India's men's hockey team suffered a 4-2 defeat against England in their second Hockey World Cup pool match, with head coach Craig Fulton and player Manpreet Singh attributing the loss to defensive lapses, particularly in the third quarter. The team now faces a crucial match against arch-rivals Pakistan, needing to improve their defensive discipline and penalty corner conversion.
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.
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.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Australian Colin Batch as the new head coach of the national side ahead of this year's FIH men's World Cup.
After the national anthems, players from both sides lined up and high-fived each other before they moved into their designated half.
Indian men's hockey chief coach Craig Fulton has confirmed that a single team will represent India in both the FIH World Cup and the Asian Games, dismissing speculation of separate squads.
Pakistan has announced its 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Abu Bakr Mahmood leading the team. The tournament will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30, marking Pakistan's return after an eight-year absence.
Sixteen years ago, when India and Pakistan last met in a men's Hockey World Cup, the contest was more than just two arch-rivals facing each other. It was about settling an old score. And as the two teams prepare to meet again after 16 years, memories of that evening remain fresh for those who were part of it.
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.
A summary of sports events and persons who made news on Tuesday.
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.
Pakistan's newly-appointed hockey team head coach, Manzur ul Hassan, believes the nation erred by not participating in the FIH Pro League's inaugural edition in 2019, depriving players of crucial experience against top-tier opponents.
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.
Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton is focused on ending the 51-year World Cup medal drought, aiming for consistency and a strong performance at the upcoming tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored a brace each to help India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Wednesday.
The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.
Veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh, preparing for his fourth and potentially final Hockey World Cup, expresses his determination to lead India to its first title in 51 years. He highlights the team's experience, preparation, and focus on fitness and defence, confident in their ability to reach the final.
India faces a critical challenge against co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in their Hockey World Cup second-round opener.
India secured a 5-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-octane FIH World Cup match. Despite the win, captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed concerns about defensive lapses and the team's inability to retain possession, urging improvements before facing top teams. Coach Craig Fulton praised the team's adherence to the game plan under pressure, while Pakistan acknowledged their mistakes.
India and Pakistan are the most successful teams in the tournament with three titles each.
India is set to face England in a critical FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, aiming to overcome a 32-year World Cup drought against their European rivals. Following an opening win against Wales, India seeks to improve its performance, particularly in open play finishing, against a strong England side that started with a dominant victory over Pakistan. The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams' progression to the knockout stages.
Pakistani hockey players are facing financial difficulties as they await pending dues from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Their daily training camp allowance has also been reduced ahead of the FIH World Cup.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has publicly questioned Hockey India's decision to switch the national team's jersey colour to orange, arguing that the team's identity and legacy have always been associated with blue.
India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men''s Asia Cup final
Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams discover their opponents for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams' schedules for the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands and Belgium have been announced, with the men's team opening against Wales and the women's team against China.
India secured a 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten run. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India fought back to establish a significant advantage before Pakistan's late surge fell short.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold.
Former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh has lauded current captain Harmanpreet Singh as a 'trump card' for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing his aggressive playing style and consistent performance in crucial moments. Jugraj, who sees his own reflection in Harmanpreet's game, rates him among the world's top three drag-flickers and believes the team is well-prepared to end India's long wait for a World Cup medal.
India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.
India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.
PHF sacks entire coaching staff of Pakistan men's team ahead of Asian Games
Karnataka's Mohith HS, an accidental goalkeeper, is set to represent India at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The 24-year-old, who impressed in the FIH Pro League, will join Suraj Karkera as one of the team's custodians. Mohith's journey began by chance in school, evolving into a promising career that saw him play in the Junior World Cup and now the senior national team, driven by a dream to win for India.
Indian cricketers Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Avesh Khan are seen in the stands during the India-Pakistan Pool A match at the Asian Games on Saturday, September 30, 2023
Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed strong frustration over India's poor performance at the FIH World Cup, criticising the team's 'underwhelming showing' and demanding accountability. He questioned the 'learning experience' narrative and highlighted issues in both men's and women's team management, urging a focus on winning rather than just playing good hockey.
Pakistan hockey team won't be stopped from competing in Asia Cup next month, says Sports Ministry sources.
After retiring from international hockey in 2012, Abbas kept a low profile. He took up his first coaching role as an assistant coach for penalty corners with the Malaysia national team in October 2024.
