New Delhi, May 9 (Hockey News) Veteran drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, who recently came out of retirement, will lead India at the Asia Cup as Hockey India on Monday announced a 20-member team for the upcoming tournament in Jakarta.

The prestigious event, which will be held from May 23 to June 1, is a World Cup qualifier. Senior players like Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh will give the tournament a miss.

Birender Lakra has been named deputy to Rupinder for the event, where a second-string team represent India.

Both Rupinder and Lakra had announced their retirement after the Tokyo Games last year but made themselves available for selection later on.

It will be first assignment for former captain and two-time Olympian Sardar Singh as India coach.

India have been grouped with Japan, Pakistan and hosts Indonesia in pool A, while Malaysia, Korea, Oman and Bangladesh comprise pool B.

The team have as many 10 players who make their senior debut, including junior World Cup players Yashdeep Siwach, Abhisek Lakra, Manjeet, Vishnukant Singh and Uttam Singh.

Also new in the team will be Mareeswaren Sakthivel, Sheshe Gowda BM, Pawan Rajbhar, Abharan Sudev and S Karthi.

The team features two goalkeepers in Pankaj Kumar Rajak and Suraj Karkera. Defenders include Rupinder, Yashdeep Siwach, Abhisek Lakra, Lakra, Manjeet, Dipsan Tirkey, Vishnukant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Mareeswaren Sakthivel, Sheshe Gowda BM, Simranjeet Singh.

Forwards Pawan Rajbhar, Abharan Sudev, SV Sunil, Uttam Singh and S.Karthi have also been named in the squad.

Junior World Cup player Maninder Singh and Nilam Sanjeep Xess have been named as replacement players while Pawan, Pardeep Singh, Ankit Pal and Angad Bir Singh have been named as standbys.

Speaking about the team composition, Coach BJ Kariappa said, "The team is a good mix of experienced senior players and newcomers, many of whom have played at the international level in different age-group matches but have not made their Senior India debut.

"Since India has already qualified for the FIH Men's World Cup by virtue of being the hosts, this will be a good platform for us to try out this new group and test how these players utilize the opportunity." Coach Sardar said,"This is a very talented group of players and I have seen them work really hard over the past few weeks to earn a place in the team.

"On a personal front, this will be my first tournament as India Coach and I am looking forward to this new experience." 

Also Read : Indian men and women rise in FIH World Ranking

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Apr 25 (Hockey News) The Indian women's hockey team will be focussing on increasing its level of fitness and speed, according to chief coach Janneke Schopman, who is hopeful the side can build upon its recent successful run in next month's FIH Pro League matches and the upcoming World Cup.

Following a successful FIH Pro League home leg, India are perched on top of the points table.

The team has commenced its preparations for the final set of Pro League matches next month as well as the women's World Cup, scheduled to begin on July 1 in Spain and Netherlands.

India will be up against teams like Belgium, Argentina and USA in their remaining Pro League games before heading to the World Cup.

"We made good progress in the last months and we will look to build on our performance.

"The focus will be on increasing our level of fitness and speed combined with finetuning our game principles. I’m keen to see the players individually take a step forward, as they know what areas they want to work on," Schopman was quoted as saying in a media release.

The camp for the core probables, which began on Sunday at the SAI Centre here, will conclude on May 31 .

The 36-member probable list includes a mix of experienced players such as Savita, Gurjit Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Navjot Kaur, along with young players like Bichu Devi Kharibam, Ishika Chaudhary, Sharmila Devi, Salima Tete and Lalremsiami, who were part of team that finished fourth at the recently concluded junior World Cup in South Africa.

Men's team begins preparations for Asia Cup =========================== The Indian men's team will begin its preparation for the upcoming Hero Asia Cup and the last two Pro League double-headers against Belgium and Netherlands, respectively.

The core probable group is set to report to the SAI centre here on Monday. It features a mix of veteran players such as PR Sreejesh, Amit Rohidas, Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh, along with young guns Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Jugraj Singh, who recently made their international debuts for the team.

The senior men's camp will end on June 4.

Core groups of junior and 'A' sides also regroup ============================== Following their heart-breaking fourth-place finish at the women's junior World Cup in South Africa, the junior team will also regroup at the camp in Bengaluru.

Apart from the fresh faces, the list also includes players like Khushboo, Vaishnavi Phalke, Beauty Dungdung and Mumtaz Khan, who were an integral part of the team at the marquee event.

The 33-member core probable group will report to coach Erik Wonink at the national camp.

After having a short break, newly-formed India 'A' core groups too will assemble at the national coaching camp.

The women's 'A' core group and will report to former India forward and two-time Olympian Deepak Thakur, while men will report to former skipper Sardar Singh.

Core groups: *Senior women Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu and Bichu Devi Kharibam Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Suman Devi Thoudam, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Rashmita Minz, Nisha, Salima Tete Midfielders: Mahima Choudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Namita Toppo, Sonika, Baljeet Kaur, Upasana Singh Forwards: Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Neha, Rajwinder Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Mariana Kujur, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Preeti Dubey, Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan In Rehabilitation: Rani, Reena Khokhar, Manpreet Kaur *Senior men Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Dipsan Tirkey, Mandeep Mor, Sanjay Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Ashis Kumar Topno, Jugraj Singh Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Mohd. Raheel, Sukhjeet Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Gurinder Singh. 

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Bhubaneswar, Apr 15 (Hockey News) The Indian men's hockey team defeated an inexperienced Germany 3-1 in the second match of the double-leg tie to consolidate its lead at the top of the FIH Pro League standings here on Friday.

The Indians scored through Sukhjeet Singh (19th minute), Varun Kumar (41st) and Abhishek (54th), while Germany's lone goal was scored by Anton Boeckel (45th).

The Indians had defeated Germany 3-0 in the first match of the tie on Thursday.

India are now sitting pretty at the top with 27 points from 12 games, while Germany are placed second with 17 points from 10 matches.

Against a new-look Germany, whose half a dozen players of the 22-member squad made their debut in these two games, the Indians continued their domination.

The Indians made some fine runs into the opposition circle in the first quarter but failed to convert any of the chances.

Four minutes into the second quarter, Sukhjeet handed India the lead with a clever field goal.

Sukhjeet found himself at the right position inside the circle to score only his second international goal after being beautifully set up by Manpreet Singh and Nilkanta Sharma.

The goal ignited sparks into India's game as they started to move around the turf freely and their passing too looked impressive.

The Germans put the opposition defence a bit under pressure on the final few minutes of the second quarter and managed a shot but Krishan Bahadur Pathak was alert under the Indian post.

India enjoyed the lions share of possession in the first half with three shots on goal against none.

Three minutes after the change of ends, India finally secured their first penalty corner but Germany goalkeeper Jean Danneberg made a great reflex save to deny Harmanpreet Singh.

In the 41st minute, Shilanand Lakra earned another penalty corner for India and this time Varun Kumar perfectly placed the ball low into the bottom left corner to double the home team's lead.

Germany, however, pulled one back four minutes later through Anton Boeckel, who pushed into an empty goal after India custodian PR Sreejesh committed early.

Abhishek made it 3-1 in the 54th minute with a vicious shot from the left side of the circle after receiving a long pass from Harmanpreet.

The Germans gave their heart and soul in the final few minutes of the game and in the process secured a penalty corner but Pathak palmed away the ball to deny the visitors any inroads.

The two wins marks the end of India's home campaign in the FIH Pro League. 

Also Read : Harmanpreet's brace hand India comfortable 3-0 win over Germany in Pro League

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Bhubaneswar, Apr 11 (Hockey News) Defender Amit Rohidas will continue to lead the 22-member Indian men's hockey team in its next FIH Pro League tie against Germany, starting here on Thursday.

Star dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh will don the responsibility of vice-captain in the double-header at the Kalinga Stadium. The second match of the tie will be played on Friday. There were no big surprises in the squad as the Indian team management continues to test various combination from the core group in the Pro League ties ahead of a busy calendar year, which includes the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The squad includes goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, and defenders Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Gurinder Singh.

The midfield will manned by Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Hardik Singh, and Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, while the forward line will feature Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Akashdeep Singh.

Speaking about the team composition, India's chief coach Graham Reid said, "This year's FIH Pro League has provided us with great opportunities to try different combinations and tactics. We have recognised what works and, more importantly, what areas we need to improve on.

"This week against Germany is the last leg of our home games for this year and we are looking forward to two more world-class encounters once again.

"Germany are always an extremely tough opponent and given where we both are on the ladder it will be important for us to finish this week with as many points as possible to remain at the top of the points table," he added.

India has so far played 10 matches in this season of FIH Pro League and are currently placed on top of the table with 21 points, while Germany occupy the second position with 17 points from eight games.

The Indian team had beaten South Africa in the double header (10-2, 10-2), while they won a game and lost one each against France (5-0, 2-5), which was also held in South Africa.

At home, India won a game and lost one to Spain (5-4, 3-5), won one game 4-3 and lost one 2-2 (1-3 SO) against Argentina, and recently, won both their games against England, 3-3 (3-2 SO), and 4-3.

Team: Goalkeepers: Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran, Krishan B Pathak.

Defenders: Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh.

Midfielders: Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh.

Forwards: Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh. 

Also Read : India face Netherlands in Junior Women's Hockey WC semifinals as history beckons

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Bhubaneswar, Apr 2 (Hockey News) The Indian men's hockey team beat England in a dramatic shoot-out after both the sides were locked 3-3 in the regulation time in the opening match of the double-leg FIH Pro League tie at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.

In the shoot-out, the hosts won 3-2 to pocket two points (including a bonus) as against England's one.

Abhishek (14th minute), Shamsher Singh (27th) and Harmanpreet Singh (52nd) were the goal scorers for India in the regulation time, while England sounded the board through Nicholas Bandurak (8th, 28th) and Sam Ward (60th), who scored from a penalty stroke.

Both the teams will lock horns against each other again in the second match of the tie on Sunday.

England started the match on a positive note by taking the lead in the eighth minute from a penalty corner conversion by Bandurak.

Even though they were not up to their best, India drew level six minutes later through Abhishek, who scored with a fierce reverse hit after receiving a pass from Shamsher. India took the lead in the 27th minute through Shamsher's field strike.

But India's joy was shotlived as England drew level a minute later, once again through a penalty corner conversion by Bandurak.

It was a scrappy first half from both the teams, more so from the Indians as they failed to secure a single penalty corner as against England's three.

England continued to play positively after the change of ends and secured a penalty corner soon but veteran India custodian PR Sreejesh made a fine save keep the scores level. The Indians were lacklustre throughout the game with their passes, more so in the third quarter.

India's below-par showing can be gauged from the fact that they failed to win a single penalty corner in the first three quarters.

The Indians, however, stepped up in the final quarter and got back-to-back penalty corners just eight minutes from the final whistle, the second of which was converted by Harmanpreet with a stunning drag-flick to take a 3-2 lead.

But there was more drama in store as the fragile Indian defence conceded a penalty stroke just 14 seconds from the final hooter and Ward was bang on target to level the scores once again and take the match into shoot-out.

It was a marathon shoot-out as both the teams faltered, but eventually the Indians held their nerves to come out on top and pocket two points from the game.

By virtue of the win, India climbed to the top of the Pro League standings with 18 points from nine games. 

Also Read : India start Jr Hockey WC campaign on bright note, thrash Wales 5-1

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Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (Hockey News) The Indian men's hockey team slumped to its third defeat in the FIH Pro League, losing 1-3 to Argentina in the shoot-out in the first leg match after both the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of the regulation time at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.

Gurjant Singh (38th minute) and Mandeep Singh (60th) were the goal scorers for India, while Argentina's goals came from the sticks of Nicolas Acosta (45th) and Nicolas Keenan (52nd).

It was a terrible shoot-out from Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist India as only Harmanpreet Singh scored, while Abhishek, Gurjant and Sukhjeet Singh faltered.

For Argentina, Keenan, Tomas Domene and Lucas Toscani found the back of the net in the shoot-out.

By virtue of this win, Argentina secured a bonus point and climbed to fourth position in the standings with 11 points from five games.

The Indians, on the other hand, continue to occupy the second spot despite the loss with 13 points from seven matches.

Both the sides will lock horns again in the return leg on Sunday.

The match was a fast-paced, end-to-end affair but it was the Indians who had two good openings created by Harmanpreet in the first quarter but the forwardline failed to deliver.

The Argentines soon had the first shy at the goal but India custodian Krishan Bahadur Pathak, who returned to the side after missing the Spain tie, made a fantastic reflex save to deny the visitors.

Argentina secured the first penalty corner of the match soon but wasted the opportunity as India were put under a bit of pressure towards the end of the first quarter.

The Indians started on the front foot in the second quarter and put the Argentine defence under relentless pressure.

India's efforts bore fruit as they secured three consecutive penalty corners but despite having Harmanpreet on the pitch, the Los Leonas defended stoutly to deny the hosts. The Indians enjoyed another spell of possession and earned another penalty corner, this time young Jugraj Singh stepped up but failed to get a decent connection.

Soon after, an alert veteran custodian PR Sreejesh came out of his line to close down the angle after Harmanpreet lost the ball dangerously outside the India circle.

In the first two quarters, the pressure from open play was largely from the Indians.

The Indians kept up their pressure on the Argentine defence after the change of ends and finally succeeded in breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute through comeback man Gurjant Singh, who scored a lovely poacher's goal from an assist by Jugraj.

Argentina drew level in the last minute of third quarter against the run of play through Acosta, whose shot got an awkward deflection from an Indian stick and beat Pathak all ends up.

A minute into the fourth quarter, Argentina's Ferreiro got a big chance to take the lead but Sreejesh closed the angle to save his side.

Conceding late goals came to haunt India once again when eight minutes from the final hooter, the home team defence gave away a penalty corner for an Indian foot inside the circle. The Indians went for an unsuccessful review and from the resultant set piece, Nicolas Keena scored to hand Argentina 2-1 lead.

Two minutes later, Gurjant came close to scoring his second of the day but his shot went agonisingly wide to the left of the goal.

With their backs to the wall, a desperate India mounted raids after raids on the Argentine defence thereafter and managed to secure another penalty corner four minutes from full time when Jarmanpreet Singh was brought down inside the circle.

But as has been the case all throughout the evening, Argentina's rushing out has been stellar yet again as they denied Harmanpreet to get a shot.

The Indians, however, didn't lose hope and kept on attacking and from one such counter an opportunist Mandeep, lurking in front of the goal, scored after the ball fell in front of his stick following a deflection. 

Also Read : India to continue experimentation in FIH Pro League match against Argentina

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Feb 19 (Hockey News) Spending time together during the coronavirus-forced lockdown developed a collective mindset which helped the Indian men's hockey team overcome difficult challenges at the Tokyo Olympics, said defender Harmanpreet Singh.

Harmanpreet has been a central figure in the resurgence of the Indian team in recent years.

His performance was not only vital to the side's bronze medal success at the Tokyo Olympics, but also saw the 26-year-old earn the title of FIH Men's Player of the Year 2021.

In Hockey India's podcast 'Hockey Te Charcha', Harmanpreet reflected on the team's success in the Tokyo Olympics and opened up about the various facets of his game.

"Our team spent a lot of time together in lockdown last year before the Olympics. It was a difficult situation because we were not able to visit home in the initial months of lockdown, but facing that period of difficulty together prepared us for the challenges of the Olympics last year.

"Even after trailing 3–1 against a team like Germany in the bronze medal match, it was our collective mindset in difficult situations which got us over the line eventually," he said.

Harmanpreet has steadily grown in stature in the team's ranks since making his national team debut in 2015. Speaking about his role as vice captain of the Indian team, the defender said said "he enjoys the additional responsibility." "It has never felt like an added pressure because everyone in the team is able to communicate openly with each other.

"Of course, Manpreet and other senior players like Sree bhai (PR Sreejesh) also take responsibility to guide the team in training and match situations, so it is a collective effort on the part of the whole team to grow together." Another aspect of the game that Harmanpreet has mastered is his goal scoring from penalty corners. One of the most feared drag flickers in the world today, the Punjab-based player spoke about how he has acquired this skill.

"I was training in Ludhiana at the time when my coaches identified me as a potential drag flicker, but it was in the Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar that I received proper training for the first time ever in taking penalty corners.

"I used to spend a lot of time individually before and after team practice hours to improve my drag flicks, and also had the right kind of guidance from senior players in the academy.

"Then after I came into the national team, I saw players like Sardara Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh work on their game. Learning from them helped me improve my skills even further," Harmanpreet added. 

Also Read : FIH Hockey Pro League: India's home games to be initially held behind closed doors

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Potchefstroom (South Africa), Feb 13 (Hockey News) Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh scored four goals to help India demolish South Africa 10-2 and bounce back from their last outing defeat in style in the men's FIH Pro League hockey here on Sunday.

After an evenly contested first quarter when the scores were tied 1-1, India completely dominated in the remaining three periods, pumping in nine goals against the hapless South Africans to notch up their third win in four matches.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist India, who were stunned by lower-ranked France on Saturday, won by the same margin in their first-leg match against South Africa.

Harmanpreet scored in the 36th, 52nd, 60th and 60th minute while Shilananda Lakra (27th and 48th minute) struck a brace. Surender Kumar (15th), Mandeep Singh (28th), Sumit (45th) and Shamsher Singh (56th) were the other goal scorers for India.

Daniel Bell (12th) and Connor Beauchamp (53rd) scored for South Africa.

India scored as many as five goals in the fourth quarter with Harmanpreet contributing two.

India thus ended their South African leg of the FIH Pro League on a high note a day after the 2-5 defeat by France.

They will face Spain in their next match in Bhubaneswar.

India dominated the fast-paced first quarter with a lot of opposition circle penetration but it was South Africa who scored first, in the 12th minute, with Daniel Bell converting the home side's second penalty corner.

India, who also got two penalty corners in the first quarter, equalised three minutes later with Surender Kumar firing into the roof of South Africa net from a fine field effort.

The Manpreet Singh-led side pumped in two quick goals in less than two minutes in the second quarter through Shilanand Lakra and Mandeep Singh's field strikes to go into the half time break with a 3-1 lead.

Krishna Bahadur Pathak, who started at the Indian goal instead of veteran PR Sreejesh, made a fine save, denying South Africa from their third penalty corner of the match in the 24th minute.

Pathak did well again, in the early minutes of the third quarter, saving a penalty stroke taken by Jethro Eustice.

After a few minutes of ascendency by South Africa, India roared back with a slew of dangerous attacks, and Harmanpreet scored from the visiting team's third penalty corner in the 36th minute.

Sumit then fired in a field goal through a reverse flick to make it 5-1 in the 45th minute and break South Africa's back.

India did not show any mercy on a demoralised South Africa as they pumped in five more goals in the final quarter.

South Africa pulled one back in the in the 53rd minute through Connor Beauchamp.

But the Indians were not done yet as Shamsher Singh struck in the 53rd minute with a field goal before Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick and then scored his fourth goal as the visitors inflicted an embarrassing defeat on the hosts. 

Also Read : France stun India 5-2 in FIH Pro League hockey

News Source : PTI

Potchefstroom (South Africa), Feb 12 (Hockey News) Olympic bronze medallists India dished out a shoddy performance to lose 2-5 against lower-ranked France in the second match of the FIH Hockey Pro League two-leg tie here on Saturday.

India started the match as clear favourites after having registered convincing wins -- 5-0 against France and 10-2 against South Africa -- in the FIH Pro League so far.

But France had other plans on Saturday and got the better of their fancied opponents in every aspects of the game.

The Indians were slow to get off the blocks but gained in confidence as the match progressed.

While France enjoyed the early exchanges, India controlled the proceedings thereafter but both the teams failed to create any real goal-scoring chance.

A minute into the second quarter, India secured the first penalty corner of the match but poor trapping didn't give Harmanpreet Singh a shot at the goal.

France caught the Indian defence off guard in the very next move and earned a penalty stroke which was beautifully converted by Victor Charlet.

Stunned by the Frenchmen, India upped the ante and secured their second penalty corner in the 21st minute, but France goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry came up with a brilliant save to deny young Jugraj Singh.

But in the very next minute, India drew level when Jarmanpreet Singh's cross from the right went into the French goal after getting a deflection from the sticks of Stanislas Branicki.

The Frenchmen looked more purposeful after the change of ends and secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 32nd minute but failed to utilise those chances.

France continued with their attacking game and restored their lead in the 35th minute through Viktor Lockwood, whose powerful shot from the left corner went through the legs of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh into the Indian net.

Down by a goal once again, the Indians came out attacking and kept up the pressure on the French defence but failed to break it.

India had their chances and secured five penalty corners in the third quarter, including three in succession in the 44th minute, but erred in execution.

France extended their lead in the 48th minute from their third penalty corner through a variation strike from Charles Masson.

India secured two more penalty corners but the likes of Harmanpreet, Jugraj and Varun Kumar found it difficult to get past the French defence, which was brilliantly led by goalkeeper Thieffry.

India pulled one back in the 57th minute through a penalty stroke conversion by Harmanpreet Singh.

Pumped up by the goal, the Indians stepped up the pressure and secured two more penalty corners but France defended in numbers.

To add to India's woes, world no. 13 France scored two more goals in the final two minutes of the game -- first through a penalty corner conversion by Charlet and then a field strike by Timothée Clement.

India's lacklustre performance can be summed up from the fact that they earned as many as 10 penalty corners but failed to find the back of the net.

India will next play hosts South Africa in the second FIH Pro League match between the two sides here on Sunday. 

Also Read : Hockey India names 65 players for junior men's national camp

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Feb 4 (Hockey News) Star Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said he had his entire career flashed in front of his eyes when he made that last ditch save against Germany in the bronze medal playoff to secure the country's first Olympic medal in hockey in 41 years.

The 33-year-old, a former India hockey captain, formed an important part of the bronze-medal winning Indian team and recently became only the second Indian to win the World Games Athlete of the Year award.

Sreejesh had produced a vital save in the dying moments to repel Germany's penalty corner and ensure India's podium finish at Olympics. "My first thought when we conceded the penalty corner with six seconds of the game remaining was like any other hockey fan; I was really disappointed because we knew Germany was capable of turning the game around in the dying moments. "We had conceded many times in the past in the last seconds of the game and all those painful memories flashed in my mind. However, I knew I had to focus on the moment and I then began to assign everyone their duties, because it becomes hard to focus on one’s responsibilities in such a pressure situation.

"After making that save in the end and winning the match, I became emotional as I thought about the incredible 21-year-long journey I had since I began playing hockey at the GV Raja Sports School," he said in a release.

Sreejesh also opened up about his battle with an ACL injury setback that threatened to bring his career to an early end in 2017 during his guest appearance on Hockey Te Charcha podcast.

"Dealing with that injury was the toughest situation for me because I was in the peak of my career at that point. I was the Captain of the Indian team and I had been performing well and people had just begun to recognise me.

"Hockey was the most important thing in my life at the time and everything else was secondary. Then after getting injured and seeing India continue to play well in my absence, I felt like people started to forget about me.

"That was a very difficult period for me, but I gained a lot of perspective and maturity from that experience which eventually helped me to make my way back into the Indian team." After making his comeback in the national team, Sreejesh was under severe scrutiny from his critics during the World Cup in 2018.

"Age is a very sensitive subject for any athlete in India. Due to my age and my previous injury, people had begun to write me off and were critical of every aspect of my performances.

"It was particularly bad during the World Cup in 2018 when there were a lot of talks in the public of replacing me in the team. Even my father’s health had deteriorated at the time, so overall it was very difficult for me and I had thoughts of retiring at the time.

"I am very grateful to Netherlands goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann who helped me overcome that situation with his advice." 

Also Read : FIH Pro League: Indian men's hockey team heads to Johannesburg for clash against SA, France

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Bengaluru, Feb 4 (Hockey News) The Indian men's hockey team left for Johannesburg on Friday for its FIH Pro League showdowns against South Africa and France from February 8 to 13 with senior forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and mid-fielder Jaskaran Singh ruled out at the last minute due to "illness".

The Manpreet Singh-led squad will arrive in Johannesburg via Doha. They will play France in the first match on February 8 and take on South Africa on February 9.

They will again play France on February 12 and hosts South Africa on the following day.

While the team is upbeat and eager to begin their FIH Pro League campaign on a positive note, it received a minor setback with two senior players replaced due to illness.

"India forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Jaskaran Singh will not be joining the team for South Africa. Standbys Sumit will replace Jaskaran in the mid-field and Gursahibjit Singh will replace Lalit," chief coach Graham Reid said in a statement issued by Hockey India.

"Though it is a minor setback for us, we were always prepared for such a scenario and had the option of having five standbys," he explained.

Sixteen of the 33-strong core group had tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks back in January and it is not clear whether Upadhyay and Singh are in any way affected by that outbreak. The federation did not specify the exact nature of the duo's illness.

Reid said core group has enough depth and options with players who are capable of performing at the international level.

"This is the best part about having a group of 33 players who are all capable of putting up a good show on any given day. They are able to step up and perform for the team.

"We continue to remain upbeat about our campaign and look forward to some good hockey in Johannesburg," added Reid.

Skipper Manpreet said the side is capable of upsetting any big team in the tournament.

"I think we are all thrilled to be travelling again for some good International hockey. While we will miss Lalit and Jaskaran, the team is well prepared and most importantly we are all hungry for some good matches against South Africa and France," he said.

"Both South Africa and France are very capable of upsetting any big team of the world and we can't take them lightly. It will be interesting to see how well we will execute our plans which we have been trying out at the national camp." The Indian Team: =========== Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak.

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh.

Mid-fielders: Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Gursabjit Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek. 

Also Read : WC medal is my next target, says hockey goalkeeper Sreejesh after Tokyo high

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 28 (Hockey News) Still smarting from the semifinal exit at the Asia Champions Trophy, Indian men's hockey team chief coach Graham Reid on Friday said the setback came as a reality check for the Tokyo Olympic bronze medal winners ahead of a busy calendar year.

Defending champions India were stunned 3-5 by Japan in the semifinal of the ACT in Dhaka last month.

"It's always difficult. You have to be put in situations. Everybody including myself hated that semifinal loss to Japan in ACT. No one likes to experience something like that. But sometimes you have to experience that to learn from it," Reid said in a virtual press conference.

"The message after that tournament was 'Look this is what happens if we don't treat every single game with the utmost importance. I think it was really good learning experience." Reid said his message to the team after the historic Olympic medal was straight forward: "This is just the beginning and not the end of the road" and the loss against Japan will act as reminder for them ahead of a busy year that includes FIH Pro league matches, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

"Straight after the Olympics I also said that 'This is not it, this is just the start' and that's has been our message from the moment we won the bronze medal in Tokyo.

"...we have to take the best out of the opprtiunities from here," he said.

India will start the year with back-to-back Pro League ties against South Africa and France in Potchefstroom from February 8 to 13.

Olympic bronze medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh will lead a 20-member Indian team in the double-leg contests in South Africa.

The team will also have its veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh back besides getting two new faces -- young dragflicker Jugraj Singh and striker Abhishek.

"We were able to do that in Bangladesh (give chances to new players). We were able to give the players who haven't had the opportunity for a while. "We also needed to bring back some of the other players who haven't had a game since the Olympics. The other important message is that these will be very tough games, we are taking them pretty seriously so the team we picked is reflective of that," the coach said about the squad.

Talking about the two new players, Reid said: "Jugraj is quite a versatile player who can play in both midfield and defence. He is also very quick when he dragflicks. I am quite excited if we can get him little more consistent where he puts them.

"Abhishek likes scoring goals, a prolific scorer. He is strong and young." The Australian tactician is also impressed with the longevity and commitment of veteran goalkeeper Sreejesh.

"He (Sreejesh) is back again, he had a long break but you don't get to play so long for your country as he has without being open to new ideas and changes and development and continual improvement. You have to have the same drive and same commitment that you had when you are 19." The coach was also full of appreciation for skipper Manpreet's competitive spirit.

"One of the things you see with Manpreet is that there is a competitiveness, that internal drive to better and to win is something that you can't teach people, you have to experience, learn and develop it. When you see Manpreet play he brings in that competitive spirit," Reid said.

Skipper Manpreet too highlighted the importance of starting the year on a positive note.

"It's a very important year for the team. It's a good opportunity for us to play matches against France and South Africa and we hope to start the new year on a winning note and make good progress. It's a very important tour for us," he said.

"In ACT there were quite a few new players, a new team. We needed to give chance to other players and see their improvement. This year is very important for us. We have Pro League, CWG, Asia Cup, Asian Games and World Cup next year." 

Also Read : Manpeet to lead India in FIH Pro League; Jugraj, Abhishek to make debuts

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 27 (Hockey News) Star midfielder and Olympic bronze medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh will lead a 20-member strong Indian hockey team in the double-leg FIH Pro League ties against South Africa and France to be held between February 8 to 13.

Manpreet will be assisted by ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh.

Young dragflicker Jugraj Singh and striker Abhishek are the two new faces in the squad.

Jugraj, who is from Attari, came into the senior national camp for the very first time this time after he impressed the national selectors during the first Hockey India Senior Men Inter Department National Championship, where he turned up for Services Sports Control Board.

Abhishek, on the other hand, is a striker who was earlier part of the junior program and had played for the India colts in Sultan of Johor Cup in 2017 and 2018.

From Sonepat, Haryana, Abhishek also did well for Punjab National Bank in the maiden Senior Men Inter Department National Championship which helped him earn a spot in the senior national camp for the first time.

The 20-member squad also includes goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak; defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh and Jugraj.

The midfield will be under the watchful eyes of Manpreet and also includes Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Shamsher Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad.

The forward line includes Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek.

"After a three-week camp in Bengaluru, a team has been selected that includes 14 Tokyo Olympians and two debutants," India's chief coach Graham Reid said in a statement.

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic, India will travel with four additional players besides keeping five stand-byes in hand.

"We have tried to choose an experienced group that will not only give us a great opportunity to start this season of the FIH Hockey Pro League in a positive manner, it reflects the high quality of opposition we will encounter in the opening games.

"We are also using this opportunity to debut two new players. Jugraj Singh, a versatile defender/midfielder who adds to our dragflick options and Abhishek is a strong, fast striker who loves scoring goals," the Australian added.

The Indian team will leave for South Africa from Bengaluru on February 4.

India will play France in their first match on February 8 before squaring off against hosts South Africa the next day.

The Indians will again play France on February 12 and then finish off their engagements against South Africa the next day.

Both the two-match ties will be held at Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Indian hockey squad: Goalkeepers: P R Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak.

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (Vice-captain), Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh.

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (Captain), Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek.

Standbys: Suraj Karkera, Mandeep Mor, Raj Kumar Pal, Sumit, Gursahibjit Singh. 

Also Read : Asia Cup Hockey: India's title hopes dashed after losing 2-3 to Korea in semifinal

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 25 (Hockey News) Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on Tuesday said the Indian men's hockey side's main focus is qualifying for the Paris Olympics by winning the Asian Games this year besides giving opportunities to youngsters.

He said that a lot of youngsters will be given opportunities in a hectic year for the team in which it will compete in marquee events like the Commonwealth Games and Asiad.

The Tokyo Olympic bronze medal-winning side will begin the year with the FIH Hockey Pro League, starting next month.

"After every Olympics we plan for next four years. So after Tokyo we have already started planning for the Paris Olympics," Sreejesh said during a virtual media interaction.

"There are a lot of changes that are going to happen in the team (for Paris), lot of new comers are going to be added into the core group," he added.

Sreejesh is a part of the International Institute of Sports Management's initiative in which 18 of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics medallist have come together to recite the national anthem in a video, which was released on Monday.

Asked if it is the right time to groom youngsters with the Paris Olympics only two years away, Sreejesh said with several fixtures line up, it will be good to give the junior players a chance.

"I didn't say we will get a lot of the youngsters straight into the team but their addition in the core group will give them more opportunity. We are starting this year with the Pro League before Asian Games and CWG." "We will get almost 16 matches and most probably Asian Cup will be there and that is the platform where we can try out the youngsters, give them opportunities to play tournaments.

"At some point you have to give juniors a chance. This year will be good as they can learn a lot from senior most players," Sreejesh added.

The 33-year-old said the team's top priority will be to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"The first target for us is to qualify for Paris, so Asian Games is the biggest hurdle and after that the World Cup is the second important tournament. The training and the way we are playing now is going great, we have implemented new strategies." India is set to host the the FIH men's World Cup in January next year.

"It's too early to say about World Cup as focus is Asian Games right now. But we are focussing on finishing in the top 4 in Bhubaneswar." 

Also Read : Gurjit's hattrick; Monika, Jyoti's brace hand India 9-1 win over Singapore, enter Asia Cup semis

News Source : PTI

Lausanne, Jan 4 (Hockey News) Olympic bronze medal winning India men's hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is in race to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year award after being nominated for the honour.

The winner will be selected following an online voting process which begins on January 10 and ends of January 31.

Elected FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for 2021, Sreejesh -- a triple Olympian with over 240 international appearances -- has enjoyed an exceptional 12 months, producing his very best form to help his team claim a historic bronze at the Tokyo Games.

If Sreejesh manages to win, he will be the second hockey player from the country to bag the title after women's team skipper Rani Rampal.

Rani became the first-ever hockey player to win the award in 2020. A total of 24 athletes have been nominated for the award.

From the list of 24, the 10 best, as measured on January 23, will move on to the final, the voting for which will continue until January 31. 

Also Read : Good outing in Asia Cup key for success in 2022, says Savita

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 26 (Hockey News) A bronze medal was good enough to write a golden chapter in Indian hockey, which was desperately seeking a revival for long, as Indian men and women teams conjured up an inspirational show at the Tokyo Games which will be remembered for ages.

A historic bronze-winning show by the men's team and an outstanding fourth place finish for the women's team infused fresh life into the game which was in danger of slipping into oblivion.

Defying all odds and challenges thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian men's team ushered in a new dawn in 2021 by ending a 41-year long wait a medal at the Olympics - a stage which it owned in its glorious past.

The women's team narrowly missed out on a historic bronze but its best-ever show at the showpiece made it even more memorable for the fans who emotionally connect with the game.

The players were confined to a bio-bubble at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru in 2020 but the year 2021 started on a bright note as the Indian men's team fought hard against Germany and Great Britain to finish the four-match European tour with two wins and as many draws.

The upward swing continued as India continued its unbeaten run on the Argentina tour, beating the 2016 Olympic champions twice and drawing as many in four practice games.

The team also won against the Los Leones in the two-match FIH Pro League tie to set the momentum for what eventually turned out to be a watershed year for Indian hockey.

Next came the most important event for the eight-time past winners, the Tokyo Olympics, where India finished second in pool stages, winning four out of five matches.

The Manpreet-led side defeated Great Britain 3-1 in the quarterfinal before losing 2-5 against Belgium in the last four round.

However, India staged a remarkable comeback and earned a 5-4 win over Germany to clinch the much-needed bronze medal.

By virtue of their historic Olympic campaign, the Indians swept the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2021 winning all categories, which created a bit of controversy with Olympic champions Belgium crying foul.

Harmanpreet Singh was crowned the FIH Player of the Year, PR Sreejesh won the Goalkeeper of the Year, Vivek Sagar Prasad won FIH Rising Star of the Year award for the second consecutive time and India's chief coach Graham Reid was awarded the FIH Coach of the Year.

The Olympic glory also earned national recognitions for all the members of the hockey team with PR Sreejesh and skipper Manpreet being honoured with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honour of the country, and all other players receiving the Arjuna award for their accomplishment.

The year, however, ended on a bit sad note for India as they failed to defend their Asian Champions Trophy title, finishing third after beating arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in the bronze medal match.

The Indian women's hockey team also added to the cherry by achieving many firsts in 2021.

From a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics to achieving the best-ever FIH world rankings to sweeping FIH Hockey Stars Awards 2021 in all categories, the year gone by was nothing short of a fairytale for the Indian women team.

The Rani Rampal-led side, that started the Olympic campaign with three losses, later pulled off, arguably, one of the biggest upsets in world hockey with win over mighty Australia in the quarterfinals.

But as luck would have it, the Indian women missed out on an Olympic medal by whisker after losing 1-2 to Argentina in the semifinals before suffering 3-4 heartbreak at the hands of Great Britain in the bronze medal match.

But the fourth place finish was more than enough to build women hockey's identity in the country.

The fourth-place finish also gave the Indian women's team its highest-ever FIH world ranking, eighth, in August but will end the year a rung below in the ninth spot due to the side's withdrawal from the women's Asian Champions Trophy 2021 in Korea after being hit by the dreaded virus.

However, the Indian junior men's hockey team turned out to be a big let down at the end of the year as it failed to defend its World Cup title in Bhubaneswar earlier this month. The team finished fourth after losing 1-3 to France in the bronze medal play-off.

The year gone by has boosted confidence of the Blue Sticks ahead of two major events lined up next year -- the Asian Games and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The self belief is first major prerequisite for success and the two teams now have it in abundance. 

Also Read : Uttar Pradesh crowned 11th Hockey India junior national championship winners

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 11 (Hockey news) Suraj Karkera, who has been picked in India's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament squad in place of the rested P R Sreejesh, says it will be hard to fill the seasoned goalkeeper's shoes.

The 26-year-old Karkera last played for India at the Tokyo Olympics test event in 2019.

"I am really excited to get a chance to play for India after a long time. Anytime you get a chance to don the Indian jersey, you feel the goosebumps. I am not nervous at all as we have trained well. I feel confident about myself and my abilities," Karkera said ahead of the event in Dhaka.

Karkera will have big shoes to fill with veteran goalie Sreejesh being rested from the tournament.

"PR Sreejesh has done so much for India for so many years. It is always going to be hard to fill his shoes. But I will try to give my 100 percent whenever I get an opportunity," Karkera said.

"We have been learning from him for so long. He shares his knowledge with all of us during goalpost training and gives us a lot of tips. So, I have a big responsibility," he added.

Apart from vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh and experienced player Varun Kumar, India have also included young players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Mandeep Mor in the squad.

This will be India's first competition since the Tokyo Olympics. Three-time champions India will begin their campaign in the tournament on December 14 against Korea.

Also Read : ACT will be great platform for fringe players: Hockey captain Manpreet Singh

News Source : PTI

Bhubaneswar, Dec 10 (Hockey news) The upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka will be a perfect platform for the fringe players to showcase their talent and stake a claim in the first team, said Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh.

The tournament, originally scheduled to be held last year, has been postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will now be played from December 14 to 22.

This will be India's first outing after the team's historic Olympics bronze medal winning campaign earlier this year. The Manpreet Singh-led side will be without eight players from the Tokyo Games squad, including the likes of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who has been rested, "With nearly 10 players who were part of the Tokyo Olympic squad being rested, this is a fantastic opportunity for the players who had been waiting on the sidelines to get a chance to perform in a major international tournament. This will be a good platform for them to showcase their talent and temperament," said Manpeet before leaving for Dhaka on Friday.

Defending champions India would begin their campaign on the opening day against Korea before locking horns against Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh in the single-pool tournament for top honours.

"This is our first outing after the Tokyo Olympics so naturally there is a lot of excitement among the players. We have had a good training camp in Bhubaneswar and I feel since the weather here is quite similar to that of Dhaka, we won't take long to acclimatise," the skipper said.

"It will be a good tournament not just in terms of competition but also to understand about other team's capabilities. We assess the progress of other Asian countries ahead of the all-important Asian Games and Asia Cup next year,' the ace mid-fielder added.

After Korea, India will play Bangladesh on December 15, followed by matches against arch-rivals Pakistan on December 17, Malaysia on December 18 and Japan on December 19.

The top-four teams from the pool stages will progress to the semi-finals to be played on December 21 followed by the title clash on December 22.

In the previous edition of the event held in Muscat in 2018, India had jointly lifted the title along with Pakistan as the final was called off due to incessant rains.

Also Read : Indian women's hockey team's ACT campaign ends due to COVID case in squad

News Source ; PTI

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (Hockey news) A pep talk from Olympic bronze medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh and star dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh helped defending champions India to turn the tables after a disappointing outing against France in their opening match of the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup here.

Tournament favourites India were stunned by underdogs France 4-5 in their opening match of the premier junior tournament before the title holders bounced back in style to thrash Canada 13-1.

India will play Poland in their must-win last Pool B match here on Saturday to qualify for the quarterfinals.

"I just told them to believe in themselves and play as a team. They have a lot of fighting spirit. I just said to focus on their own game. We have been speaking continuously with them," Manpreet said during a virtual media interaction on Saturday. "I spoke to (skipper) Vivek (Sagar Prasad) after the first match and told him to lead from the front in the ground. I advised him to improve communication between the players which was lacking against France. Important is to enjoy win or loss as a team." Manpreet's deputy Harmanpreet also passed on his experience to the dragflickers and India's backline after the France match.

"I have been talking to them about positioning and basics. The positioning of freeman is very important and I discussed that with the junior players in detail," he said.

Haramanpreet said he also had elaborate discussion with vice-captain of the junior team and dragflicker Sanjay Kumar, who scored two consecutive hat-tricks in the tournament so far.

"He (Sanjay) is doing very well. I just told him to stay focussed on the chances he gets. He plays as a freeman so I advised him about his positioning," he said.

Manpreet will lead a 20-member Indian senior team in next month's Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka, where Harmanpreet will be his deputy.

India will go into the tournament, to be held from December 14 to 22, as defending champions as they shared the title in the last edition of the event with Pakistan after the final was called off due to incessant rain. The tournament will also mark a restart for India after their successful Tokyo Olympics campaign.

"We are in pretty good shape for Asian Champions Trophy. We are focusing on our fitness. After the Olympics, there was a drop in our fitness levels. So, now we are looking to regain that. Everyone is giving their 100 percent," Manpreet said.

With several players who were part of the Olympic squad being rested for the continental event, including stalwart goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Manpreet said this is a good opportunity for young players to prove their mettle ahead of a busy season ahead. "Some of these youngsters have been patiently waiting for their chances and have been working really had to find a place in the team.

"I feel this is a great tournament to test these players and it's also a great opportunity for youngsters who have been given a chance to show their abilities," he said.

"...it is our first big tournament after the Tokyo Olympics. The new cycle has started for us. Doing well in Dhaka is important for us. If we start well, then our confidence levels will go high. There are major tournaments lined up in 2022."

Also Read : FIH Junior Women's World Cup in South Africa put on hold owing to COVID-19

News Source : PTI

Bhubaneswar, Nov 26 (Hockey news) Olympic bronze medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh will lead a 20-member Indian men's hockey team, which doesn't feature veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, at next month's Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka.

While Manpreet will lead the side, star dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh has been named as the vice-captain for the tournament, to be held from December 14 to 22.

The squad for the tournament, which is India's first outing after the Tokyo Olympics, has plenty of new faces.

Talismanic goalkeeper Sreejesh has been rested and Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will take the place under the goal.

Harmanpreet will be in charge of the Indian defence in the company of Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar and Mandeep Mor.

The midfield will be manned by Manpreet alongside Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Sumit, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh and the experienced Akashdeep Singh.

The forwardline will be led by Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh and Shilanand Lakra.

Defending champions India will begin their campaign on the opening day against Korea. The other teams in the tournament are Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh.

Talking about the composition of the side, chief coach Graham Reid said, "While selecting this team we now must have our eyes on the future. It takes a deep and strong squad to build sustained success so players have to be given opportunities to perform." "We have picked a team that has a good mix of experience and younger guys who will have their chance to show what they can do.

"It is a hectic match schedule and given the COVID situation FIH and AHF have allowed 18 players to be chosen each game out of a greater squad of 20." India will play their opening match against Korea on December 14, followed by games against hosts Bangladesh (December 15), arch-rivals Pakistan (December 17), Malaysia (December 18) and Japan (December 19).

The semifinals are scheduled for December 21 followed by the title clash on the next day.

In the previous edition of the event held in Muscat, Oman, India had jointly lifted the title along with Pakistan as the final was called off due to incessant rains.  Indian team: Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera.

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Mandeep Mor.

Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Sumit, Rajkumar Pal, Akashdeep Singh, Shamsher Singh.

Forwards: Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilanand Lakra. 

Also Read : Holders India face Poland in must-win match to keep title hopes alive in Junior Hockey WC

News Source : PTI

Bhubaneswar, Nov 23 (Hockey news) Staying focussed as a team in times of adversity is the key to success in a high-profile tournament like the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup, advised Manpreet Singh, captain of India's Tokyo Olympic bronze medal-winning side to his young colleague Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Defending champions India will open their campaign in the FIH Junior World Cup against France at the Kalinga Stadium here on Thursday, and Manpreet had some key advice for Prasad, captain of the home team.

"I have spoken to Vivek (Prasad) many times. I told him the main thing for them is to remain as a team," Manpreet said in a release issued by Hockey India.

"Winning and losing is part of the game. But when we lose, there is a tendency to point fingers, but I told him that the team should not do that and just focus on your game. Just stay as a team. And that will help you win every match." Prasad already has the experience of playing at the highest level as he was a key part of India's campaign in the Tokyo Olympics. The Indian juniors have been training along side the seniors players as part of preparations for the 16-team marquee event.

"They actually beat us in one of the games we played. I am pretty confident they have the ability to reach the final. And if they continue to play as a team throughout the tournament, they can win the trophy," said Manpreet.

Another vital member of the Olympic bronze-winning side PR Sreejesh feels the Indian players will miss the crowd factor as the tournament is being held inside a bio-bubble without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The team has been doing fantastic during the last couple of months in Bengaluru. Recently, we played a couple of games against them. They seemed ready to start the tournament," said the veteran goalkeeper, who was recently conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award along side Manpreet.

"(But) I think the players will miss playing in front of the big crowd. That is the beauty of the Kalinga Stadium, the cheers, the sound, they will miss that. Still, I feel the atmosphere will help them to perform really well and will be a big learning experience."

Also Read : Jr Hockey WC: Title holders India seek inspiration from Olympic bronze medallist seniors

News Source : PTI

Bhubaneswar, Nov 23 (Hockey news) The Indian colts would draw inspiration from their Olympic bronze medal-winning seniors when they begin their title defence at the Junior Hockey World Cup with a clash against France, here on Wednesday.

Indian men's senior side created history at the Tokyo Olympics by claiming a bronze medal after 41 years.

The junior side would look to wrap up the successful 2021 season by retaining the World Cup title, which would be its third. The team first won the World Cup title in 2001 in Australia before reclaiming the crown in the last edition of the event in 2016 in Lucknow.

The junior hockey World Cup is considered a stepping stone for aspiring youngsters to play the game at the senior level as nine players from the 2016 squad represented India at the Tokyo Games.

And many members of the Vivek Sagar Prasad-led Indian team would look to showcase their potential and impress upon the national selectors for a place in the senior side.

Getting the opportunity to stay, train and play matches against senior side ahead of the event has been a blessing for the juniors.

Besides seniors like Manpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, India chief coach Graham Reid has been working relentlessly with the Indian junior side, being coached by veteran BJ Kariappa.

In Arjuna awardee Prasad, the hosts will be led by someone who has already played the game at the highest level as he was part of the Olympic bronze-winning side.

Prasad will be assisted by star drag-flicker Sanjay as his deputy.

"Our team became the champions in 2016 and now our aim is to continue to perform in a similar manner," Prasad said.

Chief coach Reid said the opportunity to train along side senior side will certainly benefit the juniors.

"While we did not have overseas competition, the juniors played some practice games against the senior team in Bhubaneswar, which were quite valuable.

"Since arriving in Bhubaneswar, we have been getting used to the stadium. It's good that we are getting to train here before we start," Reid said.

India are placed in Pool B in the 16-team competition along side France, Canada and Poland and are overwhelming favourites to top the pool.

Pool A consists of European heavyweights Belgium, Malaysia, Chile and South Africa, while Netherlands, Spain, Korea and USA are in in Pool C.

Pool D will see Germany, Pakistan, Egypt and Argentina face off against each other.

The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarterfinals.

India are one of the tournament favourites along side Belgium, Germany and Netherlands, especially after the pull out of Australia and England due to COVID-related travel restrictions. Five countries have traditionally dominated the tournament with Germany being the most successful team with six titles, followed by India (twice).

Argentina, Australia and Pakistan have won the tournament once each.

Reid feels a mixture of "flexibility and flare" gives India the best opportunity to defend the title.

"We have chosen a group of 20 players, a team of 18, and two alternate players, who we believe give us the best chance of defending our title as Junior World Cup champions.

"It is a well-balanced side with a lot of flexibility and flare. The key to these guys performing on the big stage will be to trust in each other and trust in their preparation," the Australian said.

After France, India will play Canada and Poland on November 25 and 27 respectively.

All matches will be held inside a bio-bubble without spectators at the Kalinga Stadium.

In other matches on the opening day, Belgium will play South Africa, Malaysia will face Chile, Germany will take on Pakistan and Canada will lock horns against Poland.

Also Read : We will surprise whole world with our hockey: Pakistan junior team skipper Abdul

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Nov 13 (Sports news) Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, veteran woman cricketer Mithali Raj and history-making Paralympic stars shared the spotlight as an unprecedented 12 sportspersons were presented with India's highest sporting honour -- the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna -- by President Ram Nath Kovind here on Saturday.

In a glittering function organised at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan here, the President recognised the country's unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic performances.

The event became an in-person affair this time after going online the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The star attraction of the evening was Chopra, who received his Khel Ratna award amid thunderous applause from the select dignitaries present on the specially organised function.

Chopra was the first among the Khel Ratna awardees to receive the honour.

Besides the 23-year-old star, other recipients of the Khel Ratna recognition, were Olympic bronze-winning Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, Olympic silver-medallist wrestler Ravi Dahiya, Olympic bronze-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain and Mithali.

Sunil Chhetri became the first footballer to be bestowed the award, a well-deserved recognition for keeping pace with the likes of Lionel Messi in scoring international goals.

Paralympic gold-winners Avani Lekhara (Shooting), Sumit Antil (Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Badminton), Krishna Nagar (Badminton), Manish Narwal (Shooting) were also given the Khel Ratna.

Along with 12 Khel Ratnas, India this year has 35 Arjuna awardees. The long list this year was a result of the historic medal hauls at the Olympics (7) and Paralympics (19).

The event is traditionally held on August 29 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

The Khel Ratna award carries a cash prize purse of Rs 25 lakh, a medal a scroll of honour.

The Arjuna award carries a prize money of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue and a scroll of honour.

Present at Saturday's ceremony was sports minister Anurag Thakur along with a host of other dignitaries, including his predecessor Kiren Rijiju.

Also Read : My entire focus is on sports, biopic can wait until I win more medals: Neeraj Chopra

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New Delhi, Nov 13 (Hockey news) Members of the historic Olympic bronze medal winning Indian men's hockey team, including skipper Manpreet Singh and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, will join the ongoing national camp in Bhubaneswar on Sunday ahead of next month's Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka.

The national camp already began on November 10 sans the members of the bronze medal winning side.

Manpreet and Sreejesh will be conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award on Saturday here before they leave for the camp.

The other players who will join the camp on Sunday are Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Hardik Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Varun Kumar who were all conferred with the Arjuna award for their historic performance in Tokyo Olympics.

Vivek Sagar Prasad, who is also in New Delhi for the Arjuna award ceremony, will join the senior Camp after his campaign with the India junior team at the FIH men's Junior World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 24 to December 5.

The 30-member core probable group will camp in Bhubaneswar till December 9. The core group also includes Akashdeep Singh, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Jaskaran Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Raj Kumar Pal, Gursahibjit Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Mor, Ashis Kumar Topno and Suman Beck.

"It will be good to have the senior men's team train in Bhubaneswar as the weather here is almost similar to that of Dhaka. It will be great for the team to train in these conditions and get acclimatised.

"We will also be playing a few internal matches between the senior and the junior core probables that will surely help in our preparations for the Junior World Cup," chief coach Graham Reid said in a release. "The season next year will be busy for the senior squad with back-to-back major international tournaments and it will be great to kick off the year by defending the Asian Champions Trophy." The Asian Champions Trophy will be held from December 14 to 22 when defending champions India, Pakistan, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and hosts Bangladesh will vie for top honour.

Senior men's core group: Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh, Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera.

Defender: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Dipsan Tirkey, Mandeep Mor, Ashis Kumar Topno, Suman Beck.

Midfielder: Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Raj Kumar Pal.

Forward: Simranjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh.

Also Read : Here as relationship coach for junior team: Graham Reid

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The Khel Ratna award is the highest sporting honour in India and is given to a person for outstanding achievement in sports and when it comes to women's cricket there is no one who has achieved more than Mithali. She could become the first female cricketer to receive the award to add to the Arjuna award she received in 2003 and 2015 Padma Shri.

It was way back in 1999 when a 17-year-old Mithali Raj scored a hundred on her international debut. She was the youngest woman to score an international century till 16-year-old Irish batter Amy Hunter broke the record this very month. Since then Raj has gone on to become one of the best cricketers in the world. 

Her contribution to women's cricket in India is unparalleled. She has led India to two World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000 run mark in W-ODI matches. Raj also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs. In 2018 became the first player from India (man or woman) to reach 2000 runs in T20Is.

Also read: T20 World Cup preview: Sri Lanka take on Australia in match no 10

Now at the age of 38 with all this legacy behind her, Mithali Raj is still chasing her dream of winning a World Cup for her country. Raj will captain India in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand to try and win India it's first ever Women's World Cup. Mithali Raj has now retired from T20Is but continues to captain India in Test and ODIs.

For the longest time Mithali Raj along with teammate Jhulan Goswami were the only two well known cricketers in India. Now women's cricket has gained popularity in India and people follow and support the team. Mithali Raj has seen the transition up close from cricketers having to search for their own sponsors and gears to now BCCI coming into the picture so that players can concentrate on the game and not worry about other things. 

Other recommended athletes include Neeraj Chopra (Athletics),Ravi Dahiya (Wrestling), PR Sreejesh (Hockey), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sunil Chettri (Football), Mithali Raj (Cricket), Pramod Bhagat (Badminton), Sumit Antil (Athletics), Avani Lekhara (Shooting), Krishna Nagar (Badminton),Manish Narwal (Shooting).

New Delhi, Oct 27 (Sports news) Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who became only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, and silver medal-winning wrestler Ravi Dahiya were on Wednesday recommended for the Khel Ratna as an unprecedented 11 athletes were selected for the country's highest sporting honour.

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who won a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, seasoned hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and woman cricket Test skipper Mithali Raj were also recommended for the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna by the selection committee.

Iconic Sunil Chhetri also became the country's first footballer to be selected for the honour.

Last year, five athletes were picked for the award while four were selected after the 2016 Rio Games.

The announcement of the national sports awards was delayed in order to consider the performance of the para-athletes in the Tokyo Paralympics (August 24 to September 5).

Shooter Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal, javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shuttlers Pramod Bhagat and Krishna Nagar, who all have won a gold each in the Tokyo Paralympics, completed the list of those recommended for the Khel Ratna. The committee also picked 35 athletes for the Arjuna award, eight more than last year's number of awardees.

Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, para TT player Bhavina Patel, para shuttler Suhas Yathiraj and high jumper Nishad Kumar are among those selected for the Arjuna award.

Members of the men's hockey team that won a historic bronze in the Olympics will also receive Arjuna award.

Also Read : Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and other Tokyo Games participants felicitated by JSW Sports

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Oct 7 (Hockey news) Indian men's hockey team chief coach Graham Reid on Thursday steered clear of the controversy surrounding the FIH annual awards, saying the honour which he and his players received were a recognition of their sacrifices in the last one-and-half years.

India swept the International Hockey Federation's annual awards on Wednesday, claiming all the top honours based on a voting system which was lambasted as a "failure" by men's Olympic champions Belgium, prompting the FIH to say that it would try to figure why some associations did not cast their ballot.

Five Indian players and the head coaches of both the men's and women's teams in Tokyo claimed the top honours across different categories after fetching the maximum votes. The men's hockey team had won a bronze, its first in 41 years, in the Tokyo Olympics, while the women's side had finished an unprecedented fourth in the showpiece.

Asked about the controversy that erupted, the Australian said: "Look, as coaches and players we have nothing do with how things are chosen or the system. We just go out there and play to our best. It is a recognition of the work put by this team, including the support staff.

"There is a lot of work gone into this. I see this as a reflection of the sacrifices and work put in for the last 16-18 months by this team during lockdown. I haven't seen my kids for 2 years.

"It is great to get some recognition for the group and it is also a reflection of hockey in India. It is a great thing for world hockey." Harmanpreet Singh won the men's 'Player of the Year' award and Gurjit Kaur was recognised as the best player in the women's section. Veteran P R Sreejesh and Savita Punia won the best goalkeeper awards in the men's and women's section, while young striker Sharmila Devi (women) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (men) were adjudged best rising stars.

Reid also refused to be drawn into the debate whether India should have participated in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, only stating that next year's Asian Games hockey competition is of paramount importance to the country in terms of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"We have Asian Champions Trophy from 24th December. In new year, we start with the FIH Pro League and after that we have Asian Games which is important for our qualification for the next Olympics in Paris.

"Hopefully, we will have time to prepare for that and then we have the World Cup, it will be a big 16-18 months for us," he said.

The coach lauded the contributions of recently retired Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil, saying the trio had set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

He said pumping in young blood was the need of the hour for Indian hockey, keeping future tournaments in mind. "I think it is pretty normal after the Olympic Games. You have to look forward towards the youth, you need a good mixture of players and that is what we are tying to do, bring in youth along side experienced players.

"It was nice to see these three guys make the announcements and that's what is always to be celebrated. It is fantastic to see the accolades that they got," Reid said.

He said the longevity of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was a reflection of his ability to keep changing and getting better.

"That is what we are looking forward to. The message is to get better," the coach said.

Reid said with the Junior World Cup a month away, he will be working with the Indian youngsters in their preparations to defend the title.

"There is always pressure when you are the reigning champions. It is exciting to get this opportunity to see the young talent. They will get a lot of belief from how we performed in Tokyo.

"I am working with them since I got back from Tokyo. I am happy that Sreejesh was also involved. This group will form part of future." Reid said the bronze medal in Tokyo is a thing of the past now and the players need to refocus on their next goal.

"Keep your ego at the door, that's what I told the boys on the first day of camp after Tokyo. Sometimes we can get carried away by what we read about ourselves or written about you. It is the refocus part which is difficult." Veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh emphasised on the need to start afresh after Tokyo.

"After winning a medal, refocussing is really tough. Being a senior player it is a first experience how the world is treating us but this is the nature of sport and there are always new challenges.

"It is important to get the focus back. When we rejoin in November we can be more focussed for upcoming big events," he said.

Also Read : Hockey: India sweeps FIH annual awards; men's Olympic champion Belgium says this is not normal

News Source : PTI

Lausanne, Oct 6 (Hockey news) India swept the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) annual awards on Wednesday with five players and head coaches of both the men's and women's teams claiming the top honours across different categories.

After a historic bronze medal-winning feat for the Indian men's team as well as the outstanding performance of the women's team, which reached the last four in Tokyo, Indian athletes and coaches dominated the FIH Hockey Stars Awards 2020-21. Gurjit Kaur (Women) and Harmanpreet Singh (Men) fetched 'Player of the Year' honour in their respective categories.

Savita Punia (Best Goalkeeper, Women), PR Sreejesh (Best Goalkeeper, Men), Sharmila Devi (Best Rising Star, Women) and Vivek Prasad (Best Rising Star, Men) as well as the coaches of India's women's team Sjoerd Marijne and men's team chief coach Graham Reid also grabbed the highest number of votes to finish on top.

While Reid is still with the team, Marijne's tenure ended after the Tokyo Games.

Votes from National Associations -- represented by their respective national captains and coaches -- counted for 50 per cent of the overall result, while fans and players (25per cent) as well as media (25 percent) made the other half of the votes.

In all, 79 National Associations voted (Africa: 11 out of 25 Member Associations; Asia: 29 out of 33; Europe: 19 out of 42; Oceania: 3 out of 8; Pan America: 17 out of 30), said a statement from FIH.

"And with a record number of almost 300,000 fans casting their votes, fan participation in the FIH Hockey Stars Awards has been exceptional," it added.

Also Read : National hockey camp resumes, focus on future engagements

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Sep 28 (Sport news) India's history-making Olympians and Paralympians have joined hands in a health ministry initiative promoting safe celebrations to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming festival season.

The likes of Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and trail-blazer Paralympics gold-medallist shooter Avani Lekhara will remind citizens of the continued importance of observing COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) like maintaining hand hygiene, keeping six feet distance, wearing a mask, and vaccinating themselves if they are above 18 years of age.

"Khathinaaiyon ka samjhdhaari se saamna aur samaadhaan nikaalna humari zimmedaari hai (To resolve and face problems is our responsibility) …Sports aur Zindagi mein!" they ca be heard saying in a promotional video.

Other athletes who feature in the video to support the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare include Tokyo Olympics medal-winning wrestlers Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Bajrang Punia, fencer Bhavani Devi and goalkeeper of India's bronze-winning men's hockey team PR Sreejesh.

Besides Lekhara, other Tokyo Paralympics medal-winners who feature in the video are high-jumper Praveen Kumar, archer Harvinder Singh, discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, shuttler Manoj Sarkar and club throw finalist Ekta Bhyan.

"With the festival season beginning in India with aplomb, India's decorated Olympians and Paralympians have joined hands ... in a video that has been produced to support the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's efforts to inspire and promote safe celebrations during the festival period to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases," a release said.

"The video titled #TyoharonKeRangCABKeSang demonstrates hope against all adversity and features India’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes reminding their fellow citizens to not let their guard down during their celebrations and to celebrate festivals responsibly." The ministry said the country's Olympians and Paralympians embodied the very spirit of India by rising up to the challenge, against all odds to win medals.

"Through this video, the essence of their conquering spirit is captured, to encourage and inspire the 1.3 billion Indian citizens to similarly overcome COVID-19 by observing all COVID Appropriate protocols and urging others to celebrate #COVIDSafeFestivities.

"The inspiring video is a reminder to all Indians that nothing is impossible and that together we can overcome any of our adversities including the current pandemic." India won an unprecedented seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics, including the gold by Chopra in July-August. Later, the country's Paralympians scooped 19 medals, including five gold, in a record-breaking performance.

Also Read : World Women's Chess Championship: India beats Spain in round 2

News Source : PTI

Vijayanagar (Karnataka), Sep 12 (Sports news): Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was among a host of Tokyo Games participants who were felicitated by sports NGO, JSW Sports here.

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia (bronze) and Ravi Dahiya (silver) were also felicitated along with the men’s hockey team, which was represented by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, at a ceremony at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary on Saturday.

Mirabai Chanu (silver, weightlifting), Lovlina Borgohain (bronze, boxing) and PV Sindhu (bronze, badminton) couldn't attend the event.

Other eight Tokyo Games participants who trained at the IIS were also felicitated. They are Sreeshankar Murali (Long jumper), Sushila Devi (Judoka), Vikas Krishan Yadav (Boxer), Satish Kumar (Boxer), Ashish Kumar (Boxer), Annu Rani (Javelin thrower), Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase) and Seema Bisla (wrestler).

The athletes were presented Rs 2.5 crore in total as a goodwill gesture by JSW for bringing laurels to the country, a release said.

"I am sure my gold medal is just the start of global success that athletes from here are bound to achieve," Chopra said.

Also read: JSW Group announces cash rewards for all Tokyo Olympic medallist

News source: PTI 

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 9 (Olympic news) A Gulf-based Indian businessman on Monday announced Rs 1 crore cash award to hockey goalkeeper P R Sreejesh who emerged as one of the stars of the Indian men's hockey team's historic bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics.

"Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played a crucial role in helping the Indian hockey team secure bronze at the Olympics.

We acknowledge his contributions and are pleased to announce a cash reward of Rs. 1 crore for him", said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, in a tweet.

Also read: Indian men’s hockey team finishes with a heroic victory, wins medal after four decade drought

The Indian hockey team rewrote history in the Tokyo Olympics as it claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating a plucky Germany 5-4 to win the bronze in an edge- of-the-seat play-off match held on August 5.

Leading 5-4, India conceded a penalty corner six seconds from the final hooter, but Sreejesh and the defence once again came to the side's rescue.

News source:PTI

The Indian Men’s Hockey team winning the Bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics has restored belief and instilled hopes as it comes after 41 years. The last time the Hockey team won a medal was in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, if we look back it was when Prakash Padukone in Badminton became the first Indian to win the All England Championship, it was when Bjorn Borg won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and it was when the US led the boycott in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.


The Indian Hockey team made its debut in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics winning the gold and has participated in every Olympic Games except the 2008 Beijing as they failed to qualify for the first time. They have consecutively finished in the top three from the 1928 Olympics to the 1972 Munich Olympics. They have won Gold medals in the Olympics from 1928 to 1956, 1964 and the final one in 1980. They are the most successful Hockey team at the Olympics with a total of 8 Golds, 1 Silver and three Bronze medals.

They are the first medal winners for independent India at the Olympics, the game gave the world a sporting icon that is Major Dhyanchand known as the “Hockey Wizard” as he led India to three continuous Olympic Gold medals. In the 1936 Berlin Olympics it is said that Adolf Hitler was so awestruck by Dhyanchand that he was offered a German citizenship which he refused. His influence in the game is unmatched and is still one of the greatest sportsmen the world has seen. The game does not lack any legacy or legends as it is the sport which first gave us international fame and recognition. Players like Balbir Singh Dosanjh, Kunwar Digvijay Singh, Kishan Lal, Jaipal Singh Munda, Leslie Claudius, Udham Singh have brought us international accolades as well as Olympic trophies.

Also read:  Day 15: Bajrang Punia still hunting for a medal; Golfer Aditi Ashok inches closer towards podium finish

After the 1980 Moscow Olympics, it was the downfall of Indian Hockey as for almost 15 years they failed to make it big in the Olympics as well as the World Cups. They were on top in Asia but lost International dominance. They won Bronze medals in the 1986 Asian Games and the 1982 Champions Trophy. It was not until the late 90’s that they slowly started making a comeback as they won the 1998 Asian Games, they also won the inaugural  Men's Hockey Champions Challenge I by defeating South Africa in the Final.

But things started falling again as they failed to win a medal in the 2006 Asian Games for the first time, in 2007 they fell to their lowest ranking at 12 and did not qualify for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In the 2012 London Olympic games they finished last as they lost all their matches. They got back to their winning form when they won the bronze in the 2014-2015 Hockey World League and also won the 2016-2017 Asia cup. They were still unable to make a mark in the Olympics as they finished 8th in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

They have finally secured an Olympic medal in Tokyo as they will look to create more records in Hockey. They have the most victories as they have won 83 matches out of 134 in the Olympics. They also are the only team to win the Gold without conceding a single goal as they did in the 1928 and 1956 Olympics.

In the Tokyo Olympics they were placed in pool A alongside Australia and Argentina. They only lost to Australia in the 5 pool matches played. In the quarterfinals they defeated Great Britain and in the semifinals lost to eventual champions Belgium. In the Bronze medal playoff against Germany there was enormous pressure on the team as they were in desperate need of a victory which would end a long wait for a medal and provide a much needed morale boost to the team. The players held onto their nerves and bravely fought to win the Bronze medal. Harmanpreet Singh in his second Olympics finished as the leading scorer for his team as he finished with 6 Penalty corner goals and Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh also saved in the final moments of the game to confirm the victory for India. Captain Manpreet Singh the most experienced man on the squad will be honoured to have led a young side into one of the greatest moments in Indian olympic history. The victory resulted in another milestone for sports as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award has been renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and is quite fitting to the man who was truly “the magician” with a hockey stick.

The 91m turf will see more records broken, but before that it's important to savour this victory and rejoice as the country will welcome back all the heroes with pride in their hearts.

Tokyo, Aug 4 (Olympics news) A demoralising semifinal defeat behind it, the Indian men's hockey team would need an error-free performance from its defence to secure an Olympic medal after 41 years when it takes on Rio Games bronze-winner Germany in the third-fourth place play-off match here on Thursday.

World no.3 India played into the hands of world champions Belgium with their defence succumbing under relentless pressure from the Red Lions to concede a bulk of penalty corners throughout the match and lose 2-5 in the semifinals.

The Belgians played to their strengths as their focus was merely on earning penalty corners, especially with the likes of tournament's highest goal-scorer Alexander Hendrickx, who scored a hat-trick, and Loick Lupaert in their ranks.

Their ploy worked to perfection as put under pressure, the Indians lost their defensive shape and conceded as many as 14 penalty corners in the match, eight in the final quarter, to lose a bright chance to secure an Olympic medal after 41 years.

India's last of the eight Olympic golds came way back in 1980 Moscow Games.

But come Thursday, the Indian defence will have to pull up its socks and avoid repeating the same mistakes which it made against Belgium if they desire to stand on the podium here.

Despite having four world-class drag-flickers in its armoury in Rupinder Pal Sngh, vice captain Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas, the Indians have a poor penalty corner conversion record, utilising just one out of the five they secured against world no.1 Belgium on Tuesday.

The onus now is on the Indian defence and the likes of Harmanpreet, Rupinder, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas and star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will have to be on their toes to come out triumphant against the might of Germans.

The Indians also need to avoid unnecessary tackles in front of their circle with skipper Manpreet Singh being guilty of getting a card at the start of the fourth quarter, which resulted in three back-to-back penalty corners for Belgium, the last of which was converted by Hendrickx to shift the momentum of the match in their favour.

Going by rankings, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides as India are currently on third place and Germany on fourth.

But Germany would be a tough nut to crack for the Indians.

Having lost 1-3 against Australia in the semifinals here, the Germans would be determined to prove a point.

The clash between India and Germany would be a repeat of the bronze medal clash of the 2017 Hockey World League Finals. Back then, the Indians triumphed 2-1 against a vastly depleted German team.

Having failed to secure the gold medal here after two successive yellow metals in 2008 and 2012 Games, the Germans had to settle for a bronze in Rio 2016 and they would be determined to at least return with a podium finish from here.

Germany are the most successful hockey nation in the Olympics after India with four gold medals.

Striker Lukas Wendfeder is in great form, having scored scored six goals in the tournament so far.

The Indian defence is expected to have a busy outing on Thursday with the likes of Wendfeder, Florian Fuchs and Christopher Ruhr in the German side.

In the Olympics, both the sides have faced each other 11 times recording four wins each and three matches ending in draws.

Also read: History maker India women eye Argentina scalp to make maiden hockey Olympic final

Recently, India toured Germany in March this year during which they defeated the hosts 6-1 and drew a match 1-1.

India captain Manpreet Singh has already said that he is in no mood to dwell on the semifinal result.

"...now we need to focus on our next bronze-medal match and we need to work and we need to get the medal," Manpreet had said after the semifinal loss.

"At least we should win a bronze medal for the nation," he added.

In the men's hockey final, Australia will face Belgium later on Thursday.

News source: PTI

Tokyo, Aug 1 (Hockey news) The Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh on Sunday said his players "almost killed themselves" in their efforts to secure an Olympic semifinal berth after a gap of 49 years, heaping praise on their commitment during the 3-1 quarterfinal win over Great Britain here.

The skipper said self-belief was key to success as India made the last four round of the Olympics for the first time after the 1972 Munich Games.

"It was believing. Everyone believing in themselves and that was the key today, everyone gave their 100 per cent today and they were dying and almost killed themselves on the field," Manpreet said.

India's last of the eight Olympic gold medals came way back in 1980 Moscow Games but there were no semifinals in that edition as only six teams participated in the event.

For a country that gave the world stalwarts like Major Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Senior among others, it has been painful to watch the hockey teams' Olympic debacles before this edition.

In the Munich Games semifinals, India had lost 0-2 to arch-rivals Pakistan.

Elated with the outcome of Sunday's match, Manpreet cautioned his teammates against early celebrations, saying the "business hasn't finished yet." "We are so happy because after a long time we are reaching a semifinal. Still, the business hasn't finished yet. Still we have two more games so we need to focus, we need to have our feet on the ground and we need to focus on the next match," he said.

Also read: Indian men’s hockey team defeat Great Britain 3-1 to reach semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics

The eight-time former Olympic champions scored three field goals through Dilpreet Singh (7th minute), Gurjant Singh (16th) and Hardik Singh (57th) to seal the win.

Great Britain's lone goal was scored by Sam Ward from a penalty corner in the 45th minute.

India will take on world champions Belgium in the semifinal on Tuesday.

"Everyone played very well. We scored three outstanding goals, the strikers made a good opportunity and the whole team played really well." Experienced India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh pulled off some fine saves on Monday to play his part in the win, and Manpreet was full of praise for the stalwart.

"Unbelievable. You can see he (Sreejesh) always gives us life. That's why we call him 'The Wall'. It's always outstanding," he said.

Manpreet received a yellow card just six minutes from the final hooter for an unnecessary tackle, which not only gave Great Britain a penalty corner but reduced India to 10 men for five minutes.

Asked what was going on in his head after receiving the card, he said: "I was praying all of that time. I was closing my eyes and I believe in my team.

"I knew that my team would give me 100 per cent and they would save me today because I got the (yellow) card, but they gave their 100 per cent for me and I say thank you to all of my teammates." Sreejesh said there is plenty of room for improvements ahead of their last two crucial games in the Olympics.

"We need to take this match, definitely there is room to improve, but when it comes to semis, that's new for me. It's my third Olympics and that's new for me. That's an area where you can't commit any mistakes," he said.

Asked about his strong performance in front of the Indian goal, Sreejesh said: "That is my duty. I'm just doing my duty and being a senior-most player I know that every save gives these players more energy.

"You know that in these kind of intense matches the last quarter is going to be really tough for them, their legs are heavy, they are putting their 100 per cent, so one save gave them more energy to run harder," he said.

News source: PTI

Tokyo, Jul 31 (Olympics news) History beckons the Indian men's hockey team at the Olympics as the eight-time champions look to book a last four berth in the quadrennial sporting extravaganza after a hiatus of 41 years when they take on Great Britain in the quarterfinal here on Sunday.

With an unprecedented eight gold medals in its kitty, Indian hockey has a rich history at the Olympics with its last triumph coming way back in the 1980 Moscow Games.

Since then, Indian hockey has witnessed a downward slump as the past masters of the game registered its best finish -- a fifth place -- in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Having failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Games and finishing last in the 2016 Rio Olympics, hockey, as a sport, in the country went from bad to worse.

But the last five years witnessed a significant improvement in India's performances, which propelled them to the third place in the world rankings.

Since taking over the reigns of the side two years ago, Australian Graham Reid has brought a sense of self belief, bonding and confidence among the Indian players, which was lacking as they often used to wilt under pressure despite having the requisite skills to be world beaters.

Barring the 1-7 defeat against Australia, the Indians so far had a perfect Olympic campaign having registered four wins out of five matches to finish second in Pool A behind the Kookaburras.

Great Britain, on the other hand, finished third in Pool B with two wins, as many loses and one draw.

Beyond doubt, India's confidence should be on sky high having registered three consecutive wins after the demoralising defeat against Australia.

Going by rankings too, India should start as favourites against the world no.5 Great Britain.

The Indians have been impressive upfront, creating numerous scoring chancesso far in the Games but the forwardline being led by Mandeep Singh needs to get their act together.

Known for his quick reflexes inside the opposition circle, Mandeep, in particular, had turned out to be a disappointment so far but the likes of Simranjeet Singh and Gurjant Singh have tried to make up for him.

India's strong areas so far in the competition has been its midfield which comprises the likes of skipper Manpreet Singh and Nilkanata Sharma.

India would be hoping its biggest strength -- dragflickers Rupinder Pal Singh, vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Varun Kumar -- rise to the occasion.

But the most important area which remains a cause of concern for coach Reid is the team's backline being led by experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

While Sreejesh has lifted his game by leaps and bounds after conceding seven goals against Australia, the likes of veteran Birender Lakra, Rohidas, Harmanpreet and Rupinder need to to be at their toes against the British.

Also read: Vandana Katariya's hat-trick gives Indian women’s hockey team a chance at quarter-finals at the Tokyo Olympics

India's chief coach Reid too harped on the fact that the teams needs to raise its game inside the opposition circle going into business end of the tournament.

"...trying to get on the tempo that we are going to need on Sunday. Good to get a couple of field goals, created a lot of opportunities (against Japan), but I think we still need to get better at those outcomes in the circle," he had said after the team's last pool match.

Going by head-to-head record in the Olympics, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides.

India has played Great Britain eight times in the Olympics, winning four and losing as many games.

In terms of goals scored in the Olympics against their next opponents, India holds an edge having scored 18 and conceded 13.

News ource: PTI

Tokyo, Jul 28 (Olympics news) A resurgent Indian men's hockey team would look to seal a quarterfinal berth but defending champions Argentina won't be an easy challenge to overcome when the two sides clash in their penultimate pool match of the Olympics here on Thursday.

With two wins out of three games, world no.4 India are sitting pretty at the second spot in Pool A, which is being headed by the unbeaten Australians which boast of a perfect record till now from three games.

Argentina, currently ranked seventh in the world, are placed at the fourth spot with one win, a draw and a loss respectively.

After a hard-fought 3-2 win over New Zealand, the Indians, who are in pursuit of their first Olympic medal in more than four decades, were drubbed 1-7 by Australia before the eight-time champions bounced back to outplay Spain 3-0.

India's last of the eight Olympic golds came way back in 1980 Moscow Games.

The Los Leones, on the other hand, drew their first game 1-1 with Spain, won 2-1 against hosts Japan and lost 2-5 to Australia.

The 3-0 win over Spain has definitely raised the confidence level of the Manpreet Singh-led side, especially after the morale-shattering loss to Australia but according to India's chief coach Graham Reid, a lot of improvement is needed in every aspect of the game.

India conceded as many as eight penalty corners against Spain on Tuesday, a statistic which continues to worry the team's Australian coach.

"...but a lot of things to work on from an improvement perspective. The fact that we gave too many corners (against Spain), that's always a concern when that happens. But the team did really well in terms of defending," he had said.

Manpreet's men played high pressure hockey from the word go against Spain and it is something they would like to continue against an ageing Argentine defence.

Dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace against Spain -- one from a penalty stroke and the other from a penalty corner, while the other was from Simranjeet Singh's field effort.

The Indian defence led by experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who had a nightmarish outing against Australia, too had a good day, and they would like to continue the momentum going ahead in the competition.

Going by head-to-head records in recent times, India definitely has an edge over Argentina.

In the FIH Pro League double header earlier this year, India beat Argentina 3-2 in the shoot-out after the first game ended 2-2. They also registered a comfortable 3-0 win in the next game in Buenos Aires.

In the practice matches, which were part of Olympic preparation for both teams, the Indians registered a 4-3 win, 4-4 draw, 0-1 loss and 4-2 win respectively.

Also read: Belgium triumph in goal-fest against valiant South Africa in Tokyo

"No doubt, we had a successful Argentina tour, but that was in the past, and this is a totally different occasion. So, we can't take any teams lightly on a platform like the Olympics," India captain Manpreet said.

"It's going to be a good game, and I think we will just have to stick to our skills and just repeat all the things, we do in our practice sessions." Coach Reid feels his wards will have to play consistent hockey over the four quarters if they want to come out victorious against Argentina.

"We know each other pretty well, we played a lot of games with them in May. I am imagining that they will try different things, so we just need to make sure that we are ready for the unknown, which is always difficult," Reid said.

"We are looking forward to it, they are a tough team, so we need to be playing a lot much better. We need to play all four quarters like we played the first quarter against Spain," he added.

News source: PTI 

(Table tennis news) Olympic 2021 Live Update: The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 take place from Saturday 24 July to Friday 6 August 2021. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches.

Australia’s winning continued as they maintained their lead in Men’s Pool A with another powerful performance to see off the challenge of Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina, with India men also coming back from a defeat in the last game and now earning crucial three points while Japan and New Zealand could only draw. In Pool B, Germany put their title campaign back on track with a triumph over the previously unbeaten Great Britain. 

Men’s Pool A

Argentina 2-5 Australia

Australia continued their winning run in Tokyo with another massive win, defeating reigning Olympic champions Argentina 5-2 to take their Pool A points tally to a maximum nine from three matches. The Kookaburras have now cemented their place in the quarter-finals, and have scored a remarkable 17 goals.

Los Leones made a strong start, snatching a first quarter lead thanks to Jose Tolini’s fine penalty corner drag-flick. However, Australia soon not only caught up with them but also took a lead, with a double for Blake Govers his fourth and fifth of the competition complementing strikes from Tom Wickham and Lachlan Sharp as the world number ones opened up a comfortable 4-1 half time lead. Jeremy Hayward rattled home a fifth with a third quarter penalty corner, with Argentina’s Maico Casella netting a late consolation.

Commenting on being at the top of Pool A with a very healthy goal difference, Kookaburras’ attacker Govers said: "We've still got two games to go (in the pool stage) so we've got a lot of improvement to do and a lot to work on, so that's pleasing for us."

Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi said: "In the general balance we played two quarters really well but in the second quarter we made a lot of mistakes. We missed so quickly and so fast the ball and Australia created a lot of chances to score a lot of goals and of course the difference was too great to recover from."

On Wednesday 28 July, Australia take on Oceania rivals New Zealand, while Argentina who have four points will look to keep their quarter-final ambitions on track when they face India on Thursday.   

India 3-0 Spain

On a milestone day for Birendra Lakra (200 caps) and Amit Rohidas (100 caps), India recorded their second victory of the competition with a strong performance against Spain. It was a much needed response to their recent 7-1 defeat at the hands of Australia, bouncing back in style to remain on track for a quarter-final berth with six points.

India scored twice in the opening period with Simranjeet Singh scoring from open play before Rupinder Pal Singh guided home a penalty corner to put his team firmly in control. The eight times Olympic gold medallists had to wait until the fourth quarter for their third goal, with Rupinder Pal Singh scoring his second goal of the match from a penalty corner. 

Defeat keeps Spain outside of the top four places in the pool, something which they will need to improve in their final two pool matches if they are to progress into the knock-out phase of the competition. 

"Yesterday was a bad day and today we bounced back”, said India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. “That's most important because if you can forget the past match and bounce back to play a better game, that's most important for a game like at the Olympic Games..

Also read: Belgium and Britain sit on top in the Men’s field as the Aussies and the Dutch are in good form in the Women’s field

Japan 2-2 New Zealand

Hosts Japan scored two of the best goals yet seen in the men’s competition but it proved only enough for a solitary point, tying an competing encounter against New Zealand 2-2.  New Zealand finished the day sitting third in the standings, with the Samurais in fifth position.  

Koji Yamasaki put the hosts in front with a  run down the left before lifting the ball between Black Sticks goalkeeper Leon Hayward and his near post. New Zealand levelled thanks to Nick Wilson’s penalty corner follow up, but Kenta Tanaka’s unbelievable third quarter goal – running three quarters of the length of the field in possession before slotting home – restored Japan’s lead in the third period moments after New Zealand’s Kane Russell missed a penalty stroke. The Black Sticks were not to be denied a share of the spoils, however, with Sam Lane earning his team what might prove to be a valuable point with a deflected penalty corner drag-flick. 

"I'm a bit emotional at this moment because our team did very well and we couldn't bring it home”, said Japan head coach Siegfried Aikman. “We deserve so much more today and it's the third match in a row that we played so well and then we really want to go to the quarter-finals.”

Referring to Kenta Tanaka’s wonder-strike, New Zealand’s Blair Tarrant said: "We knew he can do that and he's good at doing that so it's really important we stop him early. It's pretty obvious looking at that clip now, looking at the video, we had to stop him far earlier than we tried to."

Men’s Pool B
 
Germany 5-1 Great Britain

A hat-trick from London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Florian Fuchs helped Germany to their second victory of the competition, inflicting a 5-1 defeat on the previously unbeaten Great Britain. The result leaves the three teams tied on six points at the top of Pool B, although both Germany and Great Britain have played one game more than Belgium, who are in action this evening.

Phil Roper put GB ahead early with a fierce strike from the top of the circle but Die Honamas restored parity seconds later with a diving penalty corner deflection. Christopher Rühr’s brilliant flick into the roof of the GB net put Germany ahead, and it was a lead that they would not surrender, with Justus Weigand and a late double from Fuchs completing a convincing victory.
 
After the game, GB head coach Danny Kerry said: "We simply weren’t at the races first half and were lucky to go in level. The second half was ironically more purposeful but a card against us killed the momentum and Germany capitalised. The step up in level from our previous matches was the lesson we needed. We will need to take that lesson.“
 
 

Highs:

1) India’s first medal at Tokyo Olympics, credits to weightlifter Mirabai Chanu

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu gave India its first medal at the Tokyo Olympics as she won silver in the 49 kg category. Despite failing to lift 89 kg successfully, Chanu lifted 84kg and 87 kg for the second spot.

With this accomplishment, Chanu ended India’s 21 year old wait for an Olympic medal in weightlifting and set a new record by improving on Karnam Malleswari’s bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.

2) India’s win against New Zealand hockey team

Eight time Olympic champions India defeated New Zealand 3-2 thanks to Harmanpreet Singh’s brace from penalty corners and Rupinder Singh’s penalty stroke conversion, to begin their Olympics campaign with a win.

Despite trailing due to Kane Russell’s opening goal, the Indian men’s hockey team showed true spirit and teamwork not just in attack but also in defense to ward off the New Zealand attempts. Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh displayed some fantastic saves to deny the Kiwi’s an opportunity for a late equalizer in a compact defensive performance.

India will now face Australia with rejuvenated confidence after this solid performance.

3) Table tennis Manika Batra and Sutirtha Mukherji’s separate wins in women’s singles Tennis

Indian table tennis player Sutirtha Mukherjee had a nail biting fight for the win against Sweden’s Linda Bergström wherein the former was losing 3 games to 1 and made a mindblowing comeback.

Batra cruised to victory with the score of 4-0. Manika, the top Indian Table Tennis player is ranked at 63 in the world, beat British paddler Tin Tin Ho.

4) Nagal’s win in men’s singles badminton

Sumit Nagal started off his Olympic Campaign with a win over Dennis Istomin at Tokyo. It's perfect for Indian tennis as he is the only Singles player from India in the Tokyo Olympics, although he joined in late and has impressed us with his win over the former world number 33. It was a 2 and half hour three setter and gave us our first victory in Singles since 25 years when Leander Paes won the Bronze at Atlanta in 1996. Nagal will next play Danii Medvedev and will need to play at his best to topple the Russian in the Second Round.

5) Indian duo Chirag Shetty/Satwiksairaj Rankireddy beating world no. 3 

Good news for India in the men’s doubles. Chinese Taipei Y Lee and CL Wang lost the match to Indian duo C Shetty and S Rankireddy. The teams each took a win in the first two games and then there was a close fight for the game that ended in 25-27 in favour of the Indian team. The Indians Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty stunned the World No. 3 Chinese Taipei's Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin in a spectacular display of strength.

Lows:

1) Indian women’s hockey team’s grim score against the Netherlands 

The Netherlands women’s hockey team beat the Indian Women 5-1 at Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch in Tokyo. The goal scoring started early as Felice Albers scored in the 6th minute but that was short lived as India’s Captain Rani Rampal scored the equaliser in the 10th minute. The second quarter did not see goals by either team.

The Indian team then went on to concede 4 consecutive goals to their opponent. There are more matches to come and they will come away stronger from this; we believe in them to do better.

2) Archers Pravin Jadhav, Deepika Kumari out of mixed doubles quarter finals

To say that South Korea have set the archery stage alight would be an understatement and the last minute pairing of Deepika Kumari and Pravin Jadhav were always going to be the underdogs against top seed Korean duo of An San and Kim Je Deok.

Playing together for the first time in an International event, Deepika and Jadhav lost 2-6 in a woefully inconsistent performance where World Number 1 Deepika failed to notch a single perfect 10 from eight arrows while Jadhav could not capitalize on the crucial fourth set by misfiring six despite getting three perfect 10s.

3) Judoka Sushila Devi defeated 

Indian Judoka Sushila Devi’s path to an Olympic medal was cut short when she lost her fight to  Hungarian Eva Csernoviczki, who qualified for Saturday's round of 16 match against Funa Tonaki of Japan. Sushila stood strong for the majority of the fight until she made a minor slip that proved costly for the Indian and cost her the contest.

Csernoviczki, a bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, pinned Sushila for a full 20 seconds to win the Ippon and the round of 32 match.

4) Saurabh Chaudhary disappoints after raising expectations; Elavenil Valarivan and Apurvi Chandela fail to qualify in shooting event

Saurabh Chaudhary, an Indian medal contender, could not repeat his qualifying performance and finished seventh in the men's 10m air pistol final at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. An hour after topping the qualifiers with a mind-blowing performance at the Asaka Range, the Indian ace shot 137.4 and was eliminated in seventh place.

Indian shooters Aprurvi Chandela and Elavenil Valarivan endured a difficult start in their Tokyo Olympics campaign after failing to qualify for the finals of women’s 10m air rifle. Despite being world number 1, Elavenil finished 16th in the qualifications after shooting 626.5 over six series of 10 shots each in her debut Olympics while the more experienced Apurvi finished 36th after shooting 621.9 at the Asaka range.

5) Badminton player Sai Praneeth loses to lower ranked Zilberman

India's B Sai Praneeth suffered a demoralising straight-game defeat against lower ranked opponent. In a 40-minute encounter, Israel’s Misha Zilberman won 21-17, 21-15. The Indian badminton team is off to a tough start, having lost their first group stage match in men's singles.

Praneeth, who won bronze at the 2019 World Championships and is now ranked 15th, was too irregular in a 41-minute match against world number 47 Zilberman.

6) Indian boxer Vikas ousted from Olympics

Vikash Krishnan has lost his first match to Okazawa Sewonrets Quincy Mensah of Japan in the Men’s Welter 63-69kg Boxing at the Tokyo Olympics. He lost 5-0, at the end of the second round he started bleeding from his right eye and needed treatment. The Indian team will have to wait a little longer for an Olympic medal as there are few others who will fight it out for a podium finish.

7) Indian paddlers duo Manika Batra and Sharath Kamal out of the running for TT mixed doubles

In a game that lasted only 27 minutes, Indian paddlers Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra were knocked out by Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-ju and Cheng I-Ching in straight games 8-11, 6-11, 5-11, 4-11.

The 12th seed pairing of Sharath and Manika could not handle 19 year old Lin Yun-ju’s forehand and backhand topspin drives as the Chinese Taipei duo didn’t allow them to play their game. Despite leading the first two games 5-1 in the first game, Lin and Ching eased past Sharath and Manika with eight consecutive points.

Also read: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu becomes first Indian to receive medal at the Tokyo Olympics

(Hockey news) Olympic 2021 Live Update: Eight time Olympic champions India defeated New Zealand 3-2 thanks to Harmanpreet Singh’s brace from penalty corners and Rupinder Singh’s penalty stroke conversion, to begin their Olympics campaign with a win.

Despite trailing due to Kane Russell’s opening goal, the Indian men’s hockey team showed true spirit and teamwork not just in attack but also in defense to ward off the New Zealand attempts. Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh displayed some fantastic saves to deny the Kiwi’s an opportunity for a late equalizer in a compact defensive performance.

The nail biting finish was made even more tense when New Zealand, who trailed by two goals pulled one back with Stephen Jenness who capitalized on a lapse in concentration by the Indian defense. Despite a late scare, the Indians displayed their nerves of steel amidst the heat and humidity to seal a win.

India will now face Australia with rejuvenated confidence after this solid performance.

Also read: We can break toughest defences with good communication: Hockey striker Mandeep

New Delhi, Jun 26 Veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and former women's team player Deepika were on Saturday nominated by Hockey India for this year's prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Besides the duo, vice-captain of India's Tokyo Olympics-bound men's team Harmanpreet Singh and women's team members Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur were nominated for the Arjuna awards.

The national federation also nominated RP Singh and Ch Sanggai Ibemhal for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, while coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar were recommended for the Dronacharya Award.

According to a statement issued by HI, the period of consideration for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020.

During that period, the 35-year-old Sreejesh, who will be playing in his third Olympics and probably last, has played a key role in India's silver medal win at the 2018 Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games and gold at the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.

Sreejesh has received the Arjuna award in 2015 and the prestigious Padma Shri recognition in 2017.

Deepika, on the other hand, was a vital part of the Indian women's hockey team, which won the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

Dragflick sensation Harmanpreet has over 100 international caps while Vandana has over 200 international caps. Navjot boasts of over 150 international appearences.

Speaking about the recommendations for the National Sports Awards, HI president Gyanendro Ningombam said, "It was a very proud moment for all of us when Rani won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award last year and it is with great pride that we are recommending two of the finest hockey players the country has seen -- PR Sreejesh and Deepika -- for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year.

"We are also happy to nominate Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur for the Arjuna Awards. They have produced some exceptional performances for the Indian team in the last few years." The National Sports Awards are given to the country's sportsperons by the President of India on the occasion of National Sports Day on August 29 every year to celebrate hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birthday.

All the prizes carry a trophy along with a citation and cash rewards. News source PTI

Bengaluru, Jun 25 Heading into what is set to be his last Olympics, Indian men's hockey team's inspirational goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's "contagious confidence" will be helpful for the side's 10 newcomers, head coach Graham Reid said on Friday.

The 36-year-old, who made his Olympic debut in London 2012, and led at Rio five years ago when they made a quarterfinal exit losing to Belgium, would be aiming to inspire the side once again in Tokyo next month.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in shootouts. And he brings with him a confidence that is contagious. He has a contagious confidence," Reid said in a virtual media interaction from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) camp here.

"What he does bring to the team is a uniqueness. Sometimes, it's hard to explain but he certainly brings the group up if things aren't going particularly well, he has that experience. The whole world knows him." "We constantly are talking with him about being able to communicate in the best manner possible and that's what he does," the Aussie said in his glowing praise for Sreejesh.

Sreejesh is the lone goalkeeper in a 16-member squad with Krishan Pathak inreserves, but Reid said he's also keeping two more guys ready in case of an injury.

"We are now training a couple of guys. I really do not want to let you know who I'm training for that but we have had them in the last week or so, in their pads.

"Heaven forbid that something like that needs to happen, we will also be taking a separate set of goalkeeping pads for them if that was to happen.

"But it would need to be a very, very serious injury for someone like Sreejesh for not to finish out a game in the goals. We have to have those what-if scenarios in place, which we do." The Indian team will have 10 members, who will make their Olympic debuts.

Only five players from the Rio Olympics have been retained, with Sreejesh and captain Manpreet Singh playing their third Olympics.

Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh and Surender Kumar are the other three and there are some surprise omissions in S V Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh.

Birendra Lakra, who missed Rio due to a knee injury and surgery, is making a comeback.

Reid said the extra one year for the Olympics meant that many more youngsters came through.

"If you look at the group as a whole, a lot of them have played in the Junior World Cup and have won that. We have some very good junior players that have come through. They have progressed very well in the last 24 months.

"For example, Australia has nine debutants. Five years is a long time between Olympics normally instead of four," he said.

On the surprise exclusions, Reid said: "I don't like to comment on any specific selection but in a broader answer, it was got to do with the flexibility of the side to play across multiple lines in the heat and humidity of Tokyo." India will open their Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 24.

The team is placed in Pool A along with Olympic champions Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and hosts Japan. News source PTI

Bengaluru, Jun 25 He has been a 'keeper' of Indian hockey team's fortunes on innumerable occasions and PR Sreejesh mere presence under the bar is a confidence booster, feels skipper Manpreet Singh.

The Indian hockey team are being considered as serious medal contenders and one of the prime reason for that is the flamboyant Kerala custodian's presence.

"He (Sreejesh) keeps motivating me...he gives me confidence and also to the team. In fact, we all have the confidence that we have Sreejesh in goal," Manpreet said during the virtual media interaction of the Tokyo bound squad.

While COVID-19 did rob them off quality game time in the last one year save a tour of Argentina, Manpreet feels that the core squad being same for years is an advantage going into their biggest event.

"Actually, in the last three-four years, we have had the same team. The strikers are experienced. They have been doing well, that's why they have been picked. Our striker line will play an important role and score goals." For Manpreet, it is his third Olympics and for many others, it's the second tie at the quadrennial extravaganza that has enabled the team to gell so well.

"It is my third Olympics. A great honour when you are representing your country at the Olympics. Also I am really excited, as a captain. We have an experienced side with likes of Harmanpreet (Singh), Birendra Lakra, Rupinderpal, etc..We are all excited for the Olympics," he added.

The Covid-19 enforced break didn't dampen their spirits even though the Olympics was postponed last year.

"Our performances in the last few years have been good. At the beginning of 2020 we were playing well, we beat good teams. Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, there was a lockdown and we were in Bengaluru.

"We were training (in Bengaluru) and the Olympics got cancelled. We decided that we have to take it positively. How to work on our game and keep improving...," Manpreet said.

Birendra Lakra, who missed out on the Rio Olympics, was excited about the upcoming Tokyo Games and is very happy with the kind of camaraderie that the team shared.

"Yeah..I missed the last Olympics due to an injury. I was given a chance in six-nation tournament in Spain ahead of the Rio (Olympics) but I was not as fit as I should have been.

"After that I did worked hard to make a comeback. From the coaching staff to teammates, everyone helped me. They ensured that I do not feel left alone. It took time for me to work my way back." Being one of the vice-captains, other being Harmanpreet Singh, Lakra is ready to shoulder additional responsibility as a senior player.

"There is a lot of responsibility. Senior players are there... there are experienced players also. In the last Olympics also, the team's performance was good. You would have seen in the last one year and more, the (team's) performances have been good.

"Due to COVID there was disturbance, however, we have trained in Bengaluru. Players have kept themselves motivated though we have not been able to play many matches due to the Covid restrictions," he added.

Defender Harmanpreet, who will be featuring in his second Olympics, said there would be greater responsibility now as deputy to Manpreet, adding that he had learnt a lot and the understanding was better.

"In 2016, there was not much pressure because I was a young player. There were experienced players...I learnt from them.Now, I am experienced, there are responsibilities now and the understanding is better." To a question on the possible advantage Asian teams could have in Tokyo with regard to weather conditions, he said the team was training keeping that in mind.

"We are practising in the afternoons. We are training keeping in mind the weather conditions and the intensity needed." News source PTI 

Bengaluru, Jun 18 India on Friday name 10 Olympic debutants in its 16-member men's hockey squad, which also features seasoned performers like PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh, for the Tokyo Games next month.

The experienced Olympic campaigners include goalkeeper Sreejesh, midfielder Manpreet, defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh and Surender Kumar and forward Mandeep Singh.

Veteran defender Birendra Lakra , who missed the 2016 Rio Games due to a knee injury, has also been named in the side.

The Sqaud: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit Forwards: Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh. News source PTI

Bengaluru, Jun 8 The Indian men's hockey team has progressed immensely in the last few years and would settle for nothing less than a podium finish at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak said on Tuesday.

Pathak strongly believes the Tokyo Games are India's best opportunity to break their four decade-long medal drought at the Olympics. India have won eight gold medals in the past but their last top finish came way back in 1980 Moscow Olympics.

"We have played really well against the top teams in the last few years. We have shown our mettle in the FIH Hockey Pro League as well. All the players are very confident about their games and are very determined to make history for India.

"We have progressed well as a team and the time has come for us to apply our skills to the best of our abilities and execute our plans properly. We are aiming for nothing short of a medal and we believe we can win a medal at the Olympics this year," Pathak said in a Hockey India release.

The 24-year-old Pathak, who has secured his place as India's second custodian behind the experienced PR Sreejesh, said coordination between a goalkeeper and defenders is key to a strong and solid backline.

"There might be only one goalkeeper on the pitch, but he is definitely not alone. I keep speaking to the defenders about their plans and ensure that I am in sync with them.

"If I can coordinate well with the defenders, then we will definitely have a strong defence line and make sure that we don't concede any easy goal," he said.

Talking about India's preparation for the Games to be held from July 23 till August 8, Pathak said they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit for a podium finish. "The Olympics is not very far away and so we are all putting in everything we have in every practice session. The coaches have devised high-intensity practice sessions for us.

"We have been playing well as a group for a few years and we want to make sure that we play to our full potential at the quadrennial Games. It's going to be a big challenge for us, but we are definitely up for it," added the goalkeeper, who has played 50 matches for the country so far. New source PTI

New Delhi, Apr 29 The seasoned PR Sreejesh led the way as the Olympic-bound Indian hockey teams on Thursday received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines in Bengaluru.

"I got my first shot covid-19 vaccine," Sreejesh, the men's team number one goalkeeper who has also led the team in the past, tweeted.

He was administered the covishield vaccine.

The players are currently undergoing a training camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru.

All athletes bound for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics are supposed to be vaccinated on priority.

Recently, seven members of the Indian women's hockey team, including captain Rani Rampal, and two support staff members tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of a training camp here.

The players and support staff were asymptomatic and were placed under observation at the SAI centre.

Besides Rampal, the others who have been infected are Savita Punia, Sharmila Devi, Rajani, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Sushila.

The two support staff members who have tested positive are video analyst Amrutaprakash and scientific advisor Wayne Lombard.

The men's national team this year made successful tours of Europe and Argentina, where they dominated the reigning Olympic champions during their Pro League matches as well as the practice games.

The women's core group returned to the national camp last Sunday to restart the preparations for the Tokyo Games after a 10-day break.

The 25-member women's Olympic core group underwent mandatory quarantine before the commencement of training.

In January, the team toured Argentina where it played seven matches.

During its tour of Germany in February-March, the Indian women's team lost all its four matches against the world number three hosts. News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Apr 20 The Indian men's hockey team chief coach Graham Reid on Tuesday said the recent tour to Argentina has been extremely beneficial as it provided him an opportunity to access the level of his side with three months remaining for the Tokyo Olympics. India beat Argentina in both their FIH Pro League fixtures and also registered victories in two out of the four practice matches against the reigning Olympic champions. "These matches in Argentina were extremely important for us to access the level we are at with lesser than 100 days to go for the Tokyo Olympic Games. "We also managed to get a few practice sessions in Buenos Aires and we are really grateful to the CAH (Confederación Argentina de Hockey) for their hospitality," said Reid after the hockey core group returned to the national camp here on Tuesday. The postponed Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to begin on July 23. After completing their mandatory quarantine, the 22-member squad will join the remaining 11 members of the core probable group who remained in SAI, Bengaluru while the Indian team toured Argentina. "After all the necessary protocols after our arrival, we will continue with our training with specific focus on the areas we feel can improve basis our performance in Argentina," Reid added. The 33-member core probable group: PR Sreejesh, Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Gurinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Jaskaran Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh and Gurjant Singh. News source: PTI

Buenos Aires, Apr 7 (PTI) The Indian men's hockey team made a positive start to its tour of Argentina, beating the reigning Olympic champions 4-3 in the first practice match here. Nilakanta Sharma (16th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (28th), Rupinder Pal Singh (33rd) and Varun Kumar (47th) were the goal scorers for India late on Tuesday night. Dragflicker Leandro Tolini (35th, 53rd) and Maico Casella (41st) scored for the home team. Both teams were slow to get off the blocks in the first quarter, but it was India who picked up pace in the second quarter. Shilanand Lakra was the creator of India's first goal as his immaculate assist found Nilakanta inside the circle and the striker put the ball past Argentina's goalkeeper to hand the visitors lead. India, thereafter, pushed the hosts on the backfoot with persistent attacks. Argentina replied to India's aggressive show by securing a penalty corner soon but experienced custodian PR Sreejesh made a brilliant save to keep the hosts at bay. Dilpreet Singh then earned India a penalty corner in the 28th minute and Harmanpreet made no mistake to hand his team a 2-0 lead with a powerful strike. Argentina made a strong comeback in the third quarter as they scored in the 32nd minute via Tolini, who was spot on while converting a penalty corner. But India were quick to respond as they won a set piece in the 33rd minute through Jaskaran Singh and this time the seasoned Rupinder was bang on target to give a the tourists a 3-1 lead. Argentina, however, reduced the margin again with another goal in the 42nd minute through Casella. Soon after the Argentines earned another penalty corner but young India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak came to his side's rescue. India put up a resolute fight to maintain their lead in the final quarter. In the 47th minute, Dilpreet earned another penalty corner for India and this time Varun, who has returned to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury, sent the ball crashing into the Argentina net. Though Argentina pulled another back in the 53rd minute through Tolini, the visiting team put up a spirited defence to end the game in its favour. India will play their second practice match against Olympic champions Argentina on Wednesday. The Indian team is scheduled to play six matches against Argentina during its 16-day tour including the double-header FIH Hockey Pro league matches on April 11 and 12.

New Delhi, Jan 2 (PTI) After a three-week break, a 33-member Indian men's hockey core probable group, including skipper Manpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, will return to the national camp scheduled to begin in Bengaluru from Tuesday. The camp will take place at the Sports Authority of India campus and the core group will undergo a mandatory quarantine period before re-starting training as per SAI and Hockey India SOPs. "I expect the players to return feeling fresh both mentally and physically after this three-week break," chief coach Graham Reid was quoted as saying in a Hockey India release. "In our previous National Camp, we hit desirable numbers in various parameters including the Yo-Yo Test. Our aim will be to up the ante in the current camp and be prepared for forthcoming competition." The Indian men's hockey team had been training from August to December 12 last year. While the Indian women's team will head to Argentina to play an eight-match series against the hosts this month, HI has been in talks with different nations to organise a tour for the men's side as well. The Indian men's team played its last international match against Australia on February 22 last year at the FIH Hockey Pro League. Core Probable List: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Krishan B Pathak,Suraj Karkera Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess. Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Jaskaran Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad. Forwards: SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Ramandeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Gurjant Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilanand Lakra.