Others

Hockey India has announced a 27-member core group of players for a pre-Olympic national camp, which will be held from June 21 to July 8 at the SAI center in Bengaluru. The camp is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, where they will face a tough challenge in Pool B, alongside Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland.The core group includes experienced players who have been instrumental in India's recent success in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where they currently occupy the fourth spot. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak, PR Sreejesh, and Suraj Karkera will be joined by defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Amir Ali.The midfield will be led by captain Manpreet Singh, along with Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Vishnukant Singh, and Akashdeep Singh. Mohammed Raheel Mouseen will also be part of the midfield contingent.The forward line will feature Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, and Araijeet Singh Hundal. Notably, striker Dilpreet Singh is a notable absentee from the core list.Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton believes the Pro League outing against top teams of the world was a great experience for his side. "We are looking to start an important block of training in this camp, and we need to make sure that we are in the best form ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The players have learned a lot from their matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24," he said."It has helped us in realizing where we need to improve. We have a lot of time to work on those areas. We have a strong mix of players who are capable of winning anything," the South African added.The Indian men's hockey team will be hoping to build on their bronze medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics and challenge for a podium finish in Paris. The pre-Olympic camp will provide them with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their skills and tactics ahead of the Games.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian men's hockey team to a thrilling 5-4 victory over Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Antwerp. Singh's sensational hat-trick proved decisive in the hard-fought encounter.India made a strong start, dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities. Araijeet Singh Hundal opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a brilliant field goal. However, Argentina responded quickly, with Federico Monja leveling the score just two minutes later.India regained the lead in the 18th minute through Gurjant Singh's excellent field goal. Argentina once again equalized in the 24th minute through Nicolas Keenan. The first half ended with India holding a narrow 3-2 advantage, thanks to Harmanpreet's penalty corner goal in the final minute.The second half was equally intense, with both teams displaying quick-fire hockey. India earned a penalty corner in the third quarter but failed to convert. Argentina also had their chances but were denied by the Indian defense.The fourth quarter proved to be decisive. India was awarded a penalty stroke with 10 minutes remaining, which Harmanpreet converted to extend India's lead to 4-2. Two minutes later, India was awarded another penalty stroke, which Harmanpreet again successfully converted.Argentina fought back valiantly, with Tadeo Marucci and Lucas Martinez scoring in quick succession to set up an exciting finish. However, India held on to secure a hard-earned victory.Harmanpreet's hat-trick was the highlight of the match, showcasing his exceptional drag-flicking skills. The Indian defense also played a crucial role, with goalkeeper Krishan Pathak making several key saves.India will next face Germany on June 1 in their next FIH Hockey Pro League match.

The Indian men's hockey team suffered a disappointing 1-4 defeat against Belgium in their second match of the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24. Despite a valiant effort, India was unable to overcome a strong Belgian side that dominated the match from start to finish.In the opening quarter, Belgium showcased their attacking prowess, but India's defense held firm, absorbing the pressure and preventing any clear-cut chances. As the quarter progressed, India began to gain momentum, pushing Belgium back into their own half. However, both teams failed to break the deadlock, and the first quarter ended goalless.The second quarter saw Belgium take the lead through Felix Denayer, who found space inside the area and finished from close range. India responded with a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet's shot was well-blocked by the Belgian goalkeeper. Despite repeated attacks, India was unable to find an equalizer before halftime.After the break, India started aggressively, but Belgium's defense remained resolute. The third quarter saw plenty of action on both ends, but it was Belgium who doubled their lead through Alexander Hendrickx, who successfully converted a penalty corner.With 15 minutes remaining, Belgium extended their lead to 3-0 through Cedric Charlier, who scored a fine field goal. India finally got on the scoreboard through Abhishek, who found the back of the net in the 55th minute. However, Belgium sealed the victory with a penalty stroke converted by Hendrickx in the 60th minute.The match marked a significant milestone for Jarmanpreet Singh, who completed 100 international caps for India. Despite the defeat, India will look to bounce back in their next match against Great Britain on Sunday.