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.
Despite a pre-event declaration by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey that the teams would revert to blue uniforms, both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams played their opening Asian Games matches in saffron kits, reigniting a controversy over kit colour.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are set to compete at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara, Japan, with the primary goal of winning gold to secure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics. The men's team aims to defend its title and overcome recent World Cup disappointment, while the women's team, buoyed by a strong World Cup performance, seeks only its second Asian Games gold. Both teams face tough competition, with the men needing to prove their dominance against regional rivals and the women confronting a strong Chinese side.
India's U-21 men's hockey team will host Malaysia for an eight-match exposure series in Bengaluru from August 7-13, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup and strengthening bilateral sporting ties.
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.
The Indian men's hockey team lost 1-3 to Olympic champions the Netherlands in a critical second-round match of the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen. The Netherlands scored three field goals in the second half, while India's sole goal came from a Harmanpreet Singh penalty corner.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to both the junior men's and women's hockey teams for their recent Asia Cup triumphs, highlighting their dedication and teamwork. Both teams secured their respective titles, with the women defeating China and the men beating Korea, thereby qualifying for the Junior World Cup.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed gratitude and motivation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his contribution to the sport during a visit to the Netherlands, highlighting the team's World Cup aspirations.
Upton, who was a part of the support staff under head coach Gary Kirsten during India's 2011 Cricket World Cup-winning campaign, is currently associated with the national men's hockey team at the ongoing Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.
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.
Indonesian hockey players, particularly Ferdian Fathur Rahman and Firdaus Muhammad, are deeply inspired by the Bollywood film "Chak De! India" as they prepare to face India at the Asian Games.
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 women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne discusses the team's preparations and strategy for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlights the different challenge posed by lower-ranked opponents compared to the World Cup, emphasising the need for effective scoring and maintaining focus. Marijne also stresses using the World Cup disappointment as motivation for gold and the importance of humility and unity within the team.
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.
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.
Veteran striker Navneet Kaur believes the Indian women's hockey team is inspired by the cricket team's ODI World Cup triumph and aims to script a similar title-winning story at the FIH Women's World Cup.
The Indian junior women's hockey team secured their third consecutive AHF Junior Asia Cup title by defeating China 1-0.
The Indian men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is determined to end a 51-year World Cup drought, beginning their campaign against Wales with genuine optimism following recent Olympic bronze medals and an Asia Cup title.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a spot in the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup despite finishing as runner-up in the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. The team had previously defeated Kazakhstan 8-1 in the semi-final.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a silver medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. Despite the loss, their strong performance, including an 8-1 semi-final win against Kazakhstan, earned them a qualification spot for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Hockey India also announced cash prizes for the team and support staff.
The Indian men's hockey team finished eighth in the FIH World Cup campaign after losing 3-4 in a shoot-out to co-hosts Belgium. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time, with Harmanpreet Singh scoring a brace for India.
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 Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has stated that the national team is yet to receive government clearance to participate in the men's Asian Champions Trophy in India, refuting claims of confirmed participation.
Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.
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.
The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a 3-3 draw against Japan in their second Pool A match of the Junior Asia Cup. India initially led 2-0, but Japan fought back to take a 3-2 lead in the final minute before India equalised with a penalty corner in the dying seconds.
India's junior women's hockey team defeated China 1-0 in the AHF Junior Asia Cup final, securing their third consecutive title and qualifying for the junior women's World Cup. Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute.
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.
Indian junior women's hockey coach Tim White emphasises the need for physical improvement to match international standards, while senior team coach Sjoerd Marijne highlights the importance of mental resilience and finishing skills.
The Indian women's hockey team's goalkeepers attended a special camp led by Ireland's David Williamson, focusing on technical skills and tactical awareness in preparation for upcoming international tournaments.
India's sub-junior men's and women's hockey teams secured impressive victories at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, extending their unbeaten runs. The women's team thrashed Kazakhstan 10-0, while the men's team defeated Bangladesh 8-3, showcasing strong performances in the tournament which serves as a World Cup qualifier.
Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the 18-member Indian men's hockey team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup in China from August 30 to September 13. The squad, training in Bengaluru under coach Frederic Soyez, recently completed an exposure tour of Belgium and is playing friendly matches against Malaysia U-21 as part of their preparations.
The Indian junior women's hockey team concluded a seven-match exposure tour of the UK, securing three wins and four losses against various international teams. This tour served as crucial preparation for the upcoming Under-21 Asia Cup in China, providing valuable experience and insights into areas for improvement.
The Indian U-18 men's and women's hockey teams were defeated by Australia in their second match of the series at the SAI Centre in Bhopal. The men's team lost 1-3, while the women's side suffered a 1-4 defeat. Both teams will be in action again on Monday for their third match of the series.
Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.
The Indian women's hockey team has departed for Frankfurt, Germany, to complete its final preparations for the upcoming FIH World Cup. The team will play practice matches and train in Europe before heading to the Netherlands for the tournament, where they will face China, South Africa, and England in Pool D.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated Japan 2-1 in the FIH Nations Cup, with goals from captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami, securing their place in the semifinals and qualifying for next year's FIH Pro League.
The Indian women's hockey team, having already secured a semifinal spot in the FIH Nations Cup, is set to face lower-ranked Uruguay in their final pool match. India aims to maintain their undefeated record and bolster confidence, especially as winning this tournament is crucial for their return to the elite FIH Pro League after being relegated last season. Coach Sjoerd Marijne hopes for improved field goal conversions and may experiment with combinations ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated Japan 2-1 in the FIH Nations Cup, with goals from captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami, securing their place in the semifinals. This victory marks their second win in Pool A, qualifying them for the next year's FIH Pro League.
The Indian women's hockey team will tour Australia for a four-match series from May 21 to June 3 as part of its preparations for next month's Nation's Cup in New Zealand, which is a pathway to the elite FIH Pro League.
