The Sports Ministry has established a seven-member committee, including representatives from Hockey India, HIL franchises, and the ministry, to address the crisis and work towards the revival of the Hockey India League. This follows a September meeting where Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed concerns with stakeholders, aiming to resolve issues related to governance, finance, and structure.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has formed a five-member committee to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the financial viability and sustainability of the cash-strapped Hockey India League (HIL). This initiative follows concerns about the league's long-term future, which was revived last year after a seven-year hiatus. The committee will include representatives from Hockey India, franchises, and the Sports Ministry, tasked with presenting a report on governance, financial models, and league structure.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to meet Hockey India League (HIL) franchise owners and federation officials to address the league's financial and administrative crisis. The HIL is struggling with unpaid player dues, rising costs, and franchise withdrawals, prompting the ministry to seek solutions for its survival, especially given its importance for Indian hockey development.
Hockey India is set to hold an emergent Executive Board meeting on September 18 to address a deepening internal controversy involving President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, stemming from a jersey colour change. The meeting will also focus on restructuring the Hockey India League (HIL) to create an independent Governing Council with franchise involvement, and discuss upcoming elections and Asian Champions Trophy hosting.
Indian hockey umpire Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent back from the Asian Games in Japan following multiple complaints of alleged sexual misconduct.
The Sports Ministry has formed a five-member committee to address the financial viability and sustainability of the Hockey India League (HIL). Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Hockey India officials and franchise representatives, directing them to develop a comprehensive plan for the league's revival, which has faced challenges since its return last year.
Following the Indian men's hockey team's historic Asian Games gold and direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Head Coach Craig Fulton revealed plans to 'build a new team afresh' after the Hockey India League, emphasising the need for meticulous planning for the upcoming Games.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily stemming from an unauthorised jersey colour change. An emergent Executive Board meeting has been called to address this conflict, discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League (HIL) into a joint venture with franchises, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events. The meeting also aims to address a show-cause notice issued to the Director General.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has denied sanctioning an emergent Executive Committee Meeting called by secretary Bhola Nath Singh, intensifying an internal power struggle. The dispute stems from a jersey colour change controversy and the secretary's attempt to address various issues, including the Hockey India League's future and upcoming elections, which Tirkey claims is beyond his authority to convene.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian men's and women's hockey teams and officials to review their recent World Cup performance. He urged them to move past the disappointment, identify shortcomings, and focus on the upcoming Asian Games to secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The minister also discussed the future of the Hockey India League.
Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to its Director General, Cdr R K Srivastava, immediately stripping him of all powers. The notice lists eight charges, prominently featuring the controversial change in the Indian team's World Cup jersey and Srivastava's unauthorised travel to the event despite directives to focus on the Hockey India League. He has four weeks to respond, failing which further action will be taken.
HIL GC beat Shrachi Bengal Tigers 6-3 in a high-scoring men's HIL clash
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has lodged a police complaint against several HI officials, including the former Executive Director, accusing them of "criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment." The complaint stems from an incident where Tirkey's personal belongings, including medicines, were allegedly withheld after an official vehicle was recalled. This incident highlights an ongoing power struggle between Tirkey and HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, exacerbated by past controversies like the saffron jersey fiasco and disputes over board meetings.
Former Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer believes the Indian team possesses the talent and infrastructure to become a dominant force in world hockey but stresses that 'they need to maintain consistency as a team' to realise their true potential.
Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia highlights a significant shift in the Indian women's hockey team's mindset and dressing room atmosphere, attributing their best World Cup finish in over five decades to a newfound belief and openness among players.
India women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne addressed concerns regarding his pre-World Cup leave, asserting his continuous involvement in the team's preparations. He reflected on the team's creditable fifth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasising the need for sustained hunger and improvement. Marijne also discussed the advantages of his second stint, his focus on team discipline, and the positive impact of the Women's Hockey India League on player development.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
India women's hockey players urge the Sports Ministry and corporates to save the Women's HIL, saying the league is vital for developing future talent.
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.
Five young Indian women's hockey players - Ishika, Lalthantluangi, Sakshi Rana, Shilpi Dabas, and Sunelita Toppo - are set to make their World Cup debut, having overcome various challenges and long waits to reach this significant milestone.
Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.
Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay has voiced his displeasure over the Indian hockey team's decision to adopt saffron as its primary jersey colour, arguing that the blue jersey has been the sport's long-standing identity for decades.
Indian junior women's hockey team head coach Tim White has lauded the growing talent pool in the country's age-group national pathway during his scouting visit to the ongoing India-Australia U-18 exposure series in Bhopal. White emphasised the importance of building a strong connection between the youth tiers and the senior national team, aiming to develop players ready for world-class performance.
Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore. The average IPL team valuation is projected to jump to USD 15 billion by 2032.
Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore.
UP Rudras took control of the game right from the push off, forcing Soorma Hockey Club to defend deep.
Hockey India League will return after seven long years in a new avatar, where both the men's and women's teams will participate in the event, starting on December 28.
A special goalkeeping camp is being conducted for the Indian women's hockey team by David Williamson, aiming to strengthen the team's goalkeeping unit ahead of crucial international tournaments.
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.
India forward Navneet Kaur emphasizes the importance of defensive skills for modern hockey strikers, as the team prepares for the FIH World Cup Qualifier.
Young Indian hockey goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh discusses how his nominations for two Hockey India awards have boosted his confidence and fuelled his ambition, despite not yet making his senior international debut.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey expresses his support for Manpreet Singh potentially breaking his record for international caps, highlighting the positive trajectory of Indian hockey.
The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and young talent across departments as the team looks to make a strong start to its Pro League campaign on home soil.
Hyderabad Toofans clinch 3-2 win against HIL GC
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.
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers register 2-1 win over Shrachi Bengal Tigers, move to 2nd spot in men's HIL
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers beat Ranchi Royals 3-2 in final to clinch men''s HIL title
HIL Women: Shrachi Bengal Tigers edge past Ranchi Royals
Two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh has retired from international hockey after a successful career, citing a back injury and the desire to give younger players a chance.