Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced initiatives to promote sports as an instrument of social change, including distributing sporting kits in Maoist-affected villages and unveiling the slogan "Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha". He highlighted the state's growing world-class sports infrastructure, including new stadiums and regional hubs, and its upcoming role as host for the 2028 Asian and World Athletics Indoor Championships. Awards were also conferred on various sports personalities.
Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar met with Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao to discuss the development of sports in Mizoram, with a focus on reviving hockey and expanding training facilities.
India's men's Under-18 hockey team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup title, with Ashish Purti scoring a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha also scored, while Hockey India announced cash awards for the gold-winning men's team and the bronze-winning women's U-18 team.
India's U-18 women's hockey team started their Asia Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Malaysia, thanks to a brace from Nousheen Naz.
Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.
Salima Tete will lead the Indian women's hockey team in their upcoming tour of Australia, with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas receiving their first senior team call-ups.
Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has called for a complete 60-minute performance from his squad in their "do-or-die" FIH World Cup match against Olympic champions Netherlands. Both Harmanpreet and coach Craig Fulton believe India can upset the hosts by playing smartly, maintaining impeccable defense, and capitalising on their underdog status.
P R Sreejesh's tenure as India's junior men's hockey coach ended after 17 months, sparking controversy over the reasons for his departure and the appointment of a foreign coach.
Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia believes their recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to challenge top teams and secure a podium finish at the upcoming World Cup.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has implemented a stringent Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The code prohibits inappropriate relationships, degrading language, and harassment, with violations leading to severe penalties including suspension. It also addresses social media use and places special emphasis on protecting minor athletes.
Quimcy Dsouza, a former Maharashtra footballer, made an unconventional journey to the Asian Games teqball semifinals after discovering the sport through Ronaldinho. Despite a defeat, she expressed pride in her performance and her role in pioneering teqball in India, highlighting the challenges of limited funding and her dedication to growing the sport.
Pakistan's men's hockey team, led by Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, is preparing to face India in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Butt acknowledges India's strength but asserts Pakistan's readiness for a tough competition, focusing on rectifying past mistakes and enhancing key areas like attack and fitness.
The Indian women's hockey team will tour Australia for a four-match series from May 21 to June 3 as part of its preparations for next month's Nation's Cup in New Zealand, which is a pathway to the elite FIH Pro League.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has dismissed concerns about organisational chaos at the Asian Games, attributing criticisms to attempts to "politicise" the event. Despite widespread issues like accommodation scarcity, lengthy check-ins, and athlete complaints, OCA officials insist challenges are normal and are being handled effectively. They also addressed a diplomatic complaint from South Korea regarding a historical figure at a welcome ceremony and defended cost-saving measures like container-style accommodation.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said P R Sreejesh had been offered the role of coach for the development team but he had refused to take up the role.
The Indian men's hockey team secured a 4-1 victory against Korea in their third Pool A match of the U-18 Asia Cup, with Ketan Kushwaha scoring twice.
The Sports Ministry wants Hockey India to pick its best teams for the Asian Games, sparking debate about managing player burnout with the World Cup also on the horizon.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong "anguish" over the Indian hockey team's decision to change its traditional blue jersey to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup. Patnaik, whose state government previously sponsored the team, criticised the move as "petty politics" and an attempt to erase sporting legacy, alleging pressure from the BJP government in Odisha. Hockey India stated the saffron colour symbolises courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings, inspired by the national flag.
The Indian women's hockey team's goalkeepers attended a special camp led by Ireland's David Williamson, focusing on technical skills and tactical awareness in preparation for upcoming international tournaments.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games, urging them to perform under pressure and continue the nation's impressive medal growth. He highlighted India's significant increase in medal tally from 2014 to 2023, attributing it to an improved sports ecosystem, and expressed confidence in the 503-member squad's potential.
Karnataka's Mohith HS, an accidental goalkeeper, is set to represent India at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The 24-year-old, who impressed in the FIH Pro League, will join Suraj Karkera as one of the team's custodians. Mohith's journey began by chance in school, evolving into a promising career that saw him play in the Junior World Cup and now the senior national team, driven by a dream to win for India.
The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.
India's Under-18 boys and girls hockey teams, mentored by Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, are set to compete in the Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after intensive training and exposure matches.
Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that the new orange-coloured jersey for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is a 'team strategy' and a 'tactic' to avoid clashes with the blue Astroturf, a decision that has sparked controversy.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has appointed Prashant Singh, a former Khelo India Scheme official with over a decade of experience, as the Regional Director for its Gandhinagar centre. He will also oversee operations across Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a focus on developing Para Sports.
Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has advised the current national team to manage World Cup pressure by trusting their preparation and enjoying the occasion. He expressed optimism about India's chances, aiming for a top-four finish in the upcoming FIH World Cup.
India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.
The Indian men's U-18 hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match, earning a spot in the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, leading a strong offensive performance.
Hockey India will conduct a short camp in Bengaluru for the national women's team ahead of its tour of Australia, as part of preparations for the FIH Nations Cup and other major tournaments.
Olympic hockey medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal has passed away at the age of 84 after suffering a heart attack. He was a member of the Indian team that won bronze at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
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The Indian women's hockey team concluded their four-match friendly series against Australia with a 2-2 draw, losing the final match 2-3 after initially leading 2-0. Despite the loss, the tour provided valuable preparation for upcoming tournaments, including the FIH Nations Cup and the World Cup.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has invited Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander to help strengthen hockey in the state, particularly ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. Mann emphasised the government's commitment to restoring the sport's glory and highlighted Punjab's rich hockey legacy.
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
Indian women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasises the importance of discipline for consistent performance in upcoming tournaments, following an impressive outing against Argentina. The team is preparing for the FIH Nation's Cup in New Zealand and the Asian Games.
The Indian Under-18 women's hockey team was defeated by China in a penalty shootout during the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asian Championships, ending their bid for a gold medal. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, India lost 1-3 in the shootout and will now compete for the bronze medal.
India faces a tough challenge against world No. 3 England in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India, coming off a win against Wales, needs to improve its open play finishing and overcome a 32-year World Cup jinx against England. The outcome will significantly impact their path to the knockout stages.
The Indian U-18 men's hockey team secured a decisive 6-3 victory against Australia in the third match of their series, levelling the score at 1-1. India's strong first-half performance and solid defence secured the win, despite Australia's attempted comeback.
The India U18 men's hockey team played out a 3-3 draw against Australia in the final match of their four-match series, resulting in a 1-1 series draw. Both the men's and women's U18 teams faced off against Australia in Bhopal.
Hockey India has announced the Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia, which will be held in Bhopal from May 15 to 20. The series is a crucial part of the teams' preparations for the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan.
