we will work hard to fulfil those expectations,” Preeti said.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team had finished in the fourth position at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2021, after going down 2-2 (0-3 SO) in a thriller against England in the Bronze medal match. Preeti was a part of the team that had travelled to Potchefstroom, South Africa, and talked about her learnings from the tournament.

“I was really young the last time and only featured in one match. I feel we used to lose our concentration in the final few minutes of matches in the past which would affect our results. But this has been a big learning for us this year that a game is not over till the final whistle. We know we have to keep similar levels of intensity till the end of the match,” she said.

Preeti, who hails from Sonipat, Haryana, gained interest in the sport at a young age when she was studying in the 6th class. Belonging to a small town, Preeti saw playing hockey as a means for her to go outside her home and spend time with her friends. At her household, it was hard for her to step outside due to restrictions imposed by elder members of the family.

Preeti started training at Pritam Siwach’s Academy in Sonipat where she realised that she needed to work hard to continue her gradual growth in the sport. Preeti would leave the house quietly, telling her family that she is going to study so that she can continue her training. “If I would get to spend time at the training grounds, I would feel content, even if I get scolded at home,” she recalled.

In her younger days, Preeti received plenty of support from her father, who was a wrestler during his young days but had to quit the sport due to an injury. At the age of 13, she suffered an injury on her leg during a district-level match and had to get surgery. She was advised to be on complete bed rest for over a year and her doctors raised doubts whether she would be able to play hockey again.

“It was a tough time for me and I was quite depressed at that time. My father did not tell me that doctors have hinted that I may not play again. He told me that if I wished to play hockey, I could continue to do so. I also received a lot of support from my coach who constantly motivated me and I was able to return to the sport. After returning to the sport when I was in 8th or 9th class, I started taking sport even more seriously,” she said.

Now, Preeti has become a regular member of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team and has earned 14 international caps for the team. She also featured for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that competed at the Hero FIH Hockey 5s Lausanne 2022.

“I feel proud of my achievements and I feel like I have answered all those who doubted me. I feel women can also achieve big things in sports, and I hope I can set an example for others so that more women do not have to face similar troubles that I had to face,” Preeti said.

Now, as the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team gears up for their toughest challenge of the year in Chile, Preeti expressed hopes that the Indian fans will continue to cheer for them, as she feels it would keep her side motivated throughout the tournament.

“A message for Indian fans would be that they continue to support us as they did during the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. Hearing their voices makes us feel that we are a part of a larger family and increases our confidence,” she signed off.

~Chhattisgarh Hockey defeated Hockey Gujarat 11-3~ 

~Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey defeated Hockey Bihar 7-1~ 

~Hockey Bengal defeated Hockey Jammu & Kashmir by 10-0~ 

~Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Chandigarh by 2-0~ 

~Telangana Hockey defeated Hockey Arunachal 15-0~ 

Chennai, 22nd November 2023: The sixth day of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023, which is taking place in Chennai, delivered some thrilling moments. Chhattisgarh Hockey, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Jharkhand and Telangana Hockey won their respective matches at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.  

Chhattisgarh Hockey overpowers Hockey Gujarat:   

In the first match of the day, Chhattisgarh Hockey dominated Hockey Gujarat with a score of 11-3. For Chhattisgarh Hockey, Junaid Ahmed (8’, 34’, 39’) led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Sukhdev Nirmalkar (4’, 49’) and Khogeshwar Bag (9’, 36’) scored two goals each. Arbaj Ali (20’), Ajay Tandi (25’), Taufik Ahmad (38’) and Rohit Rajak (60’) scored a goal each for them as well. Shubham Yadav (1’), Jenishkumar Ahir (11’) and Ajaykumar Thakor (41’) scored for Hockey Gujarat but that wasn’t enough to match Chhattisgarh Hockey.  

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey overcame Hockey Bihar:    

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey defeated Hockey Bihar 7-1 in the second game. Dharmendra Pal (27’, 42’) scored a brace for Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey while Anup Tirkey (25’), Dhananjay Prajapati (34’), Abhinav Singh (40’), Komal Singh (41’) and Captain Arvind Yadav (53’) contributed with a goal each. A consolation goal for Hockey Bihar in the final quarter from Jony Kumar (57’) prevented Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey from a clean sheet.  

Hockey Bengal dominates Hockey Jammu & Kashmir:  

The third match of the day saw Hockey Bengal beat Hockey Jammu & Kashmir 10-0. The goal-scoring spree for Hockey Bengal was spearheaded by Rajendra Oram (4’, 8’, 27’, 37’). He was accompanied on the scoresheet by Alsem Lakra (30’, 59’), Kunjan Topno (38’), Milan Saha (47’, 49’), and Kishor Lakra (59’) in the comprehensive victory.  

Hockey Jharkhand goes top of the Pool:  

Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Chandigarh by 2-0 in the fourth game of the day to build a three-point cushion at the top of the table. Kerketta Prem (43’) and Anurud Bhengra (56’) scored the crucial field goals that granted Hockey Jharkhand the victory.  

Telangana Hockey overwhelms Hockey Arunachal:  

In the last game of the day, Telangana Hockey defeated Hockey Arunachal 15-0. A complete team effort saw Telangana Hockey dominate Hockey Arunachal with as many as 9 players scoring goals. Mahesh Reddy Rela (4’, 30’), Ranjit Chand (9’, 59’), Sandeep Subedar (15’, 54’), Shaik Abdul Moiz (20’, 58’), Talla Raju (21’, 59’), Akshay Thimmapuram (28’, 48’), Aditya Sagar Gobboori (5’), Aravind Lavudya (19’) and Sandeep Erapaga (39’) scored the goals for Telangana Hockey.

Bengaluru, 20th November 2023: Indian Women’s Hockey Team Goalkeeper Savita, who won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022, has been nominated for the third consecutive time in the same category at this year’s FIH Hockey Stars Awards.

Expressing her joy at being nominated for the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2023, Savita said, “I never thought I would win this award for two straight years, and get nominated yet again. I feel really great, and it’s a proud moment for me, my family and my teammates as well. When I started playing, I never thought I would come this far, and it is all due to the support of my family and my teammates.”

“In team sport, no achievement is based on individual efforts but is an outcome of teamwork. It’s great to be recognised for your hard work, and it motivates the entire team,” she added.

One of the most influential figures in the current set-up, Savita has led India to various important wins in recent years, which includes the title win at the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain that helped India earn promotion to the FIH Pro League 2023-24. She then led the team to the Bronze medal win at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 followed by the title win at the recently held Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. Under her Captaincy, India also achieved their best-ever world rankings (No. 6 with 2368.83 points).

Reflecting on the season, Savita said, “It has been an amazing season for us. I’m just proud of how we overcame the obstacles that were thrown our way. We’ve gotten better with each game. Even the younger players have shown great tenacity; they have worked hard and given their all.”

With the focus pinned on the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will be aiming for a top-three finish at the tournament to secure their qualification for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi from 13th to 19th January. India are placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, the United States, and Italy. Pool A consists of Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic. The top two teams from each group will then progress to the Semi-Finals, and the top three finishing teams will secure their qualification for the Paris Olympics.

15 October, 2021: Simranjeet Singh was among the star performers for India in their medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics. The dynamic midfielder’s sensational goals in crucial moments made him an instant hit among the fans back home. However, his Olympic journey, much like his career, had its fair share of twists and turns. Appearing as a special guest on Hockey India’s podcast series Hockey Te Charcha, Simranjeet shared some insights into his eventful career and being a part of India’s Tokyo Olympic campaign.  

Talking about his big break into the senior side, Simranjeet credited the seniors for guiding him and sharing useful tips which he still follows to this day. In particular, he recalls the influence hockey stalwart Sardar Singh had on his early days in the team. “Sardar Singh played in the same position as me. He was someone I always looked up to and I eagerly listened to his advice,” says Simranjeet. “He always told me to make the most of every chance I got and to never let them go to waste. He reinforced in me the desire to give 100% at every camp and show the selectors my hunger to be in the team, every single day.”  

Simranjeet’s Olympic journey is one for the books, going from the side-lines as a reserve player to taking centre stage with two goals against Germany in the Bronze medal match.  He was not a part of the original squad of 16 announced earlier in June. Expressing his initial disappointed at missing out, Simranjeet shared, “Like every player, I felt I deserved to be a part of the 16-member squad, especially because I knew the Coach had faith in me. But I was confident that no matter which 16 were selected, they had the capability to get a medal and that was our focus. When I got to know that the reserves were also travelling to Tokyo, at first, I couldn’t believe it. But when it sunk in, I knew that now, despite being a reserve, I would get at least one chance to play. I was determined to make the most of it.” 

Being on the bench for the first two games was no excuse for Simranjeet to stop working hard. He astutely utilised his vantage point to analyse the opponents and prepare himself for his breakthrough opportunity. “I analysed the New Zealand and Australian teams from the side-lines, constantly trying to figure out what I would do better in the situation and how I could make an impact in that position. These small observations really helped me later in the tournament.”  

When he got his chance, Simranjeet shined for Team India throughout the tournament, instantly making an impact in crucial games. Though he missed out on playing the Semi-Final, he was geared up for the Bronze medal match, eager to make a mark. He recounts the mentality of the team as they headed into arguably the most important match of their careers. “Before that match, we were aware that this was our last chance to win a medal for the country. The senior players sat us down and told us that this was our only shot to turn our struggles over the last two years into something worthwhile. Their motivational speeches gave us a huge boost.  So, our morale before the match was high and we were quite self-confident.” 

New Delhi, 14 October 2021: The Senior Women domestic hockey players are eager to show their skills in the upcoming 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021 which is just one week away. The tournament is set to be held from 21 October 2021 to 30 October 2021 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. 

The 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021 will provide a platform for the domestic players to showcase their talent and impress the Hockey India’s selectors.

The participating teams include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Uttarakhand, Le Puducherry Hockey in Pool A, while Pool B features Hockey Maharashtra, Goans Hockey, Hockey Bihar. Pool C features Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Gujarat, Hockey Bengal and Pool D features Odisha, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Himachal.

Pool E will include Hockey Punjab, Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Andhra Pradesh, Hockey Arunachal and Pool F will feature Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Rajasthan, Delhi Hockey, Hockey Andaman and Nicobar. Pool G will include Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Telangana Hockey, Tripura Hockey and Pool H will see Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Kerala Hockey, Assam Hockey, Hockey Jammu & Kashmir vie for the trophy in the 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021.

After six days of pool matches, the Quarter-Finals will be played on 27 October, the Semi-Finals will be held on 29 October whereas the Medal matches are scheduled for 30 October. 

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has left no stone unturned in its preparations to host a successful tournament and also provide a safe environment for the athletes to compete. Dr. R.P. Singh, Organising Secretary said, “We are absolutely ecstatic to host the 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021 here in Jhansi. There has been a tremendous increase in interest in hockey after the fantastic performances by the Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and we are excited to host the upcoming talented hockey players in the 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021. 

Dr. R.P. Singh, Organising Secretary further emphasized that all safety measures will be in place for the tournament. “We will be certainly adhering to guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India as well as the Government of Uttar Pradesh, apart from Hockey India SOPs. We will ensure that all procedures are followed for the hosting of a safe & successful event.”

Apart from several SOPs laid out by Hockey India, each and every athlete, coaches, technical officials participating in the 11th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2021 would need to submit a negative COVID RT-PCR test report on arrival at Jhansi with the test taken within 48 hours prior to departure to Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Further to this, all athletes and officials need to have the Aarogya Setu app on their devices. They must also follow physical distancing measures at all locations, except athletes on the field. A Covid-19 task force will also be constituted by the organising committee to ensure the implementation of the protocols issued by the MHA and the respective state government.

New Delhi, 25 September, 2021: Tenacious, yet skilful midfielder Neha Goyal formed an integral part of the first ever Indian Women’s Hockey Team that reached an Olympic Semi Final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Though the team narrowly missed out on a medal after pushing Great Britain to the edge in the Bronze Medal match, the 24-year-old from Sonepat has some positives to take away from the Indian eves’ historic performance in the Tokyo Games. 

“Our performance at the Tokyo Olympics has changed our mentality and given us the self belief to compete with any team in the world. Our win over Australia in the Quarter Final brought about a shift in our mentality. Coming into that match, Australia had topped their Pool by winning all their matches. Defeating them gave us a lot of confidence, which we will carry with us going forward as we prepare to play more important tournaments in the future. Along with a change in our mentality, we have improved our training and fitness levels as well,” said Neha. 

Making her Olympic debut for India stands out as a landmark moment for Neha in her career thus far. She admits, “I was nervous before the occasion, but very excited. It has always been my dream to play in the Olympics since I started playing hockey. This was my first time, so I did not take too much pressure upon myself and tried to enjoy the moment. I also gained some confidence in our tours of Argentina and Germany before the Olympics, where I felt that we were able to compete well with some really good teams. In the end, the team performed well, and I was happy with my individual performance over the course of the tournament as well.”

Moving forward, Neha’s ambition is to further polish her individual game so that she can continue to contribute to the success of the team in future competitions. She said, “As a team, our next target is to do well at the Asian Games and the World Cup next year. I am continuing to work on my own game so I can continue to contribute to the team’s fortunes. As a Centre, my job is to be effective on both ends of the field by helping out the defence, as well as the attack. I feel I am a skilful player, and attacking comes more naturally to me, but I want to maintain a balance in my game.”

New Delhi, 24 September 2021: Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Simranjeet Singh was part of the successful Olympic campaign in Tokyo where he played an instrumental role in the Bronze medal match against Germany. He scored twice in the thrilling encounter and introspecting on his performance, Simranjeet said he is fortunate to have earned the opportunity to represent India at the greatest sporting event in the world. “I feel very fortunate, honestly. It was a great experience I had in Tokyo and my aim was to execute the role I was given to perfection. Now, I am waiting to return to the camp and analyse our performance in detail and understand the areas I can further work on and improve,” he stated. 

Simranjeet was part of the India Colts team that successfully lifted the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Lucknow back in 2016. Ever since then, his career has been on an upward climb. “That victory in Lucknow truly changed our lives for good. It really was the stepping stone for many of us and the journey so far has been fantastic. From here on, my aim is only to get better and be part of India’s upcoming campaigns at the FIH Hockey Pro League, Asian Games and so on. There is still a lot that I feel I can improve upon,” he added. 

With the forthcoming FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar starting 24 November, Simranjeet said, “It is great that the best junior players from across the globe will get to experience the world-class facilities in Bhubaneswar. We have played in many venues across the world but playing in Odisha is always special because of the facilities there, the Odisha State Government’s hospitality and the fans. I am really happy that hockey festivities are returning to India after nearly two years of no action in the country due to covid. I hope all the players enjoy the tournament and wish them good luck,” he signed off. 

Bhubaneswar, 23 September 2021: After successfully hosting the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup, the temple city of Bhubaneswar will stage the prestigious FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021. The much-awaited announcement was made in Bhubaneswar on Thursday by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, Shri Tusharkanti Behera, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra and Hockey India Secretary General Mr Rajinder Singh.

This marquee event in the international hockey calendar will be held from 24 November to 5 December 2021 and will feature 16 teams which are India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, USA, Canada, Chile and Argentina. 

While Odisha is also gearing up to host the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accepted the proposal to host the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 starting in November. He also launched the logo for the prestigious event. “Odisha is the hub for hockey in the country and the Odisha State Government will continue to do everything in our capacity to help the sport grow further and achieve further laurels on the world level. We look forward to welcoming 16 top teams from across the world to participate in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021. We are delighted to be hosts of this prestigious tournament. Our priority will be to ensure a safe environment to compete during these challenging covid times,” stated Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha State Government. 

“The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 is the pinnacle of tournaments for U-21 and is a very important fixture in the FIH calendar. We are delighted that Odisha with their world-class infrastructure are set to host an event of this magnitude. As always, we have been extended full support by the Odisha State Government and the event will be held following all required Covid-19 protocols.” expressed Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, FIH. 

Speaking on the preparations for the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 which is less than three months away, Hockey India Secretary General Mr Rajinder Singh said, “It is a great honour for Hockey India to host back-to-back FIH Hockey Junior Men’s World Cup. In 2016, it was a memorable outing for us in Lucknow where India won the tournament beating Belgium in the Final. Hockey India over the years has organised several events of international importance in India and with the support of Odisha State Government, we are confident of organising yet another memorable event for the participating teams, officials and the fans.”

New Delhi, 17 September 2021: Former Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain MM Somaya was a mainstay in the triumphant Indian side of the 1980s. Making his Olympic debut in the 1980 Moscow Olympics; where India clinched its 8^th Olympic Gold medal, Somaya went on to play a vital role in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and finally lead the National Team as Captain in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Appearing as a guest on Hockey Te Charcha; a podcast series initiated by Hockey India, Somaya spoke fondly about the tight-knit group of players in the Indian team during his era.
 
“Many of us in the Olympic Gold medal winning team of 1980 also went on to play together in the team four years later in the Los Angeles Olympics. There were special players like Zafar Iqbal, Charanjit Kumar and Ravinder Pal Singh. All of us played two Olympics together, but further, Merwyn Fernandes Mohammed Shahid and I played together in three (Olympic Games), from 1980 all the way to 1988. We formed a special bond in the core group of the team in those years and shared a lot of memories together. We would look forward to not only the National Team’s training camp and matches, but also spending time off the field together, as they were really fun times,” said MM Somaya.
 
He went on to speak in further detail about teammate Mohammed Shahid, who was widely recognised as the best player in the world in his generation. He said, “Mohammed Shahid started his career just one or two years before mine, and we both retired at the same time in 1988. So, we had a long journey together, and there was a good bonding and level of trust between us. His prime was from 1980 to about 1987, during which time he was arguably the world’s greatest player. He faced some setbacks in his personal life after that and took some time off hockey, but he worked very hard and fought his way back into the team eventually for the 1988 Olympics.”
 
After finishing his playing career, Somaya went on to work for a long time in the Sports Promotion division in Bharat Petroleum. He mentions that he now enjoys following Indian hockey closely, after retiring from a long and fulfilling corporate career.
 
Speaking about the developments in Indian hockey since his playing days, he said, “Hockey India has done some amazing work for Indian hockey in the last decade by streamlining administration efficiently. They have also made sure that players nowadays not only receive the best training, but the best exposure as well. The Coaching Programme by Hockey India is another facet where they have done well. I am happy that they are working towards enabling Indian coaches with their coaching programme, which has got recognition from the FIH as well. Moving forward, I think we must focus on preparing a fixed template for coaching at the grassroots and the club level.”

Bengaluru, 15 September 2021: Young defender Udita, who was an integral part of the Indian Women’s Hockey team that finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, expressed that staying in the present moment helped India bounce back from a series of losses in the initial phase and eventually script history in Tokyo. 

“I think staying in the present moment was the biggest reason why we could bounce back after facing three losses in the opening matches. It also helped us beat a strong team like Australia (in Quarter Final) and eventually script history in Tokyo. We stopped thinking about the results and kept things simple, which helped us play our natural game,” said Udita.

While speaking about her Olympics experience, the 23-year-old defender added, “I had always dreamt of playing against top teams at marquee events like Olympics, and making my Olympic debut against the Netherlands was truly a dream come true. It was also my career’s first match against the Dutch side, so it was a special feeling, though we lost that match. However, we went on to script history, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

When asked about her takeaways, the young gun said, “As a youngster, we have learned so much from this historic campaign. We got to learn how to deal with massive pressure at the biggest of stages, and we also learned how staying in the present moment can help you do wonders.”

The Hisar-born player is currently part of the 25-member senior women’s core probable group for the national coaching camp in SAI, Bengaluru. She said that the team is super excited to be back at the camp and can’t wait to start the new season.

“We are super excited to be back at the camp, and can’t wait to start our new season. Our first target will be to work on fitness because we haven’t done anything since coming back from Tokyo. We will also analyse our Olympics performance in detail and work on accordingly,” said the defender.

“We have a crucial year ahead of us, with the all-important Asian Games, our goal will be to win the Gold medal there, and qualify directly for the Paris Olympics,” she signed off.

New Delhi, 14 September 2021: Indian Men’s Hockey Team Forward Shamsher Singh, who played a crucial role in India’s Bronze Medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics, expressed that he is very fortunate to have had the chance of playing in the biggest sporting event during the nascent stage of his career. The national side defeated Germany 5-4 in the Tokyo Olympics Bronze Medal match on 05 August 2021 to end a 41-year Olympic Medal drought.

“The Tokyo Olympics is always going to hold a special place in my heart. I am so lucky to be part of an Olympic Bronze Medal-winning team at such an early stage of my career. I also know that this is just the beginning for us as a team. We have the belief that we can do even better in the future and we are going to work towards our goals in the upcoming years,” said the Forward, who scored a goal against Japan in the Tokyo Games.

When asked what is the one thing that helped the Indian team to make history in Tokyo, Shamsher said, “I think it was our never-die attitude on the field. Even when we were behind in the game against Germany, we never stopped believing in our chances and kept looking to create goal-scoring opportunities. We knew that if we kept putting pressure on the opposition, we will be on the winning side in the end and that’s what eventually happened,” said the 24-year-old.

Shamsher added that the Indian team will work extremely hard to be the best side in the world one day.

“We still have a lot of targets to achieve as a team. We have ticked off the target of winning an Olympic Medal, but we have been striving to be the best side in the world in the last few years. We are going to give everything we have in every match we play in the future, especially in big tournaments such as the FIH Hockey Pro League. We are confident that if we keep improving match by match, then one day we will surely be the World Number 1 team,” signed off Shamsher.

New Delhi, 10^th September 2021: The legendary two-time Olympic medallist Gurbux Singh has had one of the most illustrious careers in International hockey, having been an integral part of the team that won the Gold Medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He followed up this feat by leading the team as the joint Captain to a Bronze medal in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Appearing as a guest on Hockey Te Charcha; a podcast series initiated by Hockey India, Gurbux Singh shared a personal account of his experience of playing an Olympic final against arch rivals Pakistan in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. 

“We decided in a team meeting before the Final to not play rough against Pakistan, but in case they make it a physical battle, we have to give it back to them. That is what actually happened as well. We dominated and had some chances early on in the game, and we took a 1-0 lead. Pakistan had a lot of penalty corners towards the end, which made it a very tense finish. I kept looking at the match clock, and 20 seconds passing felt like 20 minutes at the time. We eventually held on to win 1-0, and it was a beautiful feeling to bring the Olympic Gold medal back to India,” said Gurbux. 

Gurbux Singh spoke about his pride in the Indian Men’s hockey team for finishing on the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but maintained that the team must soon shift their focus to the road ahead of them. He said, “The team has made everyone proud and happy after winning an Olympic medal after a long gap of 41 years. They should enjoy this moment, but keep in mind that we cannot rest on our laurels now. Now that the team has found success, they will have a target on their back and other teams will look to push harder against India now. We have to start preparing in earnest for the next Olympics and aim to do even better. The team has to set targets one at a time, beginning with the Asian Games, then the FIH Men’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.” 

Speaking about the performance of the Indian Women’s Hockey team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team finished fourth, Gurbux said, “I have followed their journey closely, and watched all their matches at the Olympics. They have performed beyond expectations, and should be very proud of their performance. Beating Australia 1-0, and then carrying that level of performance into the Semi Final and Bronze medal match is a great achievement. They have also tasted success, and now they must prioritise winning the Asian Games, which is not going to be an easy feat.”

New Delhi, 09 September 2021: From braving the personal tragedy of losing her father during the 2019 FIH Women’s Series Finals to scripting history with the Indian Women’s Hockey team at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, young striker Lalremsiami has come a long way. The 21-year-old striker was an integral part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that finished fourth at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Speaking about her Olympics experience, Lalremsiami said, “I was a bit nervous, to be honest, and it kind of reflected in my performances in the first three matches. But, senior players and coaching staff helped me and other junior players to calm our nerves down, they kept motivating us and asked us to express ourselves freely. We stuck to each other, played like a unit, and I think that really helped us to do well when it mattered the most.”

“We went on to beat a strong team like Australia in the Quarter Final and qualified for the first-ever Semi-Finals at the Olympics. You know, it’s a very special feeling to be a part of history, and this is something I will cherish for a lifetime. The love and support from our fans have motivated us to do even better, and we want to make them proud again,” she added.

Fondly known as Siami, Lalremsiami has been an inspiration to many. Despite hearing the news about her father’s death during FIH Women’s Series Finals 2019, the young gun decided to stay back with the team, which went on to win the tournament beating hosts Japan 3-1.

Having fulfilled her late father’s dream by featuring in the Indian Women’s Hockey team that scripted history in Tokyo, Lalremsiami is now aiming to win an Olympic Medal for her father.

“One of the dreams of my father is fulfilled. And now, I want to win an Olympic medal for him. No doubt, we missed the Bronze medal by a whisker, but if we look at the positives, I think we have gained a lot of confidence, and it will help us to do even better in the future,” said the young striker from Mizoram.

The 21-year-old player further added that it’s time to move forward and focus on the qualifications for the Paris Olympics.

“It’s time to move forward, and focus on the Paris Olympics. Our priority is to win the Gold medal at the Asian Games 2022, which means we qualify directly for the 2024 Olympic Games,” she concluded.

New Delhi, 08 September 2021: Star striker Dilpreet Singh has had a dream run so far with the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. Ever since his grand outing in the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2017 where the India Colts won the Bronze Medal, Dilpreet’s career has soared to new heights. He was called-up for the Senior Camp and soon became part of the team in almost every major tournament since 2018 including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games as well as the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 
 

Now, having been part of India’s historic feat at the Tokyo Olympic Games where they won the coveted Bronze Medal, a feat India has been waiting for 41 years, Dilpreet feels fortunate to be part of this team. He said, “We all worked so hard to achieve this feat. We never let any difficulties during the pandemic affect our morale. The Seniors played a big part in encouraging us constantly and making us feel like we can do this. I feel so fortunate to be part of this incredible group and yes, I do believe I have been lucky to have had such a great start to my international career,” stated the young forward from Punjab. 

Only 21-years-old, Dilpreet said the support he received from Hockey India and the support staff particularly when he was dropped from the Senior Team following the 2018 FIH Men’s World Cup where the team was knocked out in the Quarter Finals became the turning point of his career. “Looking back, surely that was not an easy period for me. Maybe I could not handle the success of getting to play in such major tournaments so early in my career. I was hardly 18 or 19 years old then. But I am really grateful to Hockey India and the support staff who gave me all the support I needed back then and helped me mature as a player.”

“The Junior Team Coaches guided me all through 2019 and I also worked closely with the psychologist in SAI, Bengaluru at that time. After Chief Coach Graham Reid took over, he watched me during training and spoke to me personally and that motivated me a lot. After I got a chance to come back to the Senior Group, there has been no looking back,” expressed Dilpreet.  

Moving ahead, Dilpreet believes the team has that fire in their belly to achieve greater feats. “I truly believe this is a new beginning. We all want to achieve more, and we want people to give us more love and continue to support us. And for this to happen, we know we must consistently perform well at major tournaments. We are mentally prepared for it,” he concluded.