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Canadian Anthem Singer Alters Lyrics to Protest Trump’s 51st State Comments at Hockey Game | WATCH

February 21, 2025, 3:43 pm

Before the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game on Thursday, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk modified a line in ‘O Canada’ to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state. While performing, Kreviazuk modified the line ‘in all of us command to ‘that only us command’, giving the reason for her protest as Trump’s comments. She went on to explain to the Associated Press that she did it because she believes in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.

The U.S. and Canadian squads were already under pressure, with the U.S. president making repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state and slapping tariffs on the nation. Kreviazuk’s protest was seen in Boston, where American spectators half-heartedly booed the anthem, but her singing overpowered it. In Montreal, Canadian spectators responded by booing the U.S. national anthem.

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ICYMI

The singer of the Canadian National Anthem at the #4Nations Championship changed the lyrics from “in all thy sons command” to “only us command” in response to “annexation rhetoric coming from the U.S.” pic.twitter.com/QVE1Q7I5UE

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 21, 2025

In the heated game, Canada triumphed 3-2, with Connor McDavid scoring the winning goal, securing Canada’s victory in the tournament. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the win with an impassioned X post, claiming, “You can’t take our country and you can’t take our game.” At the same time, U.S. President Trump had phoned the U.S. team during the day and continued his jabbing at Canada, calling Trudeau ‘Governor Trudeau’ on Truth Social. This political strain was accentuated during a press conference where Canada’s Public Safety Minister, David McGuinty, forcefully declared, “Canada is a sovereign and independent nation. It has been so for more than 150 years and will continue to be.”

Unbelievable! Pakistan Hockey Players To Get Only USD 100 For Bronze Medal

September 19, 2024, 10:53 am

In a recent announcement, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) revealed that each player and official of the national hockey team, which clinched the bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy, will be rewarded with USD 100 (approximately 28,000 PKR). This special cash prize was approved by PHF President Mir Tariq Bugti and aims to recognize the team’s efforts in the tournament.

A Historic Achievement

Pakistan Hockey team secured third place by defeating Korea 5-2 in the bronze-medal match. This victory followed a narrow defeat in the semifinals, where they lost to hosts China in a penalty shootout. The team’s performance was celebrated, even though they missed out on the final.

Cash Award and Support for Injured Player

The PHF’s press release emphasized that the cash award was meant to “acknowledge and encourage” the players’ dedication and hard work throughout the competition. Additionally, the federation has pledged full support and rehabilitation for Abu Bakr Mahmood, who sustained an injury during the tournament.

A Tribute to Resilience

In a heartfelt tribute, the PHF dedicated the bronze medal to Ghazanfar Ali, a player who continued to compete despite the passing of his father during the event. His commitment and perseverance were recognized and honored by the federation.

India Wins Title

India went on to win the Asian Champions Trophy for a record fifth time, defeating China in the final match held on Tuesday.

This gesture of appreciation and support highlights the PHF’s commitment to valuing and encouraging the efforts of its athletes.

Paris Olympics 2024: India Go Down Fighting; Lose to Spirited Belgium 1-2

August 1, 2024, 4:56 pm

The Indian hockey team faced its first defeat in the Olympic Games, losing 1-2 to defending champions Belgium in a pool match on Thursday. Despite taking an early lead, India could not maintain their advantage. Abhishek put India ahead in the 18th minute, but Belgium responded strongly in the second half with goals from Thibeau Stockbroekx in the 33rd minute and John-John Dohmen in the 44th minute to secure the win. Both teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals from Pool B.

India had previously defeated New Zealand 3-2 and drawn 1-1 against Argentina before beating Ireland 2-0. Their next and final pool match is against Australia on Friday. In the match against Belgium, India dominated possession and created more chances in the first two quarters. The Indian defence, led by veteran custodian PR Sreejesh, who is playing his last international tournament, initially held strong, denying Belgium several scoring opportunities including two penalty corners.

Abhishek’s goal came after he intercepted a ball from Arthur de Sloover and skillfully manoeuvred past the Belgian defence to score. Despite India’s promising start, Belgium ramped up their attack in the second half. Florent van Aubel set up Stockbroekx’s equalizer, and Belgium took the lead when Dohmen capitalized on a rebound during a penalty corner.

Although India created several chances in the final quarter and earned penalty corners, they could not penetrate the resilient Belgian defence. As the tournament progresses, India will aim to regroup and focus on their upcoming match against Australia.

Paris Olympics: India and Belgium Hockey Teams Secure Unbeaten Spots in Quarter-Finals

July 31, 2024, 5:07 am

India and Belgium have advanced to the knockout stages of the Paris Olympics following key results in Pool B. India’s men’s hockey team secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a decisive 2-0 victory over Ireland. This win was further cemented when Argentina defeated New Zealand 2-0, allowing India to briefly top Pool B.

However, Belgium soon reclaimed the top spot with a commanding 6-2 win over Australia. Belgium’s impressive performance moved them to first place in the pool with nine points from three matches, while India settled into second place with seven points.

India’s journey in the tournament began with a thrilling 3-2 win over New Zealand. Their second game saw skipper Harmanpreet Kaur score a crucial late goal against Argentina to secure a draw. Against Ireland, India came out strong, applying early pressure. They earned a penalty corner just two minutes into the match, but Harmanpreet’s initial drag flick was blocked by an Irish defender. Despite this, India continued to dominate possession and executed precise passes.

Their aggressive approach paid off when Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh created a scoring chance, resulting in a penalty stroke after Mandeep was fouled. Harmanpreet converted the stroke confidently, giving India a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. In the second quarter, India maintained their dominance, earning three penalty corners. The third corner saw Harmanpreet score again with a powerful drag-flick, extending India’s lead to 2-0 in the 19th minute.

With their 2-0 lead, India controlled the game effectively, keeping Ireland at bay. They held on to their advantage to secure the win and confirm their place in the quarter-finals.

July 30 Olympics: Indian Athletes Gear Up For A Day Of Action In Badminton, Shooting, Tennis, And More!

July 30, 2024, 2:30 am

As the Olympic Games continue, July 30 promises an action-packed day with a diverse lineup of events. Here’s a comprehensive look at the schedule, featuring some of India’s top athletes competing across various sports.

Badminton: kicks off at 12 pm with group stage matches in both the men’s and women’s singles, where H.S. Prannoy and Lakshya Sen will represent India. P.V. Sindhu will also be in action in the women’s singles group stage. The men’s doubles group stage will feature Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, while Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa will compete in the women’s doubles group stage.

Shooting: events start at 12:30 pm with qualifications in the Trap Men’s category, featuring Prithviraj Tondaiman, and the Trap Women’s category, with Rajeshwari Kumari and Shreyasi Singh. The 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Medal Rounds will follow at 1 pm, subject to earlier qualification.

Table Tennis: fans can tune in at 1:30 pm for the Round of 32 matches in both men’s singles (Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai) and women’s singles (Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula).

Rowing: will see the Men’s Single Sculls Quarterfinals at 1:40 pm, depending on qualification results.

Boxing: matches start at 2:30 pm with the Men’s 51kg Round of 16 and continue at 3:50 pm with the Women’s 54kg Round of 16, subject to qualification.

Equestrian: enthusiasts can catch the Dressage Individual Day 1 featuring Anush Agarwalla at 2:30 pm.

Archery: will see action starting at 3:30 pm with the Men’s and Women’s Individual Round of 64, followed by the Round of 32 later in the afternoon.

Tennis: fans can enjoy the Men’s Singles 2nd round and Men’s Doubles 3rd round matches from 3:30 pm, contingent on earlier results.

Hockey: will feature a group stage match between India and Ireland at 4:45 pm.

Finally, Shooting: enthusiasts can look forward to the Men’s Trap Final at 7 pm, provided qualifications are met.

As the day unfolds, keep an eye on these exciting events and support our athletes as they strive for Olympic glory.

Australian Hockey Player Matt Dawson Chooses Amputation, Ahead Paris 2024

July 20, 2024, 3:44 pm

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his sport by opting for the amputation of part of his finger to ensure his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. The 30-year-old, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Games, faced a critical decision following a severe injury.

Dawson fractured the ring finger on his right hand, putting his participation in the Paris Games in jeopardy. He was presented with two options by his medical team: allowing the finger to heal naturally, which carried the risk of incomplete recovery before the Games, or opting for amputation of part of the finger to guarantee readiness. Dawson chose the latter for certainty.

“I didn’t have much time to make the decision. I made the decision then I called my wife, and she said, ‘I don’t want you to make a rash decision,’” Dawson told Australian broadcaster Seven Network. “But I guess I had all the information I needed to make a decision for not only playing in Paris but for life after and giving myself the best health.”

Commitment and Courage

Recent footage aired by Seven Network shows Dawson wearing a protective black guard over his injured finger, symbolizing his commitment and resolve. This display of grit has resonated with fans and teammates alike.

Australian men’s hockey coach Colin Batch praised Dawson’s bravery and commitment. He acknowledged the difficult choice Dawson faced and expressed admiration for his decision. “The best way of recovering from it was to just chop the end of the finger off. So that’s what he decided to do. It’s not something a coach can decide for a player,” Batch said. “Full marks to Matt. Obviously he’s really committed to playing in Paris. I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great.”

Looking Ahead

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the Australian men’s field hockey team is preparing to build on their success from Tokyo 2020, where they secured a silver medal after a close final against Belgium. The team is focused on achieving their goal of winning gold in the upcoming Games, with Dawson’s unwavering dedication serving as a source of inspiration.

Dawson’s courageous decision underscores his commitment to the sport and highlights the lengths athletes are willing to go to compete at the highest level.

Hockey India Commends Jarmanpreet Singh For Reaching 100 International Caps

May 24, 2024, 1:15 pm

During India’s match against Belgium in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, Hockey India congratulated Jarmanpreet Singh for reaching 100 international caps. Hailing from Punjab, a state known for producing exceptional hockey players, Jarmanpreet is renowned for his defensive skills. He made his debut in the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy and has been a key player in various tournaments, including the Gold-winning team in the 2018 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy and the Asian Games in 2023. Currently participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, Jarmanpreet continues to be a valuable asset to the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.

When asked about the colossal achievement, Jarmanpreet said, “It is indeed an honour to be representing my country in 100 international matches. I have been fortunate enough to have good support from my family, friends and support staff. Hard work is one thing, but having a solid backing helps ease the process. I thank all of them for their unrelenting support and will continue to give this beautiful game my all.”

Congratulating Jarmanpreet on achieving this milestone, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, “Having an opportunity to represent one’s country in 100 matches is not something everyone can experience. It takes a lot of consistent effort and hard work to reach this point. We congratulate Jarmanpreet on reaching this milestone and firmly believe he will continue to put up great performances for the nation.”

Fearless endeavours: A call to action for next generation

December 27, 2023, 7:38 am

When one confronts anger with anger, the anger dissipates, and challenges ensued to the extent that they became manageable.
The verses of Ghalib echo the experiences of an athlete. If a player has the passion to compete, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter, they will persevere and participate. Amidst the challenges, they find joy in the game, aligning themselves with legendary figures like Dhyan Chand and enduring in their field, much like the lasting impact of great players such as Sachin Tendulkar.

Sports serve as a profound teacher, imparting lessons from both victories and defeats. The positive ambiance in sports is evident when players face each other, exchanging sentiments and praising one another.
During training days, camaraderie prevailed among players, symbolized by the shared water bucket, irrespective of backgrounds. Achieving a medal is a significant accomplishment, accompanied by numerous sacrifices.

As a hockey player, I understand the immense effort required, even for silver and bronze medals. Despite dedicating six to eight hours daily, players endure criticism for not clinching gold. In such moments, only fellow players comprehend the shared pain.
Recalling a practice session at Nehru Stadium in Delhi, former cricketer Late Bishan Singh Bedi acknowledged the intensity of effort in hockey, remarking that cricket players sweat, but hockey players shed their blood. Across various sports, athletes support and inspire each other.

In the past, facilities were limited, with no provision for a psychologist.

Winning the hockey gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics meant living in basic barracks, enduring three daily practice sessions in scorching July heat without proper cooling facilities. Today, conditions have vastly improved, with increased focus on the mental health of players. To the current generation, I encourage thoughtful action and unwavering courage.

OUT NOW : Junior Men’s Hockey Team for FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023

November 14, 2023, 2:18 pm

The Indian junior men’s hockey team was announced by Hockey India on Tuesday in advance of the much awaited FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023, which is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 5–16.
India is in an intriguing Pool C with Korea, Spain, Canada, and other participants. Their expedition begins on December 5 with a match against Korea. On December 7 and 9, respectively, they will face Spain and Canada.
The other pools of the competition include Australia, Chile, Malaysia, the defending champions, Argentina, and others. South Africa, Egypt, France, and Germany are in Pool B. With Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Pakistan fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals, Pool D promises to be extremely competitive.

December 12 is the date of the Quarter-Finals; December 14 is the date of the Semi-Finals; and December 16 is the date of the Grand Final.
India finished fourth in the previous tournament and just missed out on the Bronze medal; this time, they plan to go all the way.
Notably, Uttam Singh will serve as captain and Araijeet Singh Hundal as vice captain of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team.
Among the talented players in the squad are goalkeepers Mohith H S and Ranvijay Singh Yadav. The positions of Amir Ali, Amandeep Lakra, Rohit, Sunil JoJo, and Shardanand Tiwari, the defense, have all been merited. Vishnukant Singh, Poovanna C B, Rajinder Singh, Amandeep, and Aditya Singh provide strength to the midfield.

The forward line showcases the skills and talents of Uttam Singh, Aditya Lalage, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sudeep Chirmako, and Boby Singh Dhami. Additionally, defender Sukhvinder and midfielder Sunit Lakra have been named as replacement players for this prestigious event.
As per a press release from Hockey India, Indian Men’s Junior Team Coach CR Kumar, said, “As reigning Asian champions, the prospect of showcasing our skills on the global stage fills us with immense excitement. Our track record in previous Junior Men’s tournaments, yielding positive results, has instilled confidence in our abilities to compete at a higher level.””This time, we present a well-rounded, formidable squad, marking a significant shift in our approach towards the Junior World Cup. Moreover, we draw inspiration from the legacy created by the 2016 Junior World Cup-winning team and aspire to meet the expectations it has set. To aid us in this endeavour, we are fortunate to have a bunch of seasoned players, who were part of the last Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar. They will shoulder leadership roles and mentor their teammates. Our ultimate priority is to clinch victory in the Junior World Cup, and we are committed to taking measured steps toward achieving this goal,” he added.

Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023:
GOALKEEPERS: Mohith H S, Ranvijay Singh Yadav.
DEFENDERS: Shardanand Tiwari, Amandeep Lakra, Rohit, Sunil JoJo, Amir Ali.
MIDFIELDERS: Vishnukant Singh, Poovanna C B, Rajinder Singh, Amandeep, Aditya Singh.
FORWARDS: Uttam Singh (C), Aditya Lalage, Araijeet Singh Hundal (VC), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sudeep Chirmako, Boby Singh Dhami.
REPLACEMENT ATHLETES: Sukhvinder, Sunit Lakra..

Stay Tuned For More Updates.

Asian Champions Trophy: India to take on arch-rival Pakistan in last group match

August 9, 2023, 4:55 pm

The mouth-watering clash of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy will take place tonight between two great rivals in hockey, India and Pakistan.

India has already qualified for the knockout stage and is looking to end their group matches in style. The match will be played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, and it will commence at 8:30 pm.

This match is crucial for the boys in green, as they have to either win or draw the match to reach the last four. Currently, India is far superior to its neighbour. At present, India is ranked 4th in the world, while Pakistan’s ranking has dipped to 16.

There was a time when Pakistan was a hockey power in the world, but gradually the standard of hockey started declining due to poor administration and a lack of funds. Therefore, the Pakistani team has been trying to regain their old glory.

Both India and Pakistan are the most successful sides in Asian Champions Trophy history, with three titles each. Last time they locked horns in the Asia Cup 2022 in Jakarta, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan overpowered India in the 2016 SAF Games in Guwahati. After that, India has stamped its authority over its arch-rival.

In the last 14 matches, India emerged victorious on 12 occasions, while two matches ended in a draw.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh is in tremendous touch in this tournament and has scored five goals so far out of 16 goals scored by the hosts. However, Pakistan has netted seven times.

At the outset, the match is likely to be one-sided, and India will beat Pakistan easily. But uncertainty always looms in sports. So is the case with hockey.

Pakistan Hockey team arrives in India to participate in Asian Champions Trophy

August 1, 2023, 4:44 pm

Pakistan Hockey team arrived in India on Monday through the Attari-Wagah border to take part in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to get underway on Thursday, August 3, and continue till August 12 in Chennai.

This event has been organised annually by the Asian Hockey Federation since 2011. Six top Asian sides participate in this competition in a round-robin format. However, India and Pakistan are the two most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

Muhammad Saqlain, coach of the Pakistan Hockey team, said, “The team has to travel to Chennai to play in the Asian Champions Trophy. He further added that, through sports, we hope to improve our relationship.

He went on to say that through the sports and film industries, our relationship will grow stronger. People from both countries have big hearts and treat their guests well.

The captain of the Pakistan Hockey team, Muhammad Umar Bhutta, said, “Sport is a good thing, it helps to build your relationship with others.

Pakistan lifted this title three times (2012, 2013) and became joint winners with India in 2018.

Several junior players have been included in the Pakistani camp, but it would be a hard nut to crack to beat higher-ranking teams like India, South Korea, and Malaysia.

India defeats Japan 1-0, qualifies Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2023 final

June 10, 2023, 4:46 pm

The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team edged out hosts Japan 1-0 in a neck-and-neck semi-final clash of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on Saturday. Sunelita Toppo (47′) scored the only goal of the game.

The victory means that the Indian team will compete in the prestigious tournament’s final for the second time, having previously reached the summit clash in 2012. According to Hockey India, India qualified for the FIH Junior Hockey Women’s World Cup 2023 by reaching the tournament’s final, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, from November 29 to December 10, 2023, as the top three teams from the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 were set to qualify for the Junior World Cup.

India went on the offensive right away and played a pressing game to put Japan under pressure. However, the hosts not only stood firm to prevent India from taking an early lead, but they also began creating scoring opportunities to put pressure back on India. Japan also won a couple of penalty corners but failed to convert them, resulting in a goalless first quarter.

The second quarter was as intense as the first, with both teams attacking relentlessly to break the deadlock. Japan came close to scoring a couple of times, but India’s goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo made some fine saves to keep the hosts from finding the back of the net. Notably, neither India nor Japan were able to score in the second quarter, as both sides went into the halftime break with the score level at 0-0.

The third quarter witnessed Japan keeping possession and making more attacks to keep India on the back foot. However, the Indian team got the perfect opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty stroke, but they failed to capitalise on it. Despite making several chances, both teams were still unsuccessful in finding the back of the net, as the third quarter also ended goalless.

The fourth quarter started with India dominating the game, and it paid off when Sunelita Toppo (47′) scored a brilliant field goal to give the Indian team a much-needed 1-0 lead. With the scoreline in their favour, India shifted their focus to keeping possession while playing more aggressively to prevent Japan from netting the equaliser, and the strategy paid dividends as the match ended 1-0 in favour of India.

The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team will now play against China or Korea in the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 on June 11.

Indian women’s team aim high for Junior Asia Cup

June 2, 2023, 5:03 pm

The Indian junior women’s hockey team is fired up for the highly anticipated Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, as they eye clinching their maiden title at the multi-nation event.

The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, which will be played from 2 June to 11 June, will also serve as the qualifying event for the forthcoming FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2023. Notably, the top three teams in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 will earn automatic qualification to the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2023, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, from 29 November to 10 December, 2023.

India, which will be captained by Preeti and vice-captained by Deepika, has been grouped in Pool A along with Korea, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and Chinese Taipei, while hosts Japan, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong, China, will form Pool B of the tournament. The Indian team has won a silver medal and four bronze medals in the tournament’s seven editions thus far. And this time, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team will aim for their first gold medal.

Speaking on the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament, captain Preeti said, “We have worked hard over the past few months for this tournament, and now we are all geared up to implement everything that we have worked on during training sessions. Moreover, the Senior India team was also training with us on the same campus, which helped us up our game and also boosted our confidence.” Meanwhile, India’s Vice Captain Deepika said that the team is excited to play against the best young teams in Asia and is looking to put its best foot forward.

India to face Korea in semi-final of Junior Asia Cup

May 31, 2023, 5:26 pm

Following a resounding 17-0 victory over Thailand, the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team advanced to the Semi-Finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman on Sunday to face Korea.

The Indian team qualified for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5 to 16 December 2023. India will now face Korea in the Semi-Final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday for a place in the summit clash.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Uttam Singh discussed the upcoming game in a virtual press conference on Monday, saying, “We have a good atmosphere in the camp. One of our tournament goals was to qualify for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, which we accomplished. We are one of Asia’s top teams, so it is essential that we perform well in the Junior Men’s Asia Cup as well. We have done well so far, and will look to continue to do so in the Semi-Finals as well.When we prepare at camp, we never know which teams we will face at what stage. Hence, we always keep our plans and targets in mind and do our best to stick to them against any opposition.”

India finished the Pool stage of the tournament unbeaten, winning their first game 18-0 against Chinese Taipei and following it up with a 3-1 win over Japan. Against traditional rivals Pakistan, India earned a thrilling 1-1 draw and then defeated Thailand 17-0 to top Pool A.

Meanwhile, Korea has also been in good form this tournament, having defeated Uzbekistan 6-1 and followed it up with an 8-1 win over Oman. Korea lost 1-3 to Malaysia but bounced back to beat Bangladesh 3-1 to finish in the second spot in Pool B. The last time India’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team faced Korea was in the 2013 Hockey Junior World Cup Men, which ended in a 3-3 tie. Since 2005, the two teams have met five times, with each team winning twice and one game ending in a tie.

Indian men’s hockey team leaves for UK

May 23, 2023, 4:16 am

The Indian men’s hockey team on Monday left for London, United Kingdom for their away FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 matches in Europe starting from 26th May.
The Indian team will start the first leg in London, where they will face reigning Olympic Champions Belgium (May 26 and June 2) and hosts Great Britain (May 27 and June 3). They will then travel to Eindhoven for their last set of matches against the hosts Netherlands (7 and 10 June) and Argentina (8 and 11 June 8).
“We have very crucial matches coming up as we get to the business end of the FIH Pro League season. We are in a strong position in the table so far and we will look to get as many points as possible in the remaining matches.
We are excited about this tour as it also gives us a great opportunity to play against quality teams. These matches will be really important for us as we prepare for the all-important Asian Games scheduled later this year,” Captain Harmanpreet Singh said prior to the team’s departure from Bengaluru.
In their recent matches at home, India remained unbeaten against reigning World Champions Germany and Australia which helped them top the pool table.
This will be India’s first outing under newly-appointed Chief Coach Craig Fulton.
Speaking about the team’s preparedness, Harmanpreet said, “We have had good intensive training sessions at the National Coaching Camp in SAI Centre, Bengaluru. The preparations have been really good, and our previous matches in Rourkela were a big confidence booster for us, so we will look to replicate the performance in the upcoming matches.”

Craig Fulton eyes to dominate Asian hockey, qualify Olympics

May 17, 2023, 3:10 am

Barely two weeks into his new role as head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, Craig Fulton is pretty clear about his goals: to make the side number one in Asia and qualify for next year’s Olympics in Paris.
Fulton, who has witnessed the rise of Belgium hockey since 2018, wants India to first dominate Asian hockey and then gradually translate it onto the world stage. “What I have in my head is to be the No. 1 team in Asia. Definitely, it is one of the goals that we want to achieve and be there consistently and then push because if we are sitting on world rankings 4 and 5, you need to consistently try to reach the podium,” Fulton said in his first media interaction, held virtually.
“When you have built enough experience and have a game plan that suits all the individuals, then you can definitely push on to get into the finals and win them. The priority is to qualify for the Paris Olympics through the Asian Games. This is our number-one priority. By using the FIH Pro League, the four-nation tournament in Spain, and then the Asian Champions Trophy, we want to really set us up to be strong and be in a position to qualify straightaway,” he added. Fulton has achieved exemplary success in his previous stints as a coach. His rise to fame began with a stint as Irish men’s team head coach from 2014 to 2018, when the team qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. That was the Irish team’s first Olympic qualification in 100 years. The historic feat also won him the FIH Coach of the Year award in 2015. Fulton also worked as an assistant coach with the reigning Olympic champions, Belgium, en route to the gold medal in Tokyo. He was also part of the Belgian coaching staff during their 2018 World Cup win in Bhubaneswar. The South African was candid about his assessment of the current Indian team, saying there is a gap between it and the top two or three teams in the world. “We are not the best team, but we are a good team.

Hockey India announces India colts team for Junior Asia Cup 2023

May 4, 2023, 4:29 pm

The 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 to be held in Salalah, Oman an 18-member team announced by Hockey India on Thursday. The match is scheduled to take place between May 23 and June 1, 2023.

India’s junior men’s hockey team is set to compete in the qualifying event for the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Malaysia this December. The team will face tough competition in pool A against Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei. Meanwhile, pool B will see Korea, Malaysia, Oman, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan facing off.

The Indian squad boasts a mix of experienced players who have participated in previous tournaments, including the FIH Junior World Cup in 2021 and the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2022, where they emerged victorious.

The team’s captain, Uttam Singh, and vice-captain, Boby Singh Dhami, will lead the charge. Mohith HS and Himwaan Sihag will serve as goalkeepers, while Shardanand Tiwari, Rohit, Amandeep Lakra, Amir Ali, and Yogember Rawat will form India’s defence.

The midfield will feature Vishnukant Singh, who performed exceptionally well in the recent FIH Hockey Pro League in Rourkela, along with Rajinder Singh, Poovanna CB, Amandeep, and Sunit Lakra. The forward line will be made up of Boby Singh Dhami, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Lalage, Uttam Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, and Angad Bir Singh.

Indian Junior Men’s Team-

Goalkeepers: Mohith H. S. and Himwaan Sihag
Defenders: Shardanand Tiwari, Rohit, Amandeep Lakra, Amir Ali, and Yogember Rawat
Midfielers: Vishnukant Singh, Rajinder Singh, Poovanna CB, Amandeep, and Sunit Lakra
Forwards: Boby Singh Dhami (VC), Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Lalage, Uttam Singh (C), Sudeep Chirmako, and Angad Bir Singh

Harmanpreet Singh: Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is lucky for us

March 16, 2023, 4:33 pm

Captain Harmanpreet Singh declared that the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is indeed “lucky” for Team India after the team’s triumphs in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 home games against Australia, 5–4, and the current World Champions, Germany, by scores of 3-2 and 6-3.

“Here in Rourkela, we are pleased to maintain a spotless reputation. In this fantastic stadium, we have never dropped a game. The Birsa Munda Hockey Complex is unquestionably very fortunate for us. We want to go out there and win every game when you get so much love and support from the crowd “According to a press statement from Hockey India, the expert drag-flicker who scored twice in India’s nail-biting shootout triumph on Wednesday. India now leads the pool position in the FIH Hockey Pro League thanks to their outstanding performance in Rourkela, Odisha. The squad is currently in first place on the standings with 19 points after eight games, ahead of Spain (which has 17 points after eight games), and Argentina (which is in third place with 13 points after twelve games). Germany, the defending group champions, is now ranked fourth with 11 points after 8 games.

As a result of defeating teams rated higher than them, India has also risen in the FIH World Ranking. Prior to this year’s Pro League match, Germany was rated No. 1, Australia was ranked No. 4, and India was ranked No. 6 when they started their home campaign. The Indian team is now ranked fourth in the world, trailing only the defending World Champions Germany, which dropped to third in the most current FIH rankings.

“These things, like our global ranking, don’t seem to mean all that much to us. We don’t consider this when we compete. Our sole focus was on capitalising on our opportunities and maintaining pressure on the opposition. Some of the young people who had the chance to demonstrate their talent rose to the occasion and excelled both for themselves and the team, added Harmanpreet Singh.

Harmanpreet Singh, who currently holds the record for most goals scored in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 with 11 goals, is followed by Alexander Hendrickx, who has scored six goals.

Indian Women’s Hockey hold the fort against Proteas 2-2

January 24, 2023, 2:33 pm

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team remained unbeaten in their South Africa Tour thus far as they registered a 2-2 draw against the hosts in their fourth match against them. This was India’s last match against the South African side before they take on World No 1 Netherlands on 23rd January.

It was Vaishnavi Vithal Palkhe, playing her debut Tour for the Senior side, who starred for the team scoring two crucial goals that helped them hold the home team to a draw. South Africa made a strong start today, after a series of losses against India. The home team had lost 1-5, 0-7 and 0-4 to India thus far.

Determined to end the matches against India on a good note, South Africa were the first to make a breakthrough when they capitalised on an Indian infringement. The penalty stroke awarded to them was utilised well with Quanita Bobbs beating young goalie Bichu Devi Kharibam to convert the goal in the 8th minute.

India were able to equalise only in the 29th minute when a good PC variation helped them score a goal. It was Vaishnavi who did well to remain calm and pump the ball into the post. South Africa managed to snatch the lead again when Tarryn Lombard struck a field goal in the 35th minute.

Trying to score but goals not coming off, says Harmanpreet Singh

January 24, 2023, 2:19 pm

India captain Harmanpreet Singh confessed that he is struggling to convert the penalty strokes while addressing a media briefing after the hosts lost to New Zealand in the crossover on Sunday.

The drag-flicker talked about his form at the Hockey World Cup, saying that he has been trying hard, without any success to convert the chances offered in the form of penalty corners. “Of course, everyone is talking about penalty corner conversion. I am trying but it is not coming off. It’s been a while since taking captaincy,” expressed the captain. Describing his failed attempt during the penalty shootout, he said, “My mindset was to score the goal going into the sudden-death shootout. We could have sealed the match there. We tried hard but unfortunately failed to convert.”

Head coach Graham Reid PC also underlined the team’s inability to convert the penalty corner but also highlighted the missed chance during circle penetrations. “Obviously, corner conversion. We had circle penetration but failed to convert them into goals. Not having converted the penalties is a factor but that is not the only factor. Right now, the focus will be to do well in matches against Germany in FIH Pro League,” mentioned Reid.

Sharing his thoughts on India’s performance he said, “Tonight was about consistency. Every team at certain stages have specific issues with circle penetration. It is skill execution. It is about creating chances and we are doing that. As far as training and as far as practice this team does everything.” New Zealand held their nerves to oust India in the penalty shootout at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday as the host crashed out of the 2023 Hockey World Cup. Despite being ahead in the game, India missed the opportunity to build on a 3-1 lead in the third quarter, when New Zealand scored twice in the final quarter to tie the game 3-3 at the end of the regular time forcing a shootout.

India vs New Zealand Hockey World Cup 2023: When and Where to watch

January 22, 2023, 6:32 pm

On Sunday in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, India will play New Zealand in a cross-over match with a quarterfinal position on the line. Earlier, England, who won Pool D with the most points, advanced to the quarterfinals by virtue of having a greater goal differential than Harmanpreet Singh-led India.

Team India will need to be alert and at the top of their game to defeat the Kiwis because it’s a make-or-break game. The team’s loss of midfielder Hardik Singh to injury has been devastating, but the Men in Blue don’t have time to reflect and feel sorrow. Shamsher Singh and Akashdeep Singh, two midfielders who scored goals in the last game, will once again be the centre of attention. India, who are coached by Graham Reid, will need to improve when it comes to converting penalty corners, as they did poorly in the previous game.

New Zealand, who came in third in Pool C, is ranked far lower than India globally. India is ranked sixth, far in front of No. 12 New Zealand. On paper, it could appear to be a straightforward task, but India won’t want to take anything for granted in a World Cup-sized competition.

The match will take place on Sunday, 22 January 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar at 7 pm. The live streaming of the match will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. It will also be on broadcast on Star Sports First, Star Sports Select 2 and Star Sports.

India vs Wales Hockey Match: Do-or-Die match for India

January 19, 2023, 11:45 am

The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 is underway in the Indian state of Odisha, and on Thursday, India will play against Wales.

Meanwhile, for Harmanpreet Singh’s India, its game against Wales is nothing less than a do-or-die match. The match will be played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Moreover, India won the first match against Spain and drew the second match against England in Pool D.

When it comes to table points, India and England are now tied at 4-4, with India in second place and England in first.

However, there are 16 teams competing in the 2023 Hockey World Cup that is taking place in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 groups

Pool A: Australia, South Africa, France, Argentina

Pool B: Belgium, Japan, Korea, Germany

Pool C: Netherlands, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand

Pool D: India, Wales, Spain, England

WE DON’T WANT TO LEAVE ANYTHING
TO CHANCE: HARMANPREET SINGH

January 10, 2023, 1:56 pm

With the muchanticipated Hockey World Cup 2023 to be held in India which is scheduled to begin on 13 January, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh are excited about the mega event as it comes closer. “It is a huge occasion. We don’t know when the world cup will be back on Indian soil and this is a massive opportunity. Each one of us are aware of the significance of the occasion and we have prepared accordingly. As captain, it means a lot to me to be able to lead the team in front of our fans. We don’t want to leave anything to chance and like you said there will not be an occasion as big as this in the future,” said India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh on Backstage with Boria show.

India will take on Spain in their first match of the Hockey World Cup on January 13 followed by England in January 15 in Rourkela after that India will take on Wales on January 19 in Bhubaneswar. “When you play against teams like Australia you learn a lot. They are one of the best sides and if you stay competitive against them you get the self-belief you can do it. CWG was a bad memory and each of the players wanted to redeem themselves and the trip to Australia was an opportunity. We all wanted to fight as a team and show ourselves that we are good enough. That’s what happened in most games and though we lost the series we fought all through. We created opportunities and that’s what is the biggest positive from the series, “ said India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on Backstage with Boria show. Indian team’s confidence is high after winning a medal in Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Harmanpreet Singh led side would like to repeat the heroics of the 1975 World Cup when Ajit Pal Singh led side lifted the coveted trophy

“We are here to cause an upset”: Wales captain Rupert Shipperley ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

January 8, 2023, 4:56 pm

The excitement and anticipation for the mega event was evident on the faces of the members of the Wales Men’s Hockey Team as they touched down at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

“We are really excited to come and play our first world cup in India, it really is a privilege to be here but ultimately we are here to play hockey, playing against India in front of the Indian fans is the icing on the cake.” said head coach Danny Newcombe as quoted by Hockey India.

The Head Coach also sounded off a warning to all the other teams in Pool D, which includes host India, Spain and England, saying that the Welsh team are not going to crumble under any kind of pressure.

“This player group is quite experienced, most of us have been together for almost six years and we earned the right to be here we are not here to just participate in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela,” he asserted.

Wales’ Captain Rupert Shipperley in his statement said that his side is keen to ensure the year begins with a bang in Odisha. The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela is especially important for the Wales men’s hockey team as it will be their first-ever prestigious tournament. Wales open their FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela campaign against England on January 13 and play Spain on January 15, in the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.

Adding to his statement Shipperley said, “We are here to win, it’s as simple as that. We are not here to just make up the numbers, we are here to cause an upset”

The Wales team had previously played the Indian Men’s Hockey Team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and had been handed a 4-1 defeat. However, Captain Shipperley believes his side have worked on their game, and are ready to take on the hosts in Bhubaneswar on January 19 at the Kalinga Stadium.

“We are looking forward to playing India in front of their fans, it is going to be a special occasion. We have faced all the teams in our pool before and we know what to expect, we are just raring to go now,” said Shipperley

Indian women’s hockey team registers third win, beat South Africa 2-0

December 15, 2022, 3:00 pm

Indian women’s hockey team continued their winning momentum at the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain as they beat South Africa 2-0 on Wednesday in their pool B encounter.

This is their third consecutive win, as in their previous two matches, India defeated Chile 3-1 and Japan 2-1, respectively.

India is placed on top of pool B with nine points and three straight wins. It will play the semifinal against Ireland. In pool A, India’s goals came from Deep Grace Ekka (14’) and Gurjit Kaur (59’).

Continuing their previous match gallants, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team got off to an attacking start against South Africa. Deep Grace Ekka beat keeper Anelle van Deventer by slapping the ball inside the South African goal after youngster Salima Tete earned a PC with an excellent run near the baseline on the left side of the goal.

India registered several entries inside the South African circle and continued the winning momentum. At the beginning of the second quarter, Anelle van Deventer had to make three crucial stops to prevent India from increasing their match-leading margin. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team also received a PC, but Gurjit Kaur’s shot outside the post prevented them from scoring the second goal.

India had the most of the ball possession to start the third quarter as well, searching for weaknesses in the South African defence. Lalremsiami quickly gave India a penalty stroke. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, an accomplished player, was unable to score the second goal of the game because Anelle van Deventer dived to her left and made a superb stop. In the final seconds, Navneet Kaur too failed to put the ball in the goal.

Sonika of India received the ball inside the circle on the left side of the post and had her first chance to score early in the fourth quarter. She attempted to put the ball inside the South African goal, but was unsuccessful. In the final few minutes, India won back-to-back penalty corners, and Gurjit Kaur made no mistakes in putting the ball in the goal to lead the team to an easy victory.

On December 16 at 2015 IST, India will play Ireland in the semifinal. The FanCode App in India will live stream the matches. Watch will also broadcast live matches. Hockey

Hockey India announces cash incentives for players after every win

November 7, 2022, 10:37 am

While boosting the morale of the players, hockey India has announced cash incentives on every win for the players from both men’s and women’s team. The organization has announced a new policy under which players will be assured of cash incentives annually. The decision comes after the BCCI’ decision to provide equal amount to both men and women team after every match. As per the HI policy, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for the players, and Rs 25,000 each for support staff will be facilitated. The award will be for the playing members of the squad.

“Hockey India has unanimously decided to award a cash incentive of Rs 50,000 each to the players of the Indian Men and Women’s Hockey Team for every victory they register from here on. The support staff will also be awarded Rs 25,000 each and this cash incentive will be given away annually. I strongly believe this announcement will boost the morale of the Indian Teams as they prepare for the prestigious World Cup in January and the Asian Games. While every player in the core group is employed, an incentive like this will attract more youngsters to play hockey,” Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said in an official statement released by HI

Outlining the decision as ‘landmark’, Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh said, “I believe this is a landmark decision taken by Hockey India. It will not only lift the spirit of the Indian teams to vie harder for victories but it will also make young aspiring hockey players believe that hockey can be a financially viable sport. I wish the Indian teams the very best in their endeavours.”