Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the final.
Former hockey captain P R Sreejesh was chosen for the Padma Bhushan, while Ravichandran Ashwin was among the Padma Shri winners.
The Indian women's hockey team will open their campaign against Singapore on September 27.
Her days of scorching the astro-turf might be over but legendary former India captain Rani Rampal has absolutely "no regrets" as she believes in making most of whatever opportunities that come her way.
'Right now hockey is totally changed and anyone can beat anyone depending on the day. It depends on how many chances you create.'
A bronze medal finish is not what hockey coach Craig Fulton had wanted, but the South African will relish the achievement simply for the fact that "underdog India" lifted themselves up from disappointments when no one gave them a chance.
At a time when Indian hockey is looking for a national coach after Spaniard Jose Brasa's contract was not renewed, former captain Dhanraj Pillay said he is the fittest person for the job.
Upset over the directive from Hockey India to merge into a single unit before seeking its affiliation, three Maharashtra units, who were part of the erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation, were up in arms against HI on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Nidhi stole the spotlight in the final, with three clutch saves in the shootout against Lihang Wang, Jingyi Li, and Dandan Zuo, helping her side prevail over the Chinese.
India made a promising start by taking a first-half lead but its defence fell apart later as the team lost the fourth hockey Test 1-5 to Australia and conceded an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, in Adelaide, on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded former India women's hockey captain Rani Rampal's achievements, saying her exploits on the field will be cherished for ages to come.
The Belgians finished first in pool A and hence will be teamed against India.
The star goalkeeper said Indian women's hockey has grown by leaps and bounds, offering financial independence to its players.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram asserted that the dynamics of the sport would not be compromised at any cost when they try out the proposed penalty corner rule.
'I believe they (India) can definitely finish on the podium in Odisha this time'
Indian men's hockey Olympic medal winning captain Harmanpreet Singh's services were secured by Soorma Hockey Club for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League (HIL) for a massive Rs 78 lakh, becoming the most expensive player in the league.
"I am fortunate to be part of this important tournament and it becomes more special as I will be playing along with my brother Devindar Walmiki. This is like a dream come true as we always spoke about representing the country together and this dream is soon to get realised."
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-2 in a nail-biting match
Gurjant Singh (10th minute) gave Soorma the lead early in the game while Jugraj Singh (56th) equalised for the Tigers towards the end.
Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in the Hockey India League history, but it went in vain as the Hyderabad Toofans lost to Team Gonasika in the shootout.
Sania Mirza, the tennis icon, made a dazzling entry at the fifth Indian Sports Honours event, donning a stunning floral blazer suit.
Rupinder Pal Singh rolled back the years with a brace, helping the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers beat Team Gonasika 2-1.
Besides two goalkeepers, the Asian Games-bound team will have six defenders, five midfielders and as many forwards.
In the 28th minute, Pakistan too got a penalty corner, their third, but they again failed to stop the push and wasted a bright chance.
HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh suggested that if the Pakistan hockey team can come to India, then the Men in Blue should also tour their neighbouring country.
Delhi SG Pipers on Saturday announced the acquisition of England's woman hockey midfielder and superstar Lily Owsley for the upcoming season of Hockey India League (HIL).
Following is India's schedule on Sunday, Day 9 of the Paris Olympics: (All timings in IST)
Jurgaj Singh's brace propelled the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a sensational 5-3 comeback win against the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League.
Kalinga Lancers notched up their first win of the league with a 6-0 hammering of Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
The general impression that the Indian hockey team concedes late goals has changed with its second successive Olympic bronze medal and the Harmanpreet Singh-led side is one of the best in the world in all aspects, feels the legendary Zafar Iqbal.
Following is India's schedule on Thursday, Day 13 of competition at the Paris Games:
A heart-wrenching defeat in the semi-finals notwithstanding, a demoralised Indian men's hockey team will have to regroup quickly and aim for a second consecutive podium finish at the Olympics when it takes on Spain in the bronze medal play-off in Paris on Thursday.
Delhi SG Pipers had a good start to the second quarter as they won their first penalty corner of the match. Deepika's drag flick was turned away brilliantly by Bengal Tigers goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo.
Veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh says he has learned to steer clear of negative thoughts with experience.
Australia scored the first goal of the game in the first quarter, having started the final on a dominating note.
India will open their campaign against Canada in the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup
The Odisha government claimed that it is the world's largest facility in terms of seating capacity and certified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
India will play South Africa in the ninth to 12th place match on Saturday.
Navneet Kaur scored a brace as the Indian women's hockey team beat Japan 3-1 as they finished a disappointing ninth in the FIH World Cup in Terassa, Spain, on Wednesday.
The triumph also took Germany to the top of FIH world rankings from the pre-tournament fourth place.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances