The inaugural WHIL, scheduled from January 12 to 26 in Ranchi, will feature four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Soorma Hockey Club.
A summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday
The series already won, the Indian women's hockey team played out a 2-2 draw against Canada in the final match of the four-Test event at UBC Wright Field, Vancouver on Monday.
In a body blow to India's medal prospects in the Commonwealth Games, key sports such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket and shooting have been dropped from the 2026 edition by host city Glasgow, which unveiled a pruned roster of 10 disciplines to keep the event budget-friendly.
The former captain, however, rejected Norman's claim of factionalism in HI, saying all is well within the federation.
Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker, two-time Paralympics champion Avani Lekhara and ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat are among five athletes nominated for the BBC 'Indian Sportswoman of the Year' award.
They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.
As per safety norms, they are also changing the grip of their sticks regularly while there is a temperature check every day.
After the 1-5 drubbing from world No. 1 the Netherlands, the Indians lifted their game but it was not enough to get past world No. 3 and Rio Games bronze-medallists Germany in their second Pool A match at the Oi Hockey stadium.
India entered the final of the FIH women's Champions Challenge II after goals from Rani Rampal and Saba Anjum fashioned a 2-1 victory over Ukraine in Kazan on Friday. They meet Belgium, who beat Ireland in the other semi-final.
Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, believes India have the potential to finish on the podium in the upcoming junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 till December 10.
Indian women's team midfielder Salima Tete was appointed as the AHF Athletes Ambassador from India for a term of two years
India women's hockey team captain Ritu Rani has been been dropped from the Rio Olympics-bound side owing to lack of performance and attitude problems.
Italy are gearing up for their Twenty20 World Cup debut, hoping a strong showing next month will help the sport break into popular culture in a soccer-obsessed nation that does not have a natural cricket pitch.
The Indian men and women's hockey teams have turned tech-savvy in order to maintain social distancing while continuing with their indoor workout regime during the coronavirus-forced lockdown. The core probable group housed in the Sports Authority of India Centre here suspended high-intensity hockey training in the third week of March following a nationwide lockdown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the national cricket team and the junior hockey side for their recent successes, saying that their performances have done done the country proud. In his 'Mann Ki Baat' address to the nation, Modi appreciated the sporting success that India has achieved in the past fortnight during which the cricket team routed England 4-0 in a Test series while the junior hockey team became world champion.
Belgian defender Arthur De Sloover feels the way Indian hockey is progressing over the years, the country is a "big contender" for more glory at the word stage in future.
The Indian women's hockey team beat Thailand 16-0 in the Asia Cup in Hong Kong.
Seeking the services of American psychologist and mental conditioning coach Peter Harberl, following a disappointing Asian Games, has played a significant role in the Indian women's hockey team's turnaround in the ongoing FIH Olympic Qualifiers.
Determined to put up a top-notch performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, the Indian men and women's hockey teams arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is also highlighting how the Indian sports scene is changing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian women's table tennis team won gold
Defending champions India will play Australia in the final of the women's hockey competition on Saturday.
After a dismal eighth place finish in Rio Games, much is expected from the Manpreet-led side.
The Indian eves had earlier defeated Uruguay 4-2 in a thrilling shootout in their opening match.
Ahmedabad's neighbouring city of Vadodara could be in contention to co-host cricket matches during the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Marjine's allegations prompted the men's and women's teams to issue a joint statement, stating that the former India coach levelled the allegation against Manpreet to publicise his book.
Sachin Tendulkar marvelled at India's rise in newer disciplines, while Abhinav Bindra paid tribute to all those who "silently carry the athletes forward" as the two icons offered their views on India's sporting growth on National Sports Day.
India clubbed with Egypt, Switzerland, Jamaica in inaugural Men's Hockey5s World Cup
'I was very fortunate to have played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, India's first appearance in over three decades. As much as I wish to be part of the Indian team as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, my knee injuries have cut short my dream'
Indian women's hockey team completed a clean sweep in their four-Test series against Azerbaijan after notching up a 2-0 victory in the fourth and final match in New Delhi on Thursday.
Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi on Thursday chose not to speak on the sex scandal that rocked the Indian women's hockey on Tuesday.
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former captain Sourav Ganguly have come out in support of the beleaguered hockey team.
Indian women's hockey team forward Rani Rampal is set to become an assistant coach with the Sports Authority of India after SAI relaxed its recruitment norms owing to her fine brilliant record.
At a felicitation function, in Bhubaneswar, to honour the men's and women's Olympics hockey teams, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, an ardent supporter of the game in the country, announced that the state will continue to sponsor the national hockey teams for another 10 years.
The Mission Olympic Cell is also considering higher incentives for retired Olympians and world-class players who want to take up coaching, in an effort to retain top talent within India.
India's medal prospects took a hit with the exclusion of hockey, shooting, cricket, badminton and wrestling from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
'It's good we have certainty when the Olympics will be held and we can work towards that. We are all in the same campus and available for each other in these hard times, a new date for the Olympics is good news for all of us'.
Star drag-flicker Deepika scored the winning goal from a penalty corner in the 12th minute to give India a crucial 1-0 victory over Germany in a return-leg women's FIH Pro League match. The win came after India's 0-4 loss against the same opponents on Friday.
The loss will hurt the Indians badly as a gold here would have guaranteed a direct qualification in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
