Perth, May 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Women’s Hockey Team registered an impressive 2-0 victory over Australia in the third match of the friendly series at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Friday.

With this win, India now lead the four-match series 2-1 after bouncing back from a defeat in the opening game with a 4-2 shootout victory in the second match.

The third match between the two sides witnessed a disciplined defensive display from both teams, as the first two quarters saw no goals, and it remained 0-0 at half-time. India eventually found the breakthrough in the third quarter when Sonam (36’) scored a field goal to put the visitors ahead.

India continued their momentum in the final quarter as Lalremsiami (49’) doubled the lead with another field goal, sealing a 2-0 win for her team.

India women secured a hard-fought win in the second match at the Perth Hockey Stadium to level the four-match friendly series 1-1. The visitors came from behind in the final quarter to force a 1-1 draw and then edged the hosts 4-2 in the shootout.

After an entertaining start to the game, Australia took the lead courtesy of a goal from Olivia Downes (10’). But the Indian team upped the ante by creating opportunities from a series of penalty corners and putting the Aussies under pressure. But the home team's resistance was finally broken as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (46’) found the back of the net in the final quarter, bringing India back on level terms.

The visitors prevailed 4-2 in the shootout with goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

Earlier, the four-match friendly series commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw Australia secure a narrow 2-1 victory in Perth.

India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining their advantage through the second quarter.

However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia’s Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.

The fourth and final match of the series will be played on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the same venue.

Source: IANS

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Kakamigahara, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) After weeks of intensive preparation camps and valuable exposure matches against Australia in Bhopal, both Indian U-18 men’s and women’s teams are aiming to make a strong impression at the the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, which is scheduled from May 29 to June 6, competing against some of Asia’s top young talents.

The men's team, captained by forward Ketan Kushwaha, prepares for the tournament after a month-long training camp at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre at SAI, Bhopal. The team was guided by coaches Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. During their training, they played a four-match series against the visiting Australian U-18 team, achieving one win, one loss, and two draws.

India have been assigned to Pool A in the men's competition, alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Kazakhstan. They will start their campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29, followed by matches against Japan on May 31, Korea on June 1, and Chinese Taipei on June 3. Meanwhile, Pool B includes Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on June 5, with the final scheduled for June 6.

Speaking ahead of the tournament opener, captain Ketan said, "The team is feeling confident and excited ahead of the Asia Cup. The camp in Bhopal and the matches against Australia helped us improve a lot as a unit and understand the areas we need to work on. We know every match in the tournament will be competitive, but the squad is motivated to give its best and make the country proud."

The women’s team, led by captain Sweety Kujur, will join the tournament following a successful national camp in Bhopal, guided by coach Rani. The camp emphasised enhancing team combinations, sharpening tactical understanding, and increasing match fitness in preparation for the continental competition.

The women’s team participated in a four-match series against Australia during their preparations and concluded it with a confidence-boosting win.

In Pool A, the women’s team start their campaign against Malaysia on May 30, followed by matches against Korea on May 31 and Singapore on June 2. Pool B features China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on June 5, with the final set for June 6.

Captain Sweety expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and said, "The entire squad is excited to finally begin the tournament. We have trained really hard over the past few weeks and the Australia matches gave us important match exposure before the Asia Cup. The team has developed strong understanding during the camp and everyone is eager to perform well."

Schedule – India U-18 Men’s Team (Timings in IST)

May 29- India vs Kazakhstan – 09:30 am

May 31- India vs Japan – 1:30 pm

June 1- India vs Korea – 3:30 pm

June 3- India vs Chinese Taipei – 1:30 pm

Schedule – India U-18 Women’s Team (Timings in IST)

May 30- India vs Malaysia – 05:30 am

May 31- India vs Korea – 05:30 am

June 2- India vs Singapore – 09:30 am

Source: IANS

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Perth, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian women’s hockey team secured a hard-fought win against Australia on Wednesday at the Perth Hockey Stadium to level the four-match friendly series 1-1. The visitors came from behind in the final quarter to force a 1-1 draw and then edged the hosts 4-2 in the shootout.

After an entertaining start to the game, Australia took the lead courtesy of a goal from Olivia Downes (10’). But the Indian team upped the ante by creating opportunities from a series of penalty corners and putting the Aussies under pressure. However, Australia remained resolute in defence. But the home team's resistance was finally broken as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (46’) found the back of the net in the final quarter, bringing India back on level terms.

The visitors prevailed 4-2 in the shootout with goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

The four-match friendly series between both teams commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw Australia secure a narrow 2-1 victory in Perth.

India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining their advantage through the second quarter. However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia’s Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.

Earlier, the four-match friendly series commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw Australia secure a narrow 2-1 victory in Perth.

India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining their advantage through the second quarter. However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia’s Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.

The third match of the series will be played on Friday, 29 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the same venue.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 24-member men's squad for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26, with Harmanpreet Singh returning to lead the side after a break for personal reasons during the Hobart leg of the Pro League in February this year.

The Indian contingent will travel to Brussels, Belgium, for preparatory training and a friendly match from 7 to 9 June 2026. Following this short camp, the squad will be in Rotterdam in the Netherlands from June 10 for the Pro League matches against Germany and the Netherlands scheduled for 14 to 21 June 2026. Thereafter, the Indian team will fly to London, England, where they will face Pakistan and England in the Pro League from 23 to 28 June 2026.

The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent – strategically chosen to solidify the core team heading into the upcoming World Cup.

India’s captain and leader of the defence, Harmanpreet, will be backed by a robust defensive unit comprising Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and young defender Amandeep Lakra.

The midfield will be anchored by the experienced duo of Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, besides Raj Kumar Pal. The forward line features explosive attackers, including Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek and Selvam Karthi.

Hockey India has also named five standby players. This list includes goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, forwards Araijeet Singh Hundal and Maninder Singh, defender Poovanna Chandura Boby and midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh.

Commenting on the squad selection and the upcoming Pro League matches in Europe, chief coach Craig Fulton said, "Training has been going really well and the squad is in great shape. The FIH Pro League matches in Holland and England in June are exactly what we need — tough tests against world-class opposition that will tell us exactly where we stand in our World Cup preparations. We are looking forward to the challenge."

Squad-

Goalkeepers: Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh

Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi

Source: IANS

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Perth, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) The four-match friendly series between the Indian and Australian Women’s Hockey Teams commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw the Hockeyroos edge the visitors for a narrow 2-1 victory at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Perth.

India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining its advantage through the second quarter.

However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia’s Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.

The two sides will meet again on May 27, 2026, for the second match of the series.

The four-match friendly series marks a crucial point in the Indian women's hockey team’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. In four matches on their preparatory tour, the Salima Tete-led squad aims to build vital momentum ahead of the crucial Women’s Nations Cup event

Fresh from an encouraging display in Argentina earlier this year, where India held the world No. 2 side by levelling the four-match series 2-2 after losing two matches, the Indian squad enters this tour high on confidence. The squad spent the last few weeks grinding through high-intensity tactical drills at the national training camp in SAI Bengaluru, which helped the players sharpen their skills, structural play, penalty corner variations, and overall match fitness under the watchful eyes of Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.

The 22-member Indian squad features an exciting mix of youth and experience, with rising talents Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi eagerly waiting for their opportunity. Currently ranked 9th in the FIH World Rankings, the Indian team is ready to pull out all stops to challenge their 8th-ranked opponents.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) India’s U-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams have departed for Kakamigahara, Japan, ahead of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026, set to be held from May 29 to June 6. The men’s squad left from New Delhi on Monday evening, while the women’s team departed on Tuesday morning, carrying strong expectations after weeks of preparation and competitive exposure matches against Australia.

Both teams underwent month-long national coaching camps at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre at SAI, Bhopal. The men’s side trained under coaches Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra, while former India captain Rani Rampal supervised the women’s team camp.

As part of their final preparations, India’s junior squads played four-match exposure series against visiting Australian U-18 teams in Bhopal. The men’s team recorded one victory, one defeat and two draws, while the women’s team ended their series on a high with an encouraging win. The matches provided valuable international experience ahead of the continental tournament.

The Indian men’s side, led by forward Ketan Kushwaha, has been placed in Pool A alongside Kazakhstan, hosts Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei. India will open its campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29 before taking on Japan on May 31, Korea on June 1 and Chinese Taipei on June 3.

Pool B in the men’s competition consists of Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on June 5, with the final scheduled for June 6.

Speaking before departure, Ketan Kushwaha highlighted the team’s preparations and confidence heading into the tournament.

"Representing India at a major tournament like the Asia Cup is a huge honour and responsibility for all of us. We have worked hard during the camp in Bhopal and the matches against Australia gave us valuable learning experiences. The team has developed strong understanding on and off the field, and we are excited to test ourselves against some of the best young teams in Asia. We are confident and will give our best in every match."

The Indian women’s team, captained by Sweety Kujur, focused heavily on combinations, match fitness and tactical execution during the training camp in Bhopal.

Drawn in Pool A, the women’s team will begin its Asia Cup campaign against Malaysia on May 30 before facing Korea on May 31. India will conclude the group stage against Singapore on June 2. Similar to the men’s format, the top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals on June 5, followed by the title clash a day later.

Sweety Kujur expressed optimism about the squad’s preparations and readiness for the competition, saying, “The entire team is excited and motivated ahead of the Asia Cup. We have spent several weeks preparing together and everyone has worked really hard during the camp. The matches against Australia helped us understand our strengths and areas where we need to improve, and finishing that series with a win gave us confidence. We know the competition at Asia Cup will be tough, but we are looking forward to giving our best and making India proud.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member women’s squad that will represent the country at the upcoming U18 Asia Cup. The prestigious continental tournament will take place from May 29 to June 6 in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The Indian side heads into the tournament after several weeks of preparation at the national camp in Bhopal, where the coaching staff led by Rani Rampal focused on building combinations, improving match fitness and sharpening tactical execution.

The tournament will serve as an opportunity for the young Indian squad, captained by Sweety Kujur, to test themselves against some of Asia’s strongest teams.

As part of the preparations, the Indian team played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, which the hosts ended with a confidence-boosting win.

Placed in Pool A, India will compete against Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. India will open their campaign against Malaysia on May 30, followed by the clash against Korea on May 31. The team will then conclude its pool-stage fixtures with the match against Singapore on June 2.

The top two teams from Pool A and B will progress to the semifinals scheduled on June 5, while the final will be played on June 6.

Commenting on the final squad for the tournament, coach Rani said, “This tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to gain international exposure and understand the demands of high-pressure matches. We have focused heavily on fitness, tactical structure and team coordination over the past few weeks. The team is excited and motivated to represent the country, and our aim will be to play fearless hockey and challenge strongly for the title.”

Indian Women’s U-18 Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari

Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani

Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi

Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 18-member Indian U-18 men’s squad that will represent the nation at the upcoming Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026, the prestigious continental tournament which will be hosted from May 29 to June 6 at Kakamigahara in Japan.

The squad was selected after a rigorous national coaching camp at Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai ji) Central Centre at SAI Bhopal under the team's coaching staff consisting of Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. The team's preparations included a high-profile four-match series against the Australia U-18 team in Bhopal as part of an exposure tour. Forward Ketan Kushwaha will captain the Asia Cup side as they fly out to compete against Asia's top youth teams.

Gearing up for the tournament, the Indian team won one match against Australia U18 and lost one. Two matches ended up as drawn affairs.

The U18 Asia Cup format will see the Indian team battle through an intense group stage before the knockout rounds. India will begin their campaign on the opening day, May 29, against Kazakhstan, followed by a highly anticipated match against hosts Japan on May 31. The team will then face South Korea on June 1, before wrapping up their pool-stage assignments against Chinese Taipei on June 3. The top teams will progress to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for June 5. The tournament will culminate with the Final and classification placement matches on June 6.

Commenting on the final squad for the tournament, chief coach Sardar Singh said, "The selection process was incredibly competitive, but we have picked an 18-member squad that gives us the perfect tactical balance. Our training in Bhopal and the exposure matches against a top-tier side like Australia gave these boys a great understanding of international pressure and match tempo. We have spent the last few weeks working heavily on our tactical discipline, penalty corner routines, and structure. The boys are in high spirits, and going into a major tournament like the Asia Cup, our objective is clear—we want to execute our plans effectively, top our group, and put ourselves in the best possible position to bring home the trophy."

Indian U-18 men’s squad:

Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak

Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Arman Soreng, Ashish Tani Purti, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri, Romit Pal

Midfielders: Rahul Yadav, Premchand Soy, Varinder Singh, Karan Gautam, Siddharth Ben

Forwards: Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Akash Deep, Gazee Khan, Shahrukh Ali, Prahalad Rajbhar

India's match schedule (All Times IST):

May 29, 2026: India vs Kazakhstan – 09:30 Hrs

May 31, 2026: India vs Japan – 13:30 Hrs

June 1, 2026: India vs South Korea – 15:30 Hrs

June 3, 2026: India vs Chinese Taipei – 13:30 Hrs

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The India U18 men’s hockey team ended their four-match series against Australia with a 3-3 draw at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday.

The U18 men finished the series with one win, two draws, and one loss. India started the match strongly and scored two early goals, courtesy of Karan Gautam (10'), who converted a penalty corner in the 10th minute, followed by a field goal from Ben Siddharth (14').

However, Australia fought back and equalised in the second quarter. Jet Johnstone (18', 25') scored a crucial brace to bring Australia level by halftime.

After a closely fought third quarter, India regained the lead thanks to a field goal by captain Ketan Kushwaha (40'). India did their best to defend the advantage, but Australia found another equaliser late in the game as Andrew Faulds (57') scored a field goal with just three minutes remaining.

Earlier in the day, the India U18 Women’s Hockey Team produced a dominant display to defeat the Australia U18 Women’s Team 4-1 in the fourth and final match of the series.

On Monday, the Indian U18 men’s team beat Australia 6-3 to level their series. The big win for the U18 men means their four-match series is now level at 1-1. India started the match well and took control in the first half. Akash Deep (10’) opened the scoring in the first quarter, and Shahrukh Ali (14’) added a second goal soon after.

In the second quarter, Ketan Kushwaha (25’) and Romit Pal (26’) scored quick goals to give India a strong lead. Kushwaha (40’) scored his second goal of the match in the third quarter, and Ansh Bahutra (45’) added the sixth goal for India.

Australia scored through Owen Taylor (23’), Oscar Freeman (29’), and Jack Weller (32’), but the Indian defence stood firm in the final quarter to protect the lead and secure the win.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian U18 women’s hockey team produced a dominant display to defeat Australia 4-1 in the fourth and final match of the series at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre here on Wednesday.

Australia took the lead early in the first quarter through Aurora Kovacevich (8’), putting the visitors ahead. India, however, responded quickly with captain Sweety Kujur (13’) scoring the equaliser before the end of the opening quarter.

The hosts continued their momentum in the second quarter and took the lead when Diya (25’) found the back of the net to give India a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.

India maintained control in the second half and extended their lead in the third quarter through Priyanka Minz (44’). Nausheen Naz (50’) then added another goal in the final quarter to cap off a dominant win for the hosts.

The victory marked a strong finish for the Indian team in a hard-fought series, preparing them well for the U18 Asia Cup beginning later this month in Japan.

Australia won the four-match series, which was part of an exposure tour, 3-1.

After India fell 3–4 to Australia U-18 women in a closely contested series opener. The hosts suffered a 1-4 loss against the visitors in the second match. Diya (11’) gave India an early lead in the first quarter, allowing the hosts to stay in control during the initial exchanges. However, Australia staged a powerful comeback, with Anneliese Cullen (26’), Giselle Thompson (31’), Aurora Kovacevich (36’), and Stella Bartholomeusz (48’) all scoring to secure Australia’s second consecutive win of the tour.

India fought hard but lost the third match of the series. Australia took an early lead in the first quarter when Anneliese Cullen (5’) scored. India responded well just before the end of the quarter, with Sandeepa Kumari (15’) scoring a fine equaliser to make it 1-1.

However, the visitors regained the lead early in the second quarter through a goal from Stella Bartholomeusz (17’), but the hosts could not find a second goal to equalise.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Praise from one of the world’s most celebrated athletes has struck a special chord with Indian hockey players. Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart, highlighted the extraordinary fitness standards of Indian hockey players, acknowledging the physical demands of the sport and calling attention to an often-underappreciated aspect of hockey.

During the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit on Tuesday, Kohli shared his thoughts on the importance of fitness in sport and stated, “I know people sometimes look at fitness as something extraordinary, but for me it’s simply what the job demands. It should be the norm, not something celebrated as special. Cricket is in such prime focus in our country that we often overlook other sports.”

“If I’m being brutally honest, we are not even 15% of the fitness of an Indian hockey player. If the hockey players watch our training sessions, they’d probably laugh because their sport demands far more, physically,” he added.

Virat Kohli’s comments have resonated deeply within the Indian hockey fraternity, with players viewing the praise not just as a compliment but as recognition of the relentless work and discipline demanded by modern hockey.

Reacting to Kohli’s comments, Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh recalled a recent interaction with the cricket icon and said his words carried great significance for the sport.

“We had a great conversation around fitness, not too long ago, at an event. He told me hockey is such a fast sport, and was curious to know about our fitness benchmarks. We spoke about the yo-yo test, and when I told him that even our goalkeepers score above 20, he was genuinely surprised. We had a wonderful discussion and shared experiences around training and fitness. I am grateful that someone like Virat Kohli brought attention to the fitness standards of hockey players because ours is one of the fastest and most physically demanding sports in the world. Recognition like this means a lot to the hockey community,” Harmanpreet said.

Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh echoed similar sentiments and explained why elite fitness has become inseparable from success in modern hockey.

“Hockey today is incredibly fast. The ball travels from one end to the other within seconds, and players are constantly moving, pressing, and transitioning. The game demands top-level fitness because our sport is built on speed, endurance, and continuous running. Fitness not only helps you physically but also keeps you mentally prepared to perform at your best. Virat Kohli is among the fittest athletes in the world, and he transformed the fitness culture within Indian cricket. His discipline, commitment, and lifestyle inspire millions. For someone like him to acknowledge our hard work and fitness standards means a lot, and we are thankful that he chose to shine a light on it,” said Manpreet.

Also, star midfielder Hardik Singh said Kohli’s statement validated the physical effort hockey players put in across demanding international schedules.

“Virat Kohli has performed for India under immense pressure for years and has set standards for fitness that athletes across sports look up to. So when someone of his stature says this, it means a lot to the hockey community. It also sends a message that the fitness of hockey players should never be underestimated. We play back-to-back matches in tournaments like the Pro League and at the Olympics, where we can play seven matches in eleven days with a limited squad. That requires supreme fitness and recovery. Coming from an icon like Virat, these words are huge and very motivating for all of us,” Hardik said.

Interestingly, Kohli’s remarks also reinforce the praise Indian hockey players have received in the past from experts who have worked closely with the team. During the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025, renowned South African mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton had spoken glowingly about the dedication and physical standards within the Indian men’s hockey team.

Upton, who was part of the Indian men’s hockey setup ahead of the Paris Olympics and famously worked with the Indian cricket team during their 2011 World Cup triumph under former India captain MS Dhoni, had said that the professionalism and commitment within the hockey squad stood among the best he had seen in elite sport.

He even remarked that while Kohli’s standards in world cricket were exceptional, the hockey setup consists of at least 18 or 20 Virat Kohlis when it comes to that level of physicality.

With praise now coming from both Kohli and Upton, the spotlight on the extraordinary fitness culture within Indian hockey continues to grow — a reflection of the intensity, discipline, and preparation required to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team head coach Tim White has praised the growing talent pool in the country’s underage national pathway during his scouting visit to the ongoing India-Australia U-18 exposure series in Bhopal. White, who took charge of the U-21 national setup in Bengaluru nearly six weeks ago, emphasised the importance of building a strong connection between the youth tiers and the senior national team.

Speaking on his observations from the stands and his collaboration with the U-18 coaching staff, White said, “I was incredibly curious to come to Bhopal and evaluate the U-18 group because this is our direct talent pipeline. I’ve had some excellent interactions and connections with Rani, who is doing a stellar job with this young unit.”

This is a youthful squad with several 15 and 16-year-olds who have immense room for physical and tactical maturation. The progression and adaptability they showed between the first and second matches against Australia are highly encouraging. For both nations, this series is entirely about elite development.”

White’s transition into Indian hockey was catalysed by his assignment as the Head Coach of the Tamil Nadu Dragons men's franchise in the Hero Hockey India League (HIL). Reflecting on his initial weeks with the junior core group at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru, he noted:

“It has been a whirlwind six weeks, but we have ticked off exactly what I wanted to achieve in this opening phase. Having coached across premier systems in Australia and Belgium, I firmly believe that coaching fundamentals remain universal. There are minor language barriers, but we overcome them easily using translation, whiteboards, and simple messaging. My immediate priority is to get the Indian junior girls playing a distinct, modern style of hockey that unlocks their maximum potential.”

With the Junior Women's Asia Cup scheduled for September in China, White outlined the ultimate target for the junior programme, “The short-term target is to build a highly competitive unit by September that can stand toe-to-toe with Asia’s best, like China. However, the overarching purpose of any junior structure is not merely to chase junior medals. It is to cultivate the right habits, tactical maturity, and playing style that make these players senior-ready. We are focused on developing athletes who can step into the senior national team and immediately perform at a world-class level. We don't set a ceiling; we just look to improve every day.”

Commenting on the structural differences between European and Indian player development models, White added, “In European powerhouses like Belgium and the Netherlands, player development is anchored around a thriving club system and localised national pathways where kids continue to stay at home while training. In contrast, India relies on a widespread hostel and academy system because of the country's vast geography. Both systems have unique advantages. My familiarity with the domestic landscape through the Hockey India League has helped me adapt rapidly to the incredible passion that drives Indian hockey.”

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian U18 men’s team beat Australia 6-3 to level their series, while the India U18 women’s team lost 2-1 against the visitors at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday.

The big win for the U18 men means their four-match series is now level at 1-1. India started the match well and took control in the first half. Akash Deep (10’) opened the scoring in the first quarter, and Shahrukh Ali (14’) added a second goal soon after. In the second quarter, Ketan Kushwaha (25’) and Romit Pal (26’) scored quick goals to give India a strong lead.

Kushwaha (40’) scored his second goal of the match in the third quarter, and Ansh Bahutra (45’) added the sixth goal for India. Australia scored through Owen Taylor (23’), Oscar Freeman (29’), and Jack Weller (32’), but the Indian defence stood firm in the final quarter to protect the lead and secure the win.

In the women's match, the India U18 team fought hard but lost the third match of their series. Australia took an early lead in the first quarter when Anneliese Cullen (5’) scored. India responded well just before the end of the quarter, with Sandeepa Kumari (15’) scoring a fine equaliser to make it 1-1.

However, the visitors regained the lead early in the second quarter through a goal from Stella Bartholomeusz (17’). The Indian defence kept the Australian attackers from scoring further in the second half, but the hosts could not find a second goal to equalise.

Earlier, the Indian U18 men’s and women's hockey teams suffered defeats against Australia U18 in their respective second matches on Sunday.

In the men's encounter, Australia secured a 3-1 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, following the 2-2 draw in the opening game. Arjun Brian (16’) opened the scoring for Australia early in the second quarter, but India responded quickly through Ashish Tani Purti (24’), who found the back of the net to bring the hosts level.

Both the men's and women's teams will play their fourth and final matches of the series on Wednesday at the same venue.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Monday announced the Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Tour of Australia, scheduled from May 26 to 30 in Perth.

The four-match tour will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium, with matches scheduled on May 26, 27, 29 and 30. The tour will prepare the team for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025–26, scheduled to take place in Auckland from June 15–21.

The Indian Team heads into the tour on the back of a strong showing in Argentina earlier this year, where they displayed plenty of fight to secure two wins in their four-match series. Since then, the group has been training hard at the national camp at SAI Bengaluru, sharpening key aspects of their game as they prepare for a busy international season ahead.

Salima Tete, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, will lead the side for the upcoming tour. She will have plenty of experience alongside her with the likes of Savita, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur, as well as exciting young talent including Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi.

Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will be the reliable options in the goalkeeping department for the upcoming tour. In defence, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi and Jyoti will feature alongside Shilpi Dabas, who has earned her maiden senior team call-up. Lalthantluangi has also received her maiden senior team call-up.

Salima Tete will lead the midfield department alongside experienced campaigners such as Neha and Lalremsiami, while Sakshi Rana and Sunelita Toppo will look to continue impressing. Deepika Soreng and Sonam, who is yet to make her senior international debut, are also part of the midfield unit.

Navneet Kaur will be expected to continue her fine goalscoring form as she leads the forward line comprising Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, who is yet to make her senior international debut, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

Sharing his thoughts on the squad, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne stated, “We have picked a squad with a good balance of experienced and young players, some of whom will get their first minutes at the international level. It’s important to keep developing players, and the best way to do that is under pressure in international matches. These players now have the chance to show their best, and I am looking forward to seeing their performances.”

Further expressing his expectations from the Australia tour, he added, “This tour is to prepare for the upcoming Nations Cup. I want to see the level of performance we saw in our last two matches in Argentina and build consistency in our performances. That is the level we need to reach, and we have to continue improving so we can perform even better.”

22-member Indian squad for Tour of Australia 2026:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a challenging day for the hosts as both the Indian U18 men’s and women's hockey teams suffered defeats against Australia U18 in their respective second matches at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday.

In the men's encounter, Australia secured a 3-1 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, following the 2-2 draw in the opening game. Arjun Brian (16’) opened the scoring for Australia early in the second quarter, but India responded quickly through Ashish Tani Purti (24’), who found the back of the net to bring the hosts level.

However, Australia regained control in the third quarter, with Sam Peoples (39’) and Angus Mcmullen (45’) contributing a goal each to seal the win for the visitors.

In the women's match, the India U18 team suffered a 1-4 loss against the visitors. Diya (11’) gave India an early lead in the first quarter, allowing the hosts to stay in control during the initial exchanges.

However, Australia staged a powerful comeback, with Anneliese Cullen (26’), Giselle Thompson (31’), Aurora Kovacevich (36’), and Stella Bartholomeusz (48’) all scoring to secure Australia’s second consecutive win of the tour.

The Indian U18 women’s team will look to bounce back when they take the field for their third match of the series on Monday at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, the Indian U18 men's team will also be in action for their third match of the series against Australia tomorrow, May 18, at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal.

Earlier on Friday, the Indian men’s team was held to a 2–2 draw in its opening clash, with Akash Deep (11’) and Deepak Prakash Toppo (45’) scoring for the hosts. For Australia, Jett Johnstone (2’) gave the visitors an early lead, while Franky Baker (60’) found a late equaliser in the final minute of the game to ensure the spoils were shared.

In the women’s opener, the Australia U18 women’s team clinched a 4–3 win. Aurora Kovacevich (21’) gave the visitors the lead before Diya (22’) quickly restored parity for India. The hosts then surged to a two-goal advantage, with Kiran Ekka (42’) and captain Sweety Kujur (48’) finding the back of the net. However, late goals from Mia Klimpsch (54’) and Stella Bartholomeusz (54’, 55’) helped the visitors edge past India in a closely contested encounter.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the Indian Women’s Hockey Team prepares for its upcoming tour of Australia, Captain Salima Tete emphasized that the squad is leaving no stone unturned at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru. Following a modest outing in Argentina, Tete expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and its ability to handle pressure, viewing the upcoming matches against Australia as a crucial stepping stone.

Expressing excitement for the tour, the skipper noted that it can strengthen the team’s preparations for high-stakes tournaments in the coming months, including the World Cup and the Asian Games.

“The Australian team is a really strong opponent, which will ensure high-quality contests. We are very excited to play against Australia, and we will make sure that we play our best hockey. A big thanks to the coach, who has been working hard with us.”

“We are improving every day, which is great. Young players are also being given opportunities, and they are doing really well. We need to keep backing them to ensure they continue to perform,” she added.

Speaking about the rigorous physical regime currently underway at the national camp, Tete highlighted how fitness is at the core of the team’s preparation for this crucial tour.

“Everybody is working really hard on fitness. As everybody knows, fitness is important to beat any team,” Tete said. “Fitness is important for every player, and even the junior team is working hard to maintain it. Our fitness can help ensure better performances. We played well in the World Cup qualifiers, but we can definitely improve further, especially with the team making a comeback. Therefore, fitness is extremely important for us, and preparations are going strong at SAI Bengaluru.”

Reflecting on the team’s recent exposure against top-tier opposition, Tete explained how the tour to Argentina in April helped evaluate squad depth and integrate next-generation talent into the senior setup.

“The entire team performed very well in Argentina. Being able to compete against such a top-tier team is a huge achievement for us. It has played a crucial role in our preparation for the upcoming Australia tour, Nations Cup, World Cup, and Asian Games. Our current focus is the Australia tour, and we want to give our best so that it boosts our confidence heading into the next tournament.”

“We want to continue the momentum built in Argentina and play the same kind of hockey in Australia as well. We want to stay disciplined, focus on our game plan, and follow our coach’s instructions. Every individual needs to work on their strengths and weaknesses to help us perform well as a team. Of course, there is pressure, but we are well prepared to handle it,” she concluded.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will tour Australia from May 21 to June 3 as a crucial preparatory phase for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The team is scheduled to play four matches against Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium between May 26 and 30.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Another controversy has surfaced in Hockey India. A member of the coaching staff for the Indian men’s sub-junior team was removed from the ongoing national camp in Bhopal following allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a report.

This development occurred on the same day India’s U-18 team was set to play Australia at home in Bhopal. Support staff member Sudhir Golla was reportedly asked to leave after complaints emerged against him from the Eklavya Boys and Girls Hockey Training Centre in Morabadi, Ranchi.

According to the report a complaint was filed with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Jharkhand. Allegations of neglect of duty and sexual misconduct were made against Golla during his time at the Centre of Excellence.

An official order dated May 11, which The Tribune obtained a copy of, confirmed that Golla had already been removed from his position in Ranchi. A woman coach has been appointed to take over his responsibilities at the centre.

This incident marks the fourth significant concern related to safeguarding in Indian hockey in just over six months.

In November 2025, the contract of a junior women’s hockey coach was not renewed after sexual misconduct allegations came to light just days before the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.

A month later, senior women’s team coach Harendra Singh resigned after national team members reportedly wrote to the Sports Ministry accusing him of misconduct and questioning his coaching skills.

In April 2026, another Hockey India staff member faced accusations of sexually harassing women officials and coaches.

While Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey could not be reached for comment, the federation released an official statement confirming action against Golla.

“Sudhir Golla, who was part of the Indian sub-junior men’s hockey team’s support staff, has been removed from the coaching camp in Bhopal with immediate effect by HI after it came to the federation’s notice that he had been removed from Eklavya Hockey Centre following complaints from players,” Hockey India stated in its message to The Tribune.

The federation also emphasized that athlete safety is a primary focus. “Player safeguarding remains a top priority for us, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all athletes,” HI added.

However, concerns regarding the federation’s management of safeguarding issues are growing within the organization.

According to The Tribune, a source within Hockey India acknowledged that the organization’s reputation has suffered due to ongoing controversies and alleged shortcomings in conducting proper investigations.

“We have fallen short when it comes to safeguarding issues. There has not been a proper inquiry held in all previous cases. It seems someone in the federation is trying to protect those who have allegedly committed serious offenses,” the source said.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former India captains Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal have praised Hockey India’s long-term vision for youth development, highlighting the federation’s focus on grassroots programmes and international exposure as key pillars for the future of Indian hockey.

Currently serving as coaches of the India U-18 men’s and women’s teams, respectively, the two legends are overseeing preparations for a four-match exposure series against the Australian U-18 sides at SAI Bhopal. The series, beginning on Friday, serves as crucial preparation ahead of the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, later this month.

Addressing the media ahead of the series, both Sardar and Rani underlined the importance of structured development pathways for young players and welcomed Hockey India’s efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline from an early age.

“This is a great initiative by Hockey India at this stage because focusing on our young players at an early age is extremely important. These are the players who will go on to represent India in the future,” said Sardar.

The former India men’s captain also pointed to the federation’s growing emphasis on grassroots competitions and player support systems nationwide.

“Hockey India is doing a tremendous job at the grassroots level through Sub Junior and Junior National Championships across divisions every year. They have also been distributing kits to players across states. If we continue to improve infrastructure, coaching and support systems like that, Indian hockey will reach new heights,” Sardar added.

Rani, who has been instrumental in shaping India’s women’s hockey rise over the past decade, echoed similar sentiments while stressing the value of early international exposure for young athletes.

“I would like to thank Hockey India for these U-18 initiatives for our young players. It has never happened before that players in this age group have had the opportunity to compete against a team like Australia. This is a massive learning experience for them,” she stated.

The former India women’s captain also highlighted how early exposure to tours can prepare players for future international events and help them adjust to the demands of elite-level hockey.

“The average age of these girls is around 15-16 years. They have a long future ahead of them and can go on to represent India at events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. This exposure at an early stage will play a huge role in their development,” she added.

The upcoming series against Australia is expected to provide India’s young players with valuable experience against strong international opposition, while also giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess combinations ahead of the continental tournament in Japan.

Hockey India’s increasing focus on youth competitions, structured pathways and international exposure reflects its broader strategy to build sustained success for Indian hockey in the years to come.

The India U-18 men’s and women’s teams will each play four matches against the Australia U-18 teams in Bhopal. The schedule of the matches is as follows:

Men's:

May 15, 5:00 PM IST (Friday)

May 17, 7:00 PM IST (Sunday)

May 18, 5:00 PM IST (Monday)

May 20, 10:00 AM IST (Wednesday)

Women's:

May 15, 7:00 PM IST (Friday)

May 17, 5:00 PM IST (Sunday)

May 18, 7:30 PM IST (Monday)

May 20, 8:00 AM IST (Wednesday)

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India has officially opened player registrations for the Hockey India League (HIL) 2027 Player Auction, scheduled for September, ahead of the tournament’s January 2027 start.

Building on the success of its revival in the 2024–25 season and the momentum of the 2025–26 edition, the upcoming HIL season is expected to raise the level of competition even further, attracting top-tier talent from India and across the globe.

Registrations are open to eligible players from a range of leading hockey nations. For men, eligible countries include India, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, England, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Ireland, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, and Japan.

For women, players from India, the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, China, Spain, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, the United States, Ireland, Scotland, and Japan can register.

Since its return, the Hockey India League has experienced remarkable growth. Last season featured eight men’s and four women’s franchises, generating substantial fan engagement. Over 1,000 players registered for the 2026 auction alone, including more than 500 Indian men, 350 Indian women, and over 240 international players, highlighting the league’s expanding global appeal. On the field, SG Pipers claimed the Women’s HIL 2026 title, while Kalinga Lancers emerged as men’s champions.

Speaking on the launch of registrations, Hockey India president and chairperson of the Hockey India League Governing Committee Dilip Tirkey said, “The Hockey India League has re-established itself as one of the most exciting platforms in world hockey. The enthusiasm witnessed during the revival seasons has been extremely encouraging, and the response from players across the globe reflects the league’s growing stature. We are delighted to open player registrations for the 2027 edition and look forward to welcoming top talent from India and overseas. The HIL continues to play an important role in providing players exposure at the highest level while strengthening India’s hockey ecosystem.”

Hockey India Secretary General and HIL Governing Committee member Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The success of the previous editions has created strong momentum for the Hockey India League, and we are excited to build on that in 2027. The participation numbers from last season highlighted the trust and interest players have in the league. We encourage all eligible players to register and be part of a competition that not only showcases top-quality hockey but also contributes significantly to the development and growth of the sport.”*

With preparations underway, the Hockey India League 2027 promises another action-packed season, offering a world-class platform for both emerging and established stars to compete at the highest level.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) For the second day in succession, former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh continued to flay Hockey India for deciding not to extend his contract as ex-coach of the national junior men's team and offering to demote him to a role with the development team as goalkeeper coach of the U-21 squad.

In a social media post on Thursday, Sreejesh waded into Hockey India, especially its President Dilip Tirkey, for offering the 'development team' and questioning the overall structure of the development team.

"When the Hockey India president offered me the 'development team,' I asked a few simple questions:

Do we really have a development team?

Who are the players in this development group?

What is the structure of the program?

What camps are approved for them?

What tournaments are they preparing for?" said Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist.

He claimed Hockey India Prez had no answers to his questions. "There were no answers to any of these questions".

Sreejesh termed the offer of the goalkeeper coach's job as a demotion after winning a Junior World Cup bronze medal as chief coach.

"And about goalkeeper coaching… after winning a Junior World Cup bronze medal as chief coach, making me a goalkeeper coach again — is that considered a promotion or a demotion?" he said.

Sreejesh also continued to question Hockey India for opting for foreign coaches instead of giving opportunities to Indians.

He said, "4 teams. 6 foreign coaches. 3 foreign strength & conditioning coaches. 1 foreign video analyst. 2 foreign goalkeeper coaches (visiting). 1 foreign sports psychologist (visiting).

"Lucky that at least we still have 1 Indian coach in each team (

as per the Hockey India app). Junior team is already taken. Maybe now it’s time for U18 too.

Sreejesh also took umbrage at Hockey India officials terming him "inexperienced" for the coaching job, as he took over the role soon after retiring as a player after the Paris Olympics in 2024.

"Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal are doing a great job, but maybe the president feels they are still “not experienced enough” or “qualified enough” to coach Indian teams.

"So can we expect more foreign coaches there as well? he questioned.

In a statement following a social media post by Sreejesh, Hockey India had claimed that the former India goalkeeper was not sacked, but rather his term was over in December 2025.

On Thursday morning, Hockey India named Frederic Soyez as junior men's team coach.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) The India U-18 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams are all set to face Australia in a four-match series from May 15 to 20 at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal. The series will serve as an important preparation for the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026, which will be held in Kakamigahara from May 29.

The upcoming matches will be the first major international assignment for the young Indian teams, who were selected after strong performances in the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026. The players have been training at the national coaching camp in Bhopal for the past month under former Indian captains Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal.

The camp has brought together some of the country’s best young hockey players and helped them prepare as a team ahead of the Australia series and the Asia Cup.

The matches against Australia will give both Indian teams a chance to test their combinations and assess their preparation before the continental tournament in Japan.

The Indian U-18 Men’s Team, led by Ketan Kushwaha, will begin its campaign on May 15 at 5:00 PM IST. Their second match will be played on May 17 at 7:00 PM IST, followed by the third match on May 18 at 5:00 PM IST. The final game of the series is scheduled for May 20 at 10:00 AM IST.

Meanwhile, the Indian U-18 Women’s Team, captained by Sweety Kujur, will open their series on May 15 at 7:00 PM IST. Their second match will take place on May 17 at 5:00 PM IST, while the third game will be played on May 18 at 7:00 PM IST. The final fixture is scheduled for May 20 at 8:00 AM IST.

Speaking ahead of the series, Indian U-18 Men’s Team coach Sardar Singh said, “I would like to thank Hockey India for taking this initiative because focusing on these young players at this stage is extremely important since they will eventually progress to the junior and senior teams of India. We have been working on small technical details and strengthening their basics because in modern hockey, even the smallest aspects make a huge difference. This series against Australia will be a great test for the team. If we continue to invest in and develop these young players properly, Indian hockey can benefit immensely over the next decade.”

Indian U-18 Women’s Team coach Rani said, “It has never happened before that we have had the opportunity to play against a team like Australia in this age group, so this is a massive exposure opportunity for these girls. Players come from very different backgrounds, cultures, and mindsets, and the biggest challenge initially has been helping them understand that they are now representing India as one team. At this age, stepping out of their comfort zones is not easy, but the girls have adapted really well. This is also a learning phase for us as coaches, as managing workload and ensuring the players remain injury-free at this stage is extremely important.”

Australia U-18 Men’s Team coach Dan Mitchell said, “Since arriving here, the emphasis has been on coming together as a team and preparing for the challenge ahead. We have always admired the Indian style of hockey, and playing against India is going to be a real test for us. It will be a fantastic learning experience for our players.”

Australia U-18 Women’s Team coach Matt Cook added, “We want the athletes to learn from this experience, understand international competition, and adapt to travelling and playing in different conditions. We also hope this becomes the start of a stronger relationship with India, with opportunities for both nations to continue growing together and preparing the next generation of players for major events in the future.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Thursday announced the appointment of decorated Frenchman Frederic Soyez as the coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team.

One of the most accomplished coaches in European hockey, Soyez brings over three decades of elite hockey experience, including 15 years as an international player for France and over 15 years as a head coach at the highest level of world hockey.

Soyez, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with France from 1995 to 2010, earning 196 international caps and scoring an impressive 195 goals for the team, coached the national men’s hockey teams of both France and Spain.

He boasts experience at three Olympic Games, having guided Spain at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics before leading France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. During his tenure with Spain, he guided the team to a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships while also steering them to quarter-final finishes at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

Soyez coached France to a historic silver medal at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Delhi in 2013 and most recently guided the French U18 Men’s Team to a silver medal at the 2025 European Championships. He additionally served as the High-Performance Director of the French Hockey Federation from 2021 to 2024, overseeing the country’s broader high-performance and athlete development structure.

His coaching resume also includes participation in two FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups (2018, 2023) and six European Championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), underlining his extensive experience at the elite international level. At the domestic level, Soyez guided Lille MHC to French Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles in 2012, along with EuroHockey Trophy Indoor and Outdoor titles in the same year.

"Notably, Soyez’s appointment resonates with the government of India’s objective of creating a strong pathway towards sustained Olympic success and sporting self-reliance leading up to the 2036 Olympics. As part of this larger vision, Hockey India has focused on bringing the best coaching and high-performance resources from across the world to further strengthen the country’s hockey ecosystem," Hockey India said in a release.

Soyez will succeed Indian stalwart P.R. Sreejesh, whose contract concluded in December 2025.

"Moreover, Hockey India’s long-term strategy also places significant emphasis on developing Indian coaches alongside international experts. To ensure knowledge transfer and continuity, Indian coaches have been integrated across the senior, junior, and sub-junior national camps, with designated Indian coaches working closely alongside the respective head coaches at every level," it added.

This structure aims to create a seamless and aligned coaching philosophy across all age-group programmes, ensuring that players transitioning from sub-junior to junior and eventually to senior levels develop under a consistent playing style, training methodology, and tactical framework. Hockey India believes this integrated approach will help build a wider and deeper talent pool for the nation in the lead-up to the 2036 Olympics.

Welcoming Soyez, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, “Frederic comes with outstanding international credentials, having coached at multiple Olympic Games, World Cups, and European Championships, while also successfully developing young talent and high-performance systems. We believe his experience and skill set will greatly benefit Indian hockey as we continue to work towards a bigger long-term vision for the 2036 Olympics.”

He added, “Our focus is not only on immediate results but also on building a deep talent pool and a coaching structure that remain aligned from sub-junior to senior level. By integrating Indian coaches alongside international experts in every national camp across all levels, we are ensuring continuity in coaching philosophy, player development, and tactical understanding. This collaborative approach will also play a vital role in strengthening the capabilities of Indian coaches and creating a more self-sustaining high-performance ecosystem for the future.”

Also, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated, "Frederic Soyez's track record in building competitive international teams and nurturing young athletes makes him an excellent addition to our setup. His appointment will not only strengthen the junior men’s programme but also contribute to the larger objective of building a deep and sustainable talent pool for Indian hockey for years to come.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) After P.R. Sreejesh’s allegations about him being removed from the Indian junior men’s hockey coaching setup, Hockey India on Wednesday issued a detailed clarification, asserting that the former goalkeeper’s coaching tenure had concluded “as per contract” and denying claims that he was removed to accommodate a foreign coach.

The federation’s response came shortly after Sreejesh publicly expressed disappointment over what he described as the possible end of his coaching career, questioning Hockey India’s continued reliance on overseas coaches despite the availability of experienced Indian candidates.

In an official statement, Hockey India said, “Hockey India would like to state that the coaching term for P.R. Sreejesh was officially concluded as per contract in December 2025. After this, as per protocol, the position was advertised, and applicants were shortlisted and finalised as per a proper selection process based on merit. A coach with distinguished qualifications has been selected as a result of this process and will be announced shortly.”

The federation also rejected suggestions that Sreejesh had been “fired”, stating that an alternate role within the national development structure had been offered to him.

“We have in no terms “fired” Sreejesh and in fact had offered him the position of Coach for the Development team, which plays a critical role for LA 28 and the next Olympic cycle as well. This would have furthered his experience and exposure as a coach. However, he did not accept this position despite being asked to reconsider the decision,” the statement said.

Sreejesh, who helped India secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics before transitioning into coaching, had earlier alleged that Hockey India continued to prefer foreign coaches across all national teams. He had also claimed that he was informed the senior men’s team management wanted a foreign head coach for the junior side to ensure continuity in playing philosophy.

Addressing those remarks directly, Hockey India said, “In no terms has it ever been conveyed to him that there has been any preference for a foreign coach by the chief coach. We are collectively working towards the vision of our government to build a pathway towards 2036, and a big part of that process is to develop our Indian coaching talent.”

The federation further highlighted its investment in domestic coach education programmes, pointing to the nationwide expansion of its coaching certification structure in recent years.

“Development of the grassroots and homegrown coaches has always been central to the interests of Hockey India as a national sports federation. Hockey India's coaching pathway program has certified over 600 homegrown coaches so far, and the program has had a nationwide impact. We have, in fact, aligned Indian coaches with our chief coaches in our training camps to enhance their exposure and skills further.”

Sreejesh had guided the Indian junior side to podium finishes in all five tournaments during his 18-month stint, including a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup. His social media post had triggered widespread debate over the opportunities available for former Indian players in elite coaching roles.

Concluding its statement, Hockey India reiterated its respect for the former India captain and expressed hope for his continued involvement in the sport.

“Hockey India remains committed to the growth of Indian hockey, and all our decisions are part of a concerted effort to achieve that. We continue to value P.R. Sreejesh as a legend of the sport and look forward to his future success.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two-time Olympic bronze medallist and former India goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh has publicly expressed his frustration after learning that his stint with the junior men’s side might not be extended, claiming his coaching career may already be nearing an abrupt end despite a successful run that included five podium finishes in five tournaments.

In a strongly worded social media post, Sreejesh questioned Hockey India’s continued reliance on overseas coaches and suggested that his removal was linked to the federation’s preference for appointing a foreign coach in the junior setup.

“It seems like my coaching career comes to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played 5 tournaments and secured 5 podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal. I have heard about coaches getting fired after bad performances. But this is the first time I am experiencing being removed to make way for a foreign coach,” wrote Sreejesh, who was part of the Indian team that won bronze medals in the last two Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, in his post on X, formerly Twitter.

The 38-year-old further revealed details of discussions held within the federation and with the Union Sports Ministry, while questioning whether Indian coaches were being given equal opportunities to shape the future of the national teams.

“The Hockey India President (Dilip Tirkey) stated that the chief coach of the senior men’s team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it will help develop Indian hockey from the junior level through to the senior level. Hence, the continued preference for foreign coaches. Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?”

Sreejesh also referred to a meeting with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya earlier this year.

“On 07-03-2026, during a meeting with the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, ‘Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country as we prepare for 2036.’ However, Hockey India continues to place its trust in foreign coaches over Indian ones across all four teams.”

According to sources aware of the developments, Hockey India had already decided against renewing Sreejesh’s contract beyond the Junior World Cup cycle. Officials within the federation reportedly felt that the timing was not right for the former custodian to continue in a major coaching role.

“Sreejesh's contract was till the end of the Junior World Cup, and Hockey India is not looking to renew it. The players also found his style too overbearing and strict, and some of them complained to the federation. There was also a feeling that excessive training at such a young age could lead to injuries,” sources in the know of the development told IANS.

Sreejesh quit as a player soon after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and was appointed coach of the junior national men's team a few months later.

There is also a feeling in Hockey India circles that it was a bit early for Sreejesh to take up the head coach's role. It is also felt that he should have gained a bit of experience under a senior coach, just like Shivendra Singh, who has been given the charge of the Development Team after gaining experience as an assistant coach of the senior team. Another case being referred to is that of Tushar Khandker, who was given charge of the junior women's national team after gaining experience as an assistant coach.

The senior men’s side is currently being coached by South African tactician Craig Fulton, who took charge in 2023 and guided India to a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics. His contract runs through the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India has announced the next phase of its Coaching Education Pathway Level ‘1’ programme, extending the initiative to new centres in Coimbatore and Haridwar as the federation continues its push to strengthen India’s grassroots coaching structure.

The upcoming batches will be held in Coimbatore and Haridwar in May and June 2026, with registrations opening on May 13 and closing on May 17.

The programme, introduced as part of Hockey India’s long-term developmental roadmap, has certified more than 600 coaches between 2019 and 2026. The federation views the initiative as a key pillar for building a technically stronger, more self-sustaining domestic ecosystem.

The coaching pathway has been designed to provide a structured progression system, beginning at the grassroots level and extending through to elite international coaching standards. It combines online modules with practical, face-to-face assessments and competency-based evaluations.

Former Indian captain Rani Rampal, now an FIH Academy Level 3-certified coach, highlighted the importance of formal coaching education in helping former players transition into leadership roles.

“Transitioning from a player to a coach is a distinct journey, and the Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway has been absolutely instrumental in that process,“ said Rani, who also benefited from this programme and is an FIH Academy Level 3 Certified Coach. “Progressing through the formal levels gave me a much deeper and more structured understanding of modern coaching methodologies, tactical planning, and athlete management.”

The former skipper also stressed the system's wider impact on player development across age groups.

“For our domestic ecosystem, this framework is truly a game-changer. It ensures that coaches across the country speak the same technical language. In my role with the sub-junior team, I see firsthand how applying these advanced international concepts at the developmental stage directly accelerates the growth of our young athletes and prepares them for the highest level,” she added.

According to Hockey India, the current tally of certified coaches in the pathway includes 337 Level 1 coaches and 54 Level 2 coaches, along with multiple certifications under the FIH Academy structure. The pathway has also produced 74 FIH Academy Level 3-certified coaches and 4 Level 4-certified coaches.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey described the milestone as an important step in building long-term sporting excellence, as he said, "A robust homegrown coaching structure is the bedrock of any world-class sporting nation. Passing the milestone of over 600 certified coaches reflects our vision to make Indian hockey self-reliant and technically sound from the grassroots up. By equipping our domestic coaches with modern methodologies, we are directly ensuring that the next generation of young athletes receives the highest standard of mentorship right from their formative years."

Meanwhile, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the expansion into different regions reflected the federation’s broader commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

"The expansion of the Coaching Education Pathway into varied regions like Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand highlights our commitment to reaching every corner of the country. We are particularly proud of the core focus on gender equality and the active transition of our international athletes into formal coaching roles. This structured framework ensures that the vast tactical knowledge of our most experienced individuals is effectively channelled back into the Indian hockey pipeline,” he said.

The Level ‘1’ course includes an eight-hour practical coaching assessment and requires participants to complete both classroom and online assignments before certification is awarded. Coaches progressing successfully through the domestic levels eventually become eligible to enrol in official FIH Academy coaching programmes.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Tuesday announced that the Indian women’s hockey team will tour Australia from May 21 to June 3 as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26, scheduled to take place from June 15 to 21 in Auckland.

As part of the tour, India will play four matches against Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium from May 26 to 30. The first two matches will be played on May 26 and 27, while the remaining two matches on May 29 and 30.

Following the Tour of Australia, the team will travel to New Zealand, where they will continue their preparations with practice matches ahead of the Nations Cup.

India women head into the tour after an encouraging outing in Argentina earlier this year, where the team showed immense grit to finish their four-match tour with two wins. Since returning from the tour, the squad has been training intensively at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru, focusing on improving key areas ahead of a packed international calendar.

With support from Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, the drag-flickers in the team will also undergo a specialised dragflick training clinic under Dutch legend Taeke Taekema from May 26 to June 21 in Perth, Australia as well as Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking about the importance of the tour, chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, "Very happy that this tour has been made possible by Hockey India because these matches will help us identify our shortcomings and also our improvements after our camps. We have seen what the benchmark is when we played Argentina, we can now test how close we are to reach the level of our last two wins and maintain the momentum.”

He further explained how the tour will help the team adapt to conditions before heading to New Zealand. “Instead of making a long flight we cut the travel in pieces so the acclimatisation will go faster. The weather is colder in New Zealand and Australian (Perth) conditions will be closer to that,” he added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India announced the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held from 11th to 20th May 2026.

The preparatory camp is important as the team will travel to Australia for an exposure tour ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, which will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from 15th to 21st June.

This is an important camp for the women’s team as it will provide them with an opportunity to assess their strengths ahead of key fixtures later this year, including the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands from 15th to 30th August, and the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from 19th September to 4th October 2026.

The camp also holds added significance as the winner of the FIH Nations Cup will earn direct qualification for the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League. Furthermore, the winner of the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League will secure direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

The upcoming camp will feature the same set of 31 players who were part of the previous national camp held in April under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. It will serve as another important phase in the team’s build-up, with the focus expected to remain on strengthening combinations, improving fitness levels, and sharpening tactical aspects of the game.

The squad for the Senior Women's National Coaching Camp will comprise experienced campaigners and promising talents across all positions. The goalkeeping department will include Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki, and Bichu Devi Kharibam, the recipient of the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025. Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas will add a blend of defensive solidity and experience to the defensive line.

Captain Salima Tete, alongside Sushila Chanu, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Phalke, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, and Ishika, will occupy the midfield, offering versatility and control in the middle of the pitch. The forward line will comprise Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, and Sangita Kumari, offering a blend of seasoned attackers along with youthful exuberance.

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming camp, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This will be a short camp ahead of our upcoming tour to Australia. The integral focus of the camp will be on the fitness aspects of the game and improving in those areas. We want to be consistent in this regard and take the next step as a team.”

Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s 31-member Senior National Coaching Camp:

Goalkeeper:

1. Savita

2. Madhuri Kindo

3. Bichu Devi Kharibam

4. Bansari Solanki

Defenders:

1. Nikki Pradhan

2. Ishika Chaudhary

3. Jyoti Singh

4. Lalthantluangi

5. Jyoti

6. Udita

7. Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders:

1. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam

2. Manisha Chauhan

3. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke

4. Sakshi Rana

5. Sunelita Toppo

6. Salima Tete

7. Neha

8. Ishika

Forwards:

1. Deepika Soreng

2. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal

3. Baljeet Kaur

4. Navneet Kaur

5. Deepika

6. Annu

7. Beauty Dungdung

8. Hina Bano

9. Sonam

10. Lalremsiami

11. Mumtaz Khan

12. Sangita Kumari

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian U-18 men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming high-intensity series against Australia, scheduled to take place at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal from May 15 to 20.

The four-match series is a critical part of the teams’ final preparations for the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara (Japan) 2026, from 29th May to 6th June 2026. The final 24 players in each squad were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation during the National Coaching Camp, where the initial group of 42 players was narrowed down based on match fitness and tactical adaptability.

Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men's team, while the Indian U-18 women's side will be led by Sweety Kujur.

The Men’s Sub Junior team is being guided by former Indian hockey player Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. Commenting on the upcoming matches, Sardar Singh said, “After a productive week in the camp, we have identified the 24 players whom we believe are ready for international exposure. These matches against Australia are not just practice games; they are a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline. Ketan is a natural leader on the pitch, and I am keen to see how this group handles the pace and pressure of the Australian style before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan.”

The women's team continues its training under the mentorship of former Indian Captain Rani. Speaking on the squad selection, she said, “We have pruned the squad to 24 players who have shown the greatest consistency and growth during the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision required to lead this young side effectively. Playing four matches against a top-tier side like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas that need adjustment. This series is the ultimate dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asia Cup.”

Indian U-18 Men’s Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada

Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk

Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri

Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna

Indian U-18 Women’s Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari

Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani

Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde

Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian women’s hockey team’s special goalkeeping camp, conducted by David Williamson under the supervision of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, concluded at SAI, Bengaluru. The 11-day camp ran from April 22, enabling focused, high-performance training for the goalkeepers of the Indian team.

Senior goalkeepers Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo attended the sessions, allowing them to focus extensively on technical basics, decision-making, defensive organisation, and tactical awareness in match situations as the team prepares for major tournaments in the upcoming international calendar.

Speaking on the benefits of these kinds of focused camps for goalkeepers, Savita said, “Being a goalkeeper, I’ve always experienced that these kinds of camps help you learn a lot, while polishing and improving your skills. We recreate match-like situations in training and have plenty of discussions. That level of attention to detail in the camp helps us feel more comfortable when we face similar situations during matches. So, these specialised camps are always important and we’d like to thank Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, for their support.”

Sharing her experience as the senior player in the camp, Savita also shed light on how she embraces that role while mentoring the younger goalkeepers. “Being a senior player, I have to ensure that I don't only focus on my own performance but also pay attention to the young keepers and motivate them.”

“I’m always looking at how they’re doing and how I can guide them in little details, based on my experience. I’m always trying to keep a good environment because I believe that when you’re training in the right kind of environment, you want to do well. So, it’s about keeping everyone motivated and pushing them to do even better. Sometimes, we were really tired at the end of these sessions but overcoming that is part of the mindset as we try to make the most of these camps,” she added.

Bichu Devi Kharibam, who has already earned 60 senior caps for India, also spoke about the importance of such camps and how they help in preparation for major tournaments coming up this year. She said, “This camp was very important for us as we look to prepare for major upcoming tournaments this year. We’ve focused on improving our fitness, while also ensuring that our defensive structure on the field remains solid in match situations.”

Elaborating on some of her key learnings from the camp, Bichu Devi added, “Throughout the camp, there was focus on the defensive side of things. It’s not only about the structure and shape at the back, but also about ensuring communication. The attention to details helps improve performances as a goalkeeper.”

Meanwhile, Bansari Solanki, who has also made four appearances for the Indian senior side so far, was thrilled with the experience and nature of such camps. Sharing her key learnings, she stated, “The key learnings for me throughout the camp would be decision making under pressure, guiding and organising the defence, and staying as calm as possible while on field. Staying in control of these things allows a goalkeeper to bring more consistency.”

Also sharing an insight into how David Williamson and Sjoerd Marijne approached the camp, Solanki mentioned, “We had good goalkeeper sessions in this camp with David. We worked on making our basics stronger and highlighted some minor adjustments which can help us make big differences in our game. Meanwhile, with Sjoerd sir, we worked more on the tactical side of things - our skills, set pieces, and defensive work on penalty corners. His sessions were more focused on understanding the different situations of the game and organising the defence accordingly.”

Source: IANS

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Mohali, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Roundglass Hockey Academy (RGHA) is set to embark on an exciting international tour as they travel to Kenya to participate in the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament 2026, which is scheduled from May 1 to May 9 in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

The prestigious tournament marks the 100th anniversary of the historic Sikh Union Club. Celebrating a century of rich sporting heritage, the club holds immense significance in the global hockey landscape for its foundational role in developing the sport in East Africa and producing a legendary pipeline of Olympians for the Kenyan national team.

The event will feature a highly competitive lineup of teams, providing the RGHA athletes with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage and gain crucial exposure against diverse playing styles.

Following a string of impressive performances on the domestic circuit—including multiple recent national camp call-ups- a strong RGHA squad has been selected for the Kenya tour. The team is geared up for a demanding schedule of fixtures that will test their skills, resilience, and tactical adaptability in a vibrant, international hockey environment.

According to the official tournament schedule, Roundglass Hockey Academy will kick off its campaign against Select U23 on May 1. This will be followed by the match against Satellites on May 2. The squad will then face the Niger Flickers on May 4, before concluding their group-stage matches with two highly anticipated clashes against the host club Sikh Union Nairobi and London Sikh Union, on May 6 and 7, respectively.

RGHA Squad for Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament 2026

Goalkeepers: Jashandeep Singh, Arshdeep Singh

Defenders: Prince Singh, Amandeep Singh, Dilavarpreet Singh

Midfielders: Sunny Singh, Damanpreet Singh, Varinder Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Damandeep Singh, Om Rajnes

Forwards: Gurwinder Singh, Sukhmanpreet Singh, Sukhpreet Singh, Jarman Singh, Razzaq Ali, Jobanpreet Singh, Anurag Singh

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In the recently concluded 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026, one name stood out on the scoring charts: Nausheen Naz. The 15-year-old striker from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, was the tournament's most clinical finisher, ending the campaign as the top scorer with an incredible nine goals.

Currently attending the U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal, Nausheen’s rise to the national stage is a testament to her resilience. Her journey is defined by a fierce determination to overcome financial hardship and deep-seated social prejudices.

For Nausheen, starting hockey was about resourcefulness rather than having the best gear. Inspired by her elder sister, Tahoor Naz, a 10-year-old Nausheen was desperate to play but lacked a hockey stick.

“I told my sister I wanted to play, but we didn't have the money for a stick. I found a broken one at the ground and brought it home. I took it to a local blacksmith and used a nail to fix the pieces together so that I could play. I practiced with that repaired stick for a whole year before I finally received a proper one from a day-boarding program,” Nausheen recalls.

Coming from a humble background, Nausheen’s journey was further challenged by financial instability. Her father has worked as a vegetable seller and a truck driver, and currently helps transfer cartons to support the family. Beyond the finances, Nausheen had to fight a social battle in her hometown.

“I come from a very poor family, and in my community, few people encouraged girls to play sports. People would say that girls shouldn't step out to play. It became so difficult that I actually stopped playing for two years and helped my father sell vegetables,” she shares.

It was her mother’s unwavering support that eventually brought her back to the field. “My mother stood by me. She told my father that he should support his daughter's passion and not listen to what others say. Because of her, I was able to join the Gwalior Women's Hockey Academy and eventually make it to this camp.”

Highlighting the importance of the tournament, which is supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, Nausheen added, “This competition is a vital platform for young players like us. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our talent and grow in the sport. Playing on this stage has given me the belief that I can achieve my dreams if I keep working hard.”

Now training under the guidance of former Indian Captain Rani Rampal at the Bhopal camp, Nausheen is focused on perfecting the basics. For a girl who has often had to borrow shoes from teammates when her own wore out, training with her idol is a life-changing experience.

“I have learned so much from Rani ma’am. She explains things so clearly—like how to stop the ball properly while on the run and how to keep it hard on the move. I want to become like her; she has played at the highest level and knows exactly what we need to reach the next step,” says the young striker.

Despite the challenges of living in a rented house and managing with limited resources, Nausheen’s focus remains unshaken as she eyes a spot in the team for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026.

“My goal is to play for India so that I can support my parents and make sure my father doesn't have to work this hard anymore. I want to show everyone that if you have the heart to play, no obstacle can stop you.”

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan hockey players are left frustrated at the sport's administrators in the country for their inability to arrange proper preparation for their two matches against arch-rivals India in the FIH Men's Pro League 2026 in June this year, a news report claimed on Monday.

The Pakistan hockey team is struggling with no camp and no high-profile coach for the key matches, a report in Telecom Asia Sport has said.

Pakistan is featuring in the nine-team Pro League for the first time, making the grade as a lucky entrant after New Zealand withdrew because of financial constraints. Poor results, besides a lack of preparation, have left them on the verge of being eliminated from the top league involving nine of the strongest teams in the world. Pakistan have lost all their matches with the Netherlands (5-2 and 7-3), Argentina (3-2 and 5-1), Australia (3-2 and 3-0), and Germany (5-2 and 6-1).

They now face India and England in the second last round in the United Kingdom in June, with players disappointed at the Federation not taking the task seriously. The two matches against India are on June 23 and 26.

"Pakistan have not beaten India since 2016, so players wanted full-scale preparations, but there are no signs of any camp or any international coach to meet the challenge a top-class team like India poses in the Pro League," sources told www.telecomasia.net. "Most of the Pakistan players are playing in European Leagues and Hong Kong, which are part of their individual preparations, which are not complete."

Pakistan last beat India 1-0 in the SAF Games in Guwahati, India, their last win before losing 14 of their 16 matches with two draws.

"Players had requested the interim setup of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for a foreign coach like Roelant Oltmans, who knows a lot about Indian players, but the Federation did not listen," the report said, quoting sources.

Instead, former Olympian Manzoorul Hasan was appointed head coach. "Manzoorul is an old guy who is hard of hearing and does not know much about the players, nor does he know about modern hockey, so his appointment is of no use," sources said.

The players are also complaining about the lack of daily allowances. "Players were promised 120 US dollars, but they got only US40 during the World Cup qualifying round in Egypt, and with no central contract and match fee, this leaves players hard on money," the report said.

"The fate of hockey players is not changing because no one is listening," a player was quoted as saying in the report. "We are left underpaid and under-prepared, and that leaves us in a tough spot to save the Pro League's existence."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Om Kumar Yadav, from the small town of Rajnandgaon in Basantpur, Chhattisgarh, is the sole player from his state selected for Hockey India’s ongoing U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal. He secured his spot after showcasing his talent at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 - Division 'B' in Rajgir, Bihar earlier this month, where he scored six goals.

Inspired by his elder brothers, Rinku Yadav and Arjun Yadav, who currently train at Lucknow Hockey NCOE, the young player first picked up a hockey stick at age six and has been dedicated ever since. Reflecting on his early experiences with the sport, Yadav said, “My eldest brother - Rinku Yadav - used to play hockey. I started playing after seeing him. I’ve always loved watching hockey, it’s the only sport that I follow. My journey began when I was six years old, and I’ve been playing the game ever since.”

Yadav admired Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Men’s Indian Hockey team and a two-time Olympic Bronze medallist, during his upbringing. “Harmanpreet Singh is my idol. The way he moves on the hockey field, the timing of his passes - he doesn’t keep hold of the ball for too long. He’s always got an eye for goal, whether it's from open play or the dragflick from set-pieces. Everything he does on the field inspires me a lot”, Yadav mentioned.

Ahead of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026, Yadav practiced at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur, sharpening his skills with guidance from former Olympian Ajit Lakra. Driven to secure a spot in the U-18 National Coaching Camp, the young forward put in maximum effort during training to stand out in the tournament.

Now training under Sardar Singh as head coach, Yadav aims to impress and secure his spot in the 24-player squad for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026, set to be held in Japan from May 29 to June 6. He will also compete against Australia’s U-18 teams from May 11 to 21.

Yadav shared his experience at the camp and working with the legendary Sardar Singh, stating, “It has been five days since we have joined the camp. Meeting Sardar Singh sir and interacting with him has been really special. So far, we’re focusing on basics in the camp and also learning some new things. He makes us understand what we’re doing wrong and is helping me improve my game on a personal level. So, it has been a great learning experience.”

Yadav, focused on his goal of representing India someday, persistently develops his skills, passing the ball and advancing to create space, while acquiring new knowledge about the game in Bhopal. He aims to secure a spot in the U-18 Indian Men’s hockey team and make an impact from a non-traditional hockey region.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hockey India on Saturday expressed profound grief on the passing of former Indian Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal, who passed away at the age of 84, and said his dedication towards nurturing future generations will always be remembered.

A member of India’s bronze medal-winning team at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Gurbax Singh Grewal leaves behind a rich legacy as a player, mentor, and administrator.

A speedy forward during his playing days, he was part of the historic Indian contingent at the 1968 Olympics alongside his brother Balbir Singh Grewal, marking the first time in Indian hockey history that two real brothers represented the country together at the same Olympic Games.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur, Punjab Province of British India (now in Pakistan), Gurbax Singh Grewal moved to Mumbai in his early 20s to pursue hockey and went on to represent Western Railways, where he built a distinguished career both on and off the field.

Following his retirement as Sports Officer with Western Railways, Gurbax Singh Grewal remained deeply involved in the sport’s development. He coached multiple Mumbai teams for numerous years and later served as the honorary secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association.

Expressing his condolences, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, “The Indian hockey fraternity is deeply saddened by the passing of Gurbax Singh Grewal ji. He was a valued member of India’s Olympic medal-winning team and a true servant of the sport whose contributions extended far beyond the field. His passion for hockey and his dedication towards nurturing future generations will always be remembered. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “We have lost a respected member of the Indian hockey family today. Gurbax Singh Grewal ji’s achievements as a player and his contributions as an administrator have left a lasting impact on Indian hockey. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. We pray for strength and peace for his family during this difficult time.”

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, April 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former India international and Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) secretary Gurbax Singh Grewal, who was a member of the national team that won a bronze medal in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, died of a heart attack in Chandigarh on Saturday evening. He was 84.

Gurbax Singh, brother of Olympian Balbir Singh, retired as Sports Officer with the Western Railways in Mumbai and was elected as Honorary Secretary of The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd as part of a team that included former India captain and coach Joaquim Carvalho.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur, Punjab Province of British India, near present-day Faisalabad in Pakistan, Gurbax came to Mumbai in his 20s to play hockey for the Western Railways in Mumbai. He, along with his brother Balbir Singh, was part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.

A speedy forward, Gurbax Singh, after playing for Western Railways at the local level and Indian Railways at the national level, coached the various Mumbai teams for many years. He was also associated with the Indian women's hockey team for some time.

After retiring from Western Railways as Sports Officer, Gurbax contested elections for the Mumbai Hockey Association and was elected Honorary Secretary in 2010. The renovation of the MHA's Mahindra Stadium happened during his tenure after the MHA and MCA reached an agreement on the transfer of land to the cricket association to install the floodlights for the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Source: IANS

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