Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton discusses the team's preparations for the Asian Games, aiming to defend their title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Indian men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton attributed the team's failure to reach the World Cup semifinals to a slow start and inability to handle pressure during their 3-5 loss to Argentina. Forward Sukhjeet Singh also pointed to defensive lapses and an early conceded goal as critical factors in their defeat.
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.
Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Mizoram's first female Olympian and Asian Games medallist, is now India's offensive lynchpin, aiming for a first Asian Games hockey gold since 1982, after overcoming initial family resistance and training on dirt pitches.
Former India captain Viren Rasquinha warns that an Asian Games gold could paper over deeper problems in Indian men's hockey after their disappointing World Cup campaign.
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.
Hockey India has announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian women's team following their historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, their best result since 1974. The team achieved this milestone with a decisive win over Germany, showcasing remarkable resilience throughout the tournament.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has commended India's professional approach to hockey, urging other Asian nations to adopt similar strategies to improve their global standing. He highlighted India's journey from past Olympic glory to recent bronze medals, positioning it as a model for development in the sport.
India's women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's 6-1 victory over South Africa at the FIH Women's World Cup but emphasised the need for improved precision in passing and finishing. Despite topping their group, Marijne cautioned against complacency, highlighting the upcoming crucial match against England. He also praised forward Lalremsiami, who found added motivation from her Arjuna Award nomination.
India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
India's Women's Hockey team, buoyed by a draw against China, is set to face South Africa in their second World Cup match. A win is crucial for their qualification hopes for the second round. Coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession, despite strong performances from key players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur.
Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat arch-rivals India at the upcoming FIH World Cup, stating that "rankings don't matter" in such high-stakes encounters and performance on the day is key.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's fifth-place finish at the World Cup, their best in 52 years, after defeating Germany 3-1. He highlighted the achievement as a significant confidence boost for the upcoming Asian Games, emphasising the young team's potential and the need for continued focus on their own game and consistency.
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.
The Indian men's hockey team is undertaking a high-intensity mental conditioning camp in Switzerland with coach Paddy Upton, mirroring their successful preparation for the Paris Olympics. This crucial camp aims to build team chemistry and trust ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games.
The Indian women's hockey team secured its second consecutive Pool B victory at the Asian Games, defeating Indonesia 17-1. Deepika Sehrawat, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, and Navneet Kaur each scored a hat-trick, contributing to the dominant performance. Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction but highlighted the upcoming match against Japan as the real challenge for topping the pool and securing direct Olympic qualification.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams commence their Asian Games campaign in Japan, with both aiming for a gold medal to secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The men's team seeks to recover from a recent World Cup slump, while the women's team looks to build on their strong World Cup performance, facing significant challenges from opponents like China.
Defending champions India are set to face lower-ranked Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match of the Asian Games men's hockey competition.
India faces a critical challenge against co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in their Hockey World Cup second-round opener.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening Pool B match at the Asian Games. Deepika was the star performer, scoring eight goals, as India showcased their superior skill and relentless attack against a struggling Uzbekistan defence.
Defending champions India began their Asian Games campaign with a resounding 13-1 victory over Indonesia in their opening Pool A match. Striker Dilpreet Singh was the star, netting four goals, while Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh each scored a brace, showcasing India's dominant performance.
The Indian women's junior hockey team secured a dominant 11-1 victory over Malaysia in their AHF Junior Asia Cup Elite Pool match, solidifying their top position in the points table. Seven different players contributed to the scoring spree, which included goals from field play, penalty corners, and penalty strokes. This win marks India's second consecutive victory in the tournament, following their 4-1 triumph against South Korea.
India's junior women's hockey team commenced its Women's Junior Asia Cup title defence with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Korea. Goals from Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Purnima Yadav, Puja Sahoo, and Madhu Sidar secured the win, showcasing India's strong offensive and defensive play throughout the match.
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.
The Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, reversing a controversial decision to switch to a saffron-coloured kit. The previous change had led to widespread criticism, internal discord within Hockey India, and even political debate, despite claims of visibility issues on blue turf.
Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the Asian Games after a controversial shift to saffron kits sparked widespread criticism and internal discord within Hockey India. The decision to revert to blue was confirmed by HI president Dilip Tirkey, who had previously questioned the saffron kit's adoption without proper approval.
Captain Anmol Ekka struck twice as the Indian junior men's hockey team ripped through South Korea's defences in a late surge for a 7-3 triumph that left it within touching distance of a semi-final berth.
Defending champions India secured their spot in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament semifinals with a dominant 15-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. Skipper Anmol Ikka was the star of the match, scoring an incredible six goals, all from penalty corners, as India topped Pool A.
The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.
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.
Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 17-1 victory over Indonesia in their second Pool B match at the Asian Games.
India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.
Pakistan's chief selector Samiullah Khan believes a draw against arch-rivals India will be crucial for the national hockey team to advance past the group stage in the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan, participating after an eight-year hiatus, has announced a 20-member squad, with foreign coaches assisting the team.
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.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in the FIH World Cup, marking their first win of the tournament. Multiple players scored for India, achieving their biggest World Cup win, and setting them up for their next match against England.
The Indian women's hockey team has departed for the Asian Games in Japan, aiming to win the gold medal and secure a direct qualification spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring two goals each. Vice-captain Hardik Singh also contributed to India's victory, while Pakistan managed to reduce the margin with goals from Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan.
