Others

Jugraj Singh's remarkable journey from selling flags to becoming a hockey hero is a testament to his unwavering determination and the transformative power of sports. Born into a humble family in Punjab, Jugraj's childhood was marked by financial struggles. His father, a porter, worked tirelessly to support the family, while Jugraj supplemented their income by selling tricolour flags and water bottles at the Attari-Wagah border.Despite the challenges, Jugraj harbored a passion for hockey. His talent was spotted by coach Navjit Singh, who recognized his potential and began training him on the grass field at Government Senior Secondary School. Jugraj's exceptional physical strength, honed by years of lifting heavy loads, proved to be an asset on the field.With unwavering dedication, Jugraj balanced his hockey training with his part-time job. He would practice diligently in the morning and afternoon before heading out to sell flags to tourists. Despite the long hours, he remained committed to his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.In 2009, Jugraj's hard work paid off when he joined the Baba Uttam Singh National Hockey Academy in Khadoor Sahib. Over the next four years, he honed his skills and participated in the Nehru Cup competitions. His performances caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2021, he made his debut for the senior Indian men's hockey team in the FIH Hockey Pro League.Jugraj's crowning moment came in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy final against China. With the match locked at 0-0 in the final minutes, Jugraj emerged as the unlikely hero. In the 51st minute, he found the back of the net, securing a record-extending fifth title for India.Jugraj's journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of mentors, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. His story is a reminder that sports has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for those who dare to dream.

Pakistan hockey, once a global powerhouse, has been in a state of decline for the past two decades. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the team's struggles have persisted since its last major medal in 2010. Factionalism, mismanagement, and lack of funds have further exacerbated the situation, resulting in Pakistan languishing at 16th position in the world rankings.The ongoing Asian Champions Trophy marked Pakistan's first major tournament in a long time, but it came with its own set of challenges. Roelant Oltmans, the team's coach at the time, declined to travel due to financial constraints, leading to Tahir Zaman's appointment at the last minute.Zaman, an FIH master coach with over 20 years of experience, acknowledged the long road ahead for Pakistan hockey. He emphasized the need to analyze player performance, address technical and tactical issues, and instill confidence in the team. However, he admitted that significant improvements could not be achieved without proper training sessions.Captain Ammad Butt attributed Pakistan's struggles to a lack of experience, particularly in international competitions. He highlighted the team's inability to perform consistently against top-ranked opponents and called for more exposure to high-level matches.The PHF itself has been plagued by internal divisions, with two factions claiming legitimacy. This has hindered the federation's ability to provide adequate support and resources to the national team. Zaman emphasized the need for a stable and unified PHF to address the systemic issues affecting Pakistan hockey.He outlined plans to upgrade the domestic hockey structure, establish a professional hockey league, and allocate a budget for international travel and matches against top teams. He also stressed the importance of reviving the national junior championships and establishing a junior league.Butt agreed that the system back home needed fixing. He pointed to the lack of grassroots hockey and the need to identify and train young talent. He also criticized the frequent changes in the coaching staff, which he believed hindered the team's progress.Zaman acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about Pakistan hockey's revival. He emphasized the need for continuity and a long-term plan to achieve sustainable success.

India's dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy continued as they clinched their fifth title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts China in the final. The defending champions showcased their resilience and determination throughout the tournament, winning all their matches.The match started with India as the favorites, having defeated China 3-0 in the opening league game. However, the final proved to be a close affair. China defended resolutely and troubled India with quick counterattacks.Despite India's dominance in possession, they struggled to break through the Chinese defense in the first three quarters. Raj Kumar Pal and Nilakanta Sharma had early chances, but Chinese goalkeeper Wang Weihao denied them.The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute by defender Jugraj Singh. India captain Harmanpreet Singh made a brilliant run into the Chinese circle and passed the ball to Jugraj, who slotted it past the goalkeeper.China fought back with renewed vigor, earning penalty corners in the 38th and 40th minutes. However, India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stood firm.With four minutes remaining, China withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra field player. But India held on to their lead, defending in numbers and securing their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title.India's victory was a testament to their team spirit and tactical discipline. They controlled the game for long periods and never panicked under pressure. China, despite being in only their second international tournament final, showed great resilience and determination.

India's hockey team, led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, secured a resounding 4-1 victory over South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday, September 16, 2024. The triumph propelled India into the tournament's final, where they will face hosts China.The match commenced with India dominating possession and testing the Korean defense with relentless attacks. Uttam Singh broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Araijeet Singh Hundal. Harmanpreet Singh extended India's lead with a penalty corner goal four minutes later.Korea managed to pull one back through Yang Jihun's penalty corner conversion in the 33rd minute. However, India remained unfazed and regained their two-goal advantage when Jarmanpreet Singh scored in the 32nd minute.Harmanpreet Singh sealed the victory with another penalty corner goal in the 45th minute. India's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, held firm to deny Korea any further scoring opportunities.In the other semifinal, China defeated Pakistan 2-0 via a shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. India and China will now face off in Tuesday's final, a rematch of their group stage encounter, which India won 3-0.Pakistan and Korea will battle for the bronze medal in the third-place classification match, also scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-2 in a shootout following a 4-4 stalemate in the fifth-sixth place classification match.

In a stunning upset, China has defeated Pakistan 2-0 (1-1) in a shootout to advance to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy. This marks the first time China has reached the title round of the tournament, while Pakistan, a two-time champion, will play for the bronze medal.China's goalkeeper, Caiyu Wang, was the hero of the shootout, making several key saves. Benhai Chen and Chanliang Lin scored for China in the shootout.Earlier in the match, Yuanlin Lu had given China an early 1-0 lead in the 18th minute with a powerful dragflick. Pakistan equalized in the 37th minute through Ahmed Nadeem, but China held on to force a shootout.China's victory was a testament to their grit and determination. They dominated the ball possession and created early chances, buoyed by the support of a large home crowd.Pakistan, on the other hand, struggled to create scoring opportunities. They had several penalty corners but were unable to breach the Chinese defense.China's head coach, Jin Seung Yoo, praised his team's performance. "It's an important game for us and we are totally charged up," he said before the match. "This is the first time China is playing the semifinal of such a prestigious event in front of home crowd."China's victory is a major upset and a sign of their growing strength in international hockey. They will now face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Korea in the final.

India, the bronze medallists at the Paris Olympics, have maintained their impressive form in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, securing a spot in the semifinals after registering five consecutive wins in the league stage.The Harmanpreet Singh-led side began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by dominant wins over Japan (5-1) and Malaysia (8-1). India then defeated Korea 3-1 before edging out arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a closely contested match.India's performances have been characterized by their excellence in all departments. The forwardline, comprising young talents like Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal, has exceeded expectations by scoring crucial field goals. Midfielder Raj Kumar Pal has also shone brightly, contributing with some fine field goals.The experienced trio of Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nilakanta Sharma have been instrumental in controlling the midfield, while the Indian defense has been equally impressive, conceding just four goals. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera have filled the void left by the retirement of PR Sreejesh with aplomb.Harmanpreet Singh, one of the world's top drag-flickers, has led from the front, converting five penalty corners and providing a steady source of goals. He has been ably supported by young Jugraj Singh, who is known for his lightning-fast drag-flicks.However, the knockout stage presents a new challenge for India, and they cannot afford to take Korea lightly. The Koreans are known for their unpredictable style of play and their ability to spring surprises. India's defense will need to be cautious about conceding penalty corners, as Korea possesses a potent drag-flicker in Jihun Yang, the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals.In the other semifinal, Pakistan will face hosts China. The final is scheduled for Tuesday.Harmanpreet Singh has warned his teammates against complacency, despite India's impressive run so far. "We came into this tournament with very little rest or preparations after our Olympic campaign. Despite that, I am happy with how the team has done to progress into the semifinal stage," he said."Korea is a tough team, they defend very well and can counter attack fast and skillfully," added Harmanpreet.

Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh continued his impressive form, scoring two penalty corners to lead India to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their final league match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.The match was a tense affair, with both teams playing with intensity and determination. Pakistan took the lead in the 8th minute through Ahmad Nadeem, but Harmanpreet equalized just five minutes later with a powerful drag-flick. He then gave India the lead in the 19th minute with another penalty corner conversion.Pakistan fought back in the second half, but India's defense held firm. The Indians also had chances to extend their lead, but they were unable to convert their penalty corners.The match was marred by a heated encounter between Harmanpreet and Pakistan's Ashraf Waheed Rana in the third quarter. Rana shouldered Jugraj Singh inside the Indian circle, prompting Harmanpreet and Jarmanpreet Singh to confront him. The on-field umpires and Pakistan captain Ammad Butt intervened to control the situation, and Rana was shown a yellow card.India's victory was their fifth consecutive in the six-team round-robin competition. They will now face South Korea in the semifinals on Sunday.

India's men's hockey team, fresh off their bronze medal triumph at the Olympics, is aiming to continue their winning streak at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. Their next challenge comes in the form of Malaysia, a team they will face on Wednesday in Hulunbuir.India's recent success has been built on their newfound ability to score field goals, a skill that will be crucial against Malaysia. The team has looked more enterprising in this tournament, seizing opportunities up front while maintaining a solid defense.India began their title defense with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Japan. In both matches, the young Indian forwards have impressed, reducing the reliance on star dragflicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh.In contrast, Malaysia, the runners-up in the previous edition, has struggled so far, with one loss and a draw. They will be eager to turn things around against India.

Japan's men's hockey team, under the leadership of 24-year-old captain Raiki Fujishima, is embarking on a challenging journey to regain its former glory. After a remarkable triumph at the 2018 Asian Games, the team has struggled to maintain its position in the FIH rankings, hovering between 14th and 18th place.Hosting the next edition of the Asian Games in 2026, Japan is determined to make a strong comeback. The ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, serves as a crucial stepping stone in their preparation. "We are a young team, and every match is a learning experience for us," said Fujishima. "We are gaining valuable insights and building a positive mindset."Fujishima took over the captaincy from veteran Masaki Ohashi after a disappointing performance at the Olympic Qualifiers in January. With five members from the Tokyo Olympics in the ranks, including former captain Manabu Yamashita, Fujishima acknowledges the team's lack of experience. "The team that won the 2018 Asian Games had ample opportunities to prepare, which was evident on the field," he explained. "Since then, we have had limited chances to grow."Under the guidance of new coach Yoshihiro Anai, Japan is rebuilding its team with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 2026 Asian Games at home will be a significant milestone in their journey. "We have a lot of areas to improve in the next two years," said Anai. "Positioning, attacking, and risk management are key areas of focus."Anai also conducted a SWOT analysis of the team. "Our strength lies in our discipline, but our lack of experience against higher-ranked teams is a challenge," he said. "However, the Asian Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to gain crucial ranking points."Japan's goal is to reach the final and ultimately win the tournament. With a young and determined team, they are eager to prove their worth and set the stage for future success.