Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.
Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.
Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, renowned for his extensive coverage of hockey, has passed away at the age of 85 after battling age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his distinguished career.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has replaced head coach Colin Batch with Manzoor ul Hasan, a move that has surprised players ahead of the FIH Pro Nations League and the World Cup.
Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.
Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has written to the Sports Ministry, SAI, and IOA, alleging institutional protection of sexual harassment and intimidation of women athletes within the sport. She claims she faced threats and a smear campaign after raising concerns about an individual, Sudhir Gola, and has accused Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh of threatening her. Singh denies the allegations, linking them to upcoming elections, while Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has acknowledged Lakra's concerns and promised an amicable resolution.
Former India women's hockey team captain Asunta Lakra has challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denied all allegations as 'false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory' and is seeking full disclosure of documents before providing a detailed reply.
Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has formally challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denies all allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory," and highlights issues with the committee's constitution and the incomplete documentation provided. This challenge comes amidst a broader context of sexual harassment allegations in Jharkhand hockey and institutional intimidation claims.
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.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has requested the Sports Ministry to form an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by Asunta Lakra, citing impartiality concerns if an internal probe is conducted due to the involvement of a federation office-bearer.
For the first time since 1998, no Indian umpire or technical official will be present at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, a situation that has left former international officials disappointed and calling for a structured pathway to develop and support Indian officiating talent.
The recent Hockey Jharkhand elections have been embroiled in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former India women's captain Asunta Lakra against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an inquiry panel to investigate these serious claims, while Bhola Nath Singh denies all allegations.
The Indian women's U18 hockey team secured the bronze medal at the Asia Cup, defeating Korea 3-0.
The state-run Pakistan Sports Board is only funding a fraction of the country's 248-member Asian Games contingent, with many athletes and officials relying on federations, the POA, or self-financing. The Pakistan Olympic Association secretary, Khalid Mahmood, confirmed that self-funded medal winners would be compensated and highlighted Pakistan's medal hopes across various disciplines.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
The Pakistan hockey team faced a severe accommodation crisis in Canberra after their hotel bookings were cancelled due to the Pakistan Hockey Federation's failure to pay the bill. Players were left stranded and forced to find alternative solutions.
The Pakistan government has revoked the two-year ban imposed on national hockey team skipper Ammad Shakeel Butt by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), deeming the ban illegal and unconstitutional. This decision follows Butt's criticism of the PHF's mismanagement during the recent Australia tour, which led to logistical nightmares for the team.
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.
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 has appointed Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive international coaching experience, including multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.
Frederic Soyez, a decorated Frenchman, has been appointed as the chief coach of the Indian national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive experience, including coaching at multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.
A pay dispute hit Pakistan hockey as some senior players threatened to boycott the men's FIH Pro League second phase in February.
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.
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.
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.
Pakistan has pulled out of the Junior Hockey World Cup to be held in India in November-December.
Hockey India has called an urgent executive board meeting to address a series of sexual harassment, misconduct, and indiscipline cases, considering stringent actions including life bans.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams discover their opponents for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Australian Colin Batch as the new head coach of the national side ahead of this year's FIH men's World Cup.
Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, renowned for his hockey coverage, has died at the age of 85 after battling age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his career.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian talent, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected the claims.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian coaches, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims.
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.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.
The OCA has asked India and other national Olympic bodies not to seek late additions to their Asian Games contingents as Japan struggles to accommodate more than 15,000 participants.
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.
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 Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), in its first major overhaul after the 2012 London Olympics disaster, has dissolved the selection committee and named former chief selector Hanif Khan as the national coach, replacing Khwaja Junaid.
