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India Dominate China 3-0 in Asian Champions Trophy

India Dominate China 3-0 in Asian Champions Trophy

By November 16, 2024 0

India’s women’s hockey team continued their impressive run in the Asian Champions Trophy, securing a 3-0 victory over China in their fourth match of the tournament. Despite China’s absence of key players, they posed a formidable challenge in the first half, holding India to a 0-0 stalemate.

However, India’s coach Harendra Singh inspired his team with a rousing halftime speech, and they emerged from the break with renewed determination. Sangita Kumari broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, deflecting a pass from Sushila Chanu into the goal. Skipper Salima Tete doubled India’s lead five minutes later, tapping in a pass from Preeti Dubey.

China fought back in the final quarter, but India’s defense remained resolute. With three minutes remaining, China removed their goalkeeper in a desperate attempt to score, but Deepika Sehrawat sealed the victory with a powerful drag-flick, her eighth goal of the tournament.

India’s victory ensures them a top finish in the round-robin stage, and they will face Japan in their final match on Sunday before the semi-finals on Tuesday.

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Manisha Chauhan: India's Rising Drag-Flicker Makes Her Mark

Manisha Chauhan: India’s Rising Drag-Flicker Makes Her Mark

By November 15, 2024 0

Manisha Chauhan, a rising star in Indian women’s hockey, has made a remarkable impact in her short international career. Inspired by her fellow drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat, Chauhan has emerged as a formidable force in penalty corners.

Hailing from Uttarakhand, Chauhan’s journey began in school, where her athleticism and speed caught the attention of her coach. Recognizing her potential as a drag-flicker, her coach encouraged her to develop her skills. Despite the lack of artificial turfs, Chauhan practiced relentlessly on a cricket mat, honing her flicks and scoops.

Her dedication paid off as she quickly rose through the ranks in domestic hockey. In 2016, she captained the Uttarakhand junior team and earned a call-up to the junior national camp. However, she faced setbacks and lost her spot in the camp in 2018.

Undeterred, Chauhan continued to work on her game, playing in domestic tournaments and eventually earning a spot in the National Centre of Excellence. Her stellar performance in the 2021 Inter-Departmental Nationals and the 2023 Senior Nationals caught the attention of chief coach Harendra Singh.

In May 2023, Chauhan made her international debut against Argentina in the Pro League, partnering with Deepika Sehrawat in the penalty corner battery. Her two goals against Thailand in the Asian Champions Trophy marked a significant milestone in her career.

Chauhan’s strengths lie in her drag-flicks, aerial balls, and versatility in midfield. She credits her success to consistent practice and the support of her coaches and teammates.

As India prepares to face Olympic silver medallists China in the Asian Champions Trophy, Chauhan’s skills will be put to the test. Her determination and unwavering belief in her abilities make her a valuable asset to the Indian women’s hockey team.

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Paul van Ass Returns to India as UP Rudras Coach, Emphasizes HIL's Importance for Indian Hockey

Paul van Ass Returns to India as UP Rudras Coach, Emphasizes HIL’s Importance for Indian Hockey

By October 16, 2024 0

Paul van Ass, the renowned Dutch hockey coach, has decided to step back from international hockey after guiding the Dutch women’s team to Olympic gold in Paris. The 64-year-old, who also coached the Netherlands men’s team to silver at the 2012 London Olympics, believes it’s time for him to prioritize his business and personal life.

Despite his retirement from international coaching, van Ass remains passionate about hockey and has returned to India as the chief coach of UP Rudras in the revamped Hockey India League (HIL). He believes that the HIL can play a crucial role in developing Indian hockey, particularly for the women’s team.

“The big problem for a country like India is that you lack good quality games,” van Ass said. “In the Netherlands, we play maybe 50 games in a season, here you’re limited to 15. By the time the tournament is on and you start getting the picture, often it is too late.”

The HIL, with its high level of play and international exposure, can provide Indian players with the necessary experience and confidence to compete at the international level. “It will help in the long run. It will add up to what the Indian women’s team has now because the players will get used to playing with top international players,” van Ass said.

Van Ass also highlighted the importance of the HIL’s structure, which limits the number of overseas players and mandates the inclusion of four juniors. “It is a very smart way of energizing Indian hockey,” he said. “Don’t forget your Hardiks and Harmanpreets all emerged from the HIL and now they are international stars and double Olympic medallists.”

While acknowledging the progress made by China in hockey, van Ass believes that the HIL can help India bridge the gap. “It is very good for Indian hockey. I know that the international hockey community is watching and players want to be a part of it,” he said. “The HIL will give the Indian women the spotlight. It starts small but if they can come up and grow, it is a good way to give hockey here international standard.”

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HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women's League to Feature Four Teams

HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women’s League to Feature Four Teams

By October 14, 2024 0

The Hockey India League (HIL) players’ auction witnessed a flurry of activity on Day 2, with overseas stars dominating the proceedings. Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Victor Wegnez emerged as the costliest buy, fetching a whopping ₹40 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club.

Kalinga Lancers made a significant investment in foreign talent, acquiring Paris Olympics gold medal-winning captain Thierry Brinkman for ₹38 lakh and Belgian legend Arthur van Doren for ₹32 lakh. Argentine forward Tomas Domene joined Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh.

Among Indian players, rising midfielder M Rabichandra Singh commanded the highest price of ₹32 lakh, going to Kalinga Lancers. Arthur de Sloover of Belgium (₹30 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) and Australian Timothy Daniel (₹28 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) were also among the top buys.

However, some notable names failed to attract bids, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist goalkeeper Andrew Charter of Australia, English drag-flickers Sam Ward and Nick Bandurak, and German World Cup winner Mats Grambusch.

Meanwhile, the first-ever women’s HIL will feature only four teams instead of the planned six. Soorma Hockey Club, Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors will compete for the 96 available slots. The auction for women’s players is scheduled for Tuesday, with a purse of ₹2 crore per franchise.

Top Indian women’s players like Savita, Salima Tete, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami will be up for grabs, along with international stars such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz.

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Hockey India League Revival to Revive Indian Hockey's Golden Era

Hockey India League Revival to Revive Indian Hockey’s Golden Era

By October 11, 2024 0

The revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) has sparked excitement among hockey enthusiasts, with former captain Sardar Singh expressing optimism about its impact on the sport. The league’s return after a seven-year hiatus is expected to revitalize Indian hockey and provide a platform for young players to showcase their talent.

Over 1,000 players have registered for the HIL 2024-25 Players’ Auction, scheduled for October 13-14 (men’s) and October 15 (women’s). The league’s comeback is seen as a significant step towards reviving Indian hockey’s golden era.

“The HIL will be bigger and better this time around,” said Sardar Singh. “With a Women’s league being held concurrently, the League is set to revive Indian hockey’s golden era.”

The HIL provides a high-performance environment for players, allowing them to compete against and alongside some of the best in the world. This exposure to different cultures and mindsets creates a valuable learning experience for young players.

Sardar Singh, who captained the Indian team at the age of 21, believes the HIL has played a crucial role in identifying and grooming talented players. “Current mainstays in the team; Harmanpreet, Mandeep, Sumit and many more were identified and groomed in the HIL,” he said.

The league’s return is expected to expand the pool of potential players for the Indian Hockey Teams. By providing a platform for young players to gain experience at the highest level, the HIL will contribute to the development of a stronger and more competitive national team.

The HIL’s impact extends beyond the field, fostering a sense of community and passion for hockey. The league’s return is a testament to the sport’s enduring popularity in India and its potential to inspire future generations of players.

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Hockey India League Returns with Men's and Women's Teams

Hockey India League Returns with Men’s and Women’s Teams

By October 4, 2024 0

The much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a grand return after a seven-year hiatus, with both men’s and women’s teams participating in the event from December 28. The men’s competition will feature eight teams, while six sides will compete in the women’s event, which is being held for the first time. The league will be played in two venues — Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women — from December 28 to February 1.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has granted a 10-year sanction for the HIL. The player auction for the league will be held from October 13 to 15. A total of 10 franchise owners have come on board, and players will be auctioned in three categories: Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.

The return of the HIL is not only a significant moment in the history of the sport but also a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey. The introduction of an exclusive women’s league within the HIL framework is seen as providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their prowess, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future for Indian hockey.

The franchise owners of the men’s event are:

* Chennai – Charles Group
* Lucknow – Yadu Sports
* Punjab – JSW Sports
* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports
* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment, owned by tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi
* Odisha – Vedanta Limited
* Hyderabad – Resolute Sports
* Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

The women team owners are:

* Haryana – JSW Sports
* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports
* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment
* Odisha – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

The remaining two franchise owners of the women’s league will be announced later. Each franchise will have a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight international stars.

The final of the women’s league is scheduled for January 26 next year in Ranchi, while the men’s summit clash will be held on February 1 in Rourkela. Hockey India president and chairman of HIL, Dilip Tirkey, expressed his delight at the revival of the league, saying it was his dream since taking over the charge of the federation.

“Premier Hockey League started the culture of league in the world. Since the day we were elected it was our dream to revive the league and today the dream has been fulfilled,” Tirkey said during the launch of the event in New Delhi on Friday (October 4, 2024).

“HIL has been and will be a supply chain for the national teams. HIL is going to create a history for the sport. HIL is very important for world hockey. We are thankful to International Hockey Federation (FIH) for giving us 35 days window,” he said.

HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh agreed with Tirkey, saying starting the HIL was their aim from day one after taking charge of the federation.

“The first day we joined our first though was to restart HIL. It was long time waiting. Hockey is not just a sport in India, it is in our hearts,” Singh said.

He also announced that the Odisha government has extended its sponsorship deal with Indian hockey till 2036.

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Harendra Singh Embarks on Rebuilding Mission for Indian Women's Hockey Team

Harendra Singh Embarks on Rebuilding Mission for Indian Women’s Hockey Team

By October 2, 2024 0

Harendra Singh, the Dronacharya awardee, has returned as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team with the daunting task of rebuilding the squad after their failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics. In an exclusive interview, Singh discusses the team’s progress, areas of improvement, and his long-term vision for the team.

Upon his return, Singh quickly assessed the team’s strengths and weaknesses. He identified fitness as a major concern, noting that the players lacked the endurance to sustain high-intensity play for 60 minutes. Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen the team’s penalty corner (PC) defense and attack.

“PC conversion and PC defending are crucial for winning medals in the Olympics,” Singh said. “We have good players, but we need to work on these two areas.”

To address these issues, Singh is working with a group of players to develop their drag-flicking skills. He believes that having a pool of drag-flickers will give India a significant advantage in PC situations.

“We are working on the clearance of indirect passes where we lack and must strengthen,” Singh added. “Secondly, there are 5-6 girls with whom I am working on drag-flick which wasn’t there earlier.”

Singh also highlighted the importance of creating a large pool of players and providing them with opportunities to perform. He cited China’s success at the Paris Olympics as an example of this approach.

“China created a large pool of players and gave every player a platform to perform before the Olympics,” Singh said. “They went to Perth, Spain, and played practice matches against Australian and European teams.”

Singh is optimistic about India’s chances at the upcoming ACT, which will be his first full tournament as coach. He believes it will be an opportunity for the players to regain their confidence and build a strong foundation for the future.

“I am really excited about the ACT,” Singh said. “It is a chance for the players to regain their confidence and regain the trajectory where we want to move towards 2026 and 2028.”

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Indian Women's Hockey Team Celebrates Men's Bronze, Reflects on Missed Olympic Opportunity

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Celebrates Men’s Bronze, Reflects on Missed Olympic Opportunity

By August 11, 2024 0

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Celebrates Men’s Bronze, Reflects on Missed Olympic Opportunity

As the Indian men’s hockey team celebrated their historic bronze medal victory in Tokyo, a bittersweet feeling washed over the women’s team at the SAI Bengaluru hostel. While they rejoiced in their countrymen’s triumph, they couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for their own missed opportunity.

The women’s team had come agonizingly close to qualifying for the Paris Olympics, but their hopes were dashed by a 0-1 loss to Japan in the third-place playoff of the FIH Olympic qualifiers. The disappointment was palpable, as they had spent countless hours training and sacrificing to achieve their Olympic dream.

“We were overjoyed for the men’s team,” said Salima Tete, captain of the national women’s hockey team. “But we also wished we could have been there with them.”

The team has since undergone a coaching change, with Harendra Singh replacing Janneke Schopman. They are now focused on preparing for the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games.

“We came very close but didn’t qualify,” said Tete. “It hurts a lot. We spend months together in camp, away from family, working hard, so it’s tough to come to terms with missing out on an Olympics.”

For Savita Punia, the 34-year-old goalkeeper, the World Cup and Asian Games are her immediate priorities. She is determined to make the most of her remaining time in the sport.

“For women, once we get married, family becomes a priority,” said Punia. “I’m happy my husband and in-laws encourage me to pursue my career. But I don’t want to think too far ahead. I just want us to win the Asian Games.”

Despite their disappointment, the women’s team has been inspired by the men’s team’s success. They believe that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their own Olympic dream in 2028.

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Women's Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

Women’s Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

By July 31, 2024 0

In a time when women’s hockey tournaments in Tamil Nadu, organized by private clubs, are scarce, a group of 15 dedicated women have been successfully organizing a tournament for the past three years in Chennai. The ‘We are for Hockey’ Trophy, held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, has attracted 16 teams from various parts of the state in its recently concluded fourth edition (July 25 to 27).

The tournament has received an overwhelming response, with teams from Erode, Tirunelveli, Vellore, and Kovilpatti participating. Former Tamil Nadu players, J. Rekha and Lakshmi Vaikunth, president and secretary of ‘We are for Hockey’ Club, are the driving force behind this initiative. They have been tirelessly handling all aspects of the tournament with enthusiasm and dedication.

Lakshmi Vaikunth, the secretary of the club, has faced challenges in securing sponsorship for the tournament. “It has been quite hectic for the last few weeks, running for sponsors and other things,” she said. Despite the difficulties, the group has managed to raise funds to offer cash prizes to the winners: Rs. 30,000 for first place, 20,000 for second, and Rs. 10,000 for third.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is committed to promoting women’s hockey and showcasing the talent of young girls. “Through our tournament, we want a Tamil Nadu player to represent India at the Olympics,” said Lakshmi. The club also aims to make the event an All-India one, similar to the MCC-Murugappa tournament.

The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Chennai Hockey Association (CHA) have extended their support to the tournament. However, Rekha suggests that CHA could further contribute by conducting a women’s league, as it did in 2018-19.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of sports to empower women. Their dedication and hard work have created a platform for young hockey players to showcase their skills and aspire for greater heights.

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Harendra Singh Frontrunner to Coach Indian Women's Hockey Team

Harendra Singh Frontrunner to Coach Indian Women’s Hockey Team

By March 25, 2024 0

Harendra Singh, a seasoned coach with a proven track record in Indian hockey, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Janneke Schopman as the head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. Singh recently appeared for an interview with Hockey India, the national governing body, which has indicated that he is the preferred candidate to lead the team after its disappointing failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Singh previously served as the head coach of the Indian women’s team from 2017 to 2018, guiding them to a gold medal at the 2017 Asia Cup. He also coached the Indian junior men’s team to victory at the 2016 Junior World Cup.

Sources within Hockey India have expressed confidence in Singh’s ability to revive the women’s team. “Harendra is the best person to take the women’s side to where it belongs,” said a source. “He knows the structure of Indian hockey and has a proven track record of success.”

However, negotiations over Singh’s salary could pose a challenge. As the current coach of the United States men’s team, Singh is reportedly earning a substantial salary. Hockey India’s salary cap for Indian coaches is Rs 3 lakh per month, but Singh may demand a higher amount.

Hockey India secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh confirmed that Harendra appeared for the interview but emphasized that no decision has been made yet. “There are 11-12 candidates, and we will decide taking into account every aspect,” he said.

If appointed, Singh will replace Schopman, who resigned last month citing a difficult work environment for foreign coaches in India. Schopman’s departure came after the women’s team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, a major setback for Indian hockey.

Singh’s appointment would mark a return to the helm of the Indian women’s team for the experienced coach. His previous stint with the team was cut short in 2018 when he was replaced by Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne.

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