Chief coach Roelant Oltmans says the performance of the team is always getting better and it is important that the level remains consistent.
India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men''s Asia Cup final
Former India basketball captain and Olympian Jennifer Paes, mother of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 72.
Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed strong frustration over India's poor performance at the FIH World Cup, criticising the team's 'underwhelming showing' and demanding accountability. He questioned the 'learning experience' narrative and highlighted issues in both men's and women's team management, urging a focus on winning rather than just playing good hockey.
The funds will be used to provide basic necessities for patients at various locations, migrant workers and slum dwellers.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.
P R Sreejesh turns 'Mallu Singh' and has team-mates and fans in splits.
Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.
Suresh Raina said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the national squad the reward of hard work, discipline and consistent performances in domestic cricket.
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.
India's Asian Games campaign looked bleak in Nagoya. A slow medal start saw the country slip to around 12th, before a late surge took India back to fourth with 85 medals.
Five-time champions India, fresh off a dominant win against Bangladesh, are set to face a youthful and unfamiliar Chinese side in their second Asian Champions Trophy round-robin match on Thursday. Coach Craig Fulton acknowledges the challenge of playing an unknown opponent, while veteran striker Mandeep Singh's hat-trick against Bangladesh signals his return to form.
India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.
India's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, secured a dramatic 4-3 semifinal victory against Pakistan at the Asian Games, despite squandering a 3-0 lead and facing disciplinary issues. Harmanpreet emphasized the need for composure and avoiding silly mistakes against strong opponents, while Manpreet Singh highlighted the coach's advice to focus on the game, not the occasion. The team acknowledged defensive vulnerabilities but remained confident for the final.
Indian athletes are set for a busy day at the Asian Games on October 2, with events across archery, boxing, canoe slalom, cycling, golf, hockey, rugby sevens, sailing, sepak takraw, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling. Key medal events include finals in boxing featuring Lovlina Borgohain and Parveen Hooda, and the women's hockey final against China.
The Indian hockey team will miss the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics amid speculation that the kit did not fit some of the players ahead of the parade to take place at the Maracana Stadium.
The Bharat Chettri led Indian hockey squad was felicitated in Pune on Monday for booking a berth at the upcoming London Olympics from the qualifier that was held in Delhi in February. Each team member, including the support and administrative staff, was presented the latest I-phone 4S, a shawl and bouquet by Emcure Pharmaceuticals' CEO Satish Mehta and COO Arun Khanna.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan welcomed the Indian Hockey team on his quiz show titled 'Kaun Banega Crorepati.
India is set to field a strong contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with key athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain leading the charge to defend titles in cricket, kabaddi, and men's hockey.
The Sports Ministry conducted a review of India's Asian Games performance, scrutinising the lower-than-expected medal haul in athletics and badminton. Chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting addressed issues like injured athletes and future planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a strong emphasis on federations delivering results and nurturing young talent.
Hockey India appoints experienced Australian coach Tim White to lead the junior women's hockey team, replacing Tushar Khandekar, with a focus on developing technically sound players for the senior team.
Former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh has lauded current captain Harmanpreet Singh as a 'trump card' for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing his aggressive playing style and consistent performance in crucial moments. Jugraj, who sees his own reflection in Harmanpreet's game, rates him among the world's top three drag-flickers and believes the team is well-prepared to end India's long wait for a World Cup medal.
The Wagener Stadium, site of a historic 1973 India-Pakistan hockey World Cup semifinal, is set to host another clash between the arch-rivals. Former captain M P Ganesh recounts the intense 1-0 victory for India in 1973, highlighting the fierce competition and political undertones of the era.
Former England coach Paul Revington has been appointed as the head coach of Hyderabad Toofans for the upcoming Hockey India League season. Revington aims to build a championship-winning culture and develop Indian talent, leveraging the team's past success as bronze and silver medallists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian men's hockey team after their bronze medal triumph at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.
Each member of the Afro-Asian Games gold medal-winning squad was presented a cheque of Rs 150,000.
India's chances of reaching the Hockey World Cup semi-finals are slim, requiring a significant victory against Argentina and favourable results from the Netherlands-England match. The team must overcome their finishing struggles and defensive concerns to keep their hopes alive.
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.
From speed skating to historic Asian ice hockey bronze, Padma trailblazer journey
The 51-year-old, who was associated with the Indian women's team from 2017 to 2021, will be supported by Matias Vila as analytical coach.
Defending champions India, currently unbeaten in the men's hockey Pool A at the Asian Games, are set to face hosts Japan in a crucial match. Both teams have won all their games, but India holds a superior goal difference. The winner of this match will secure the top spot in the pool and a direct semifinal berth, with India's forwards showing exceptional form.
India secured a 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten run. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India fought back to establish a significant advantage before Pakistan's late surge fell short.
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra congratulated Indian athletes and support teams for their Asian Games campaign, emphasizing the hard work involved. He praised breakthrough achievements while calling for honest analysis of setbacks and stronger long-term high-performance systems, urging urgent preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics.
The former junior India captain will captain the team for the Champions Trophy as Dilip Tirkey has been ruled out following an illness.
Star goalkeeper Savita Punia returns to the Indian women's hockey team after a 10-month break, while Salima Tete misses the Argentina series due to illness. The tour serves as crucial preparation for upcoming major tournaments.
India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.
Ace Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, a triple medallist at the Asian Games with two golds and a silver, has been selected as the women's flag bearer for the closing ceremony in Nagoya. She will return to Nagoya to lead the Indian contingent after her remarkable performance.
Star Indian hockey players Hardik Singh and Salima Tete are among the nominees for the Hockey India Player of the Year awards, with the ceremony set to recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian hockey.
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.
Although the Indian Hockey Federation has not yet announced the team, the 16-member list has been put up on the official Asian Games' website.
