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India's Olympic Bronze-Winning Hockey Team Falls to Germany in First TestIndia's Olympic bronze-winning hockey team suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat to world champions Germany in the first Test of their two-match series on Wednesday. The match, held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, marked the first international hockey match at the venue since 2014.Germany, who are the reigning Olympic silver medalists, fielded a young team for the series. However, the young Germans proved their mettle, with Henrik Mertgens scoring the opening goal in the 4th minute. Captain Lukas Windfeder doubled Germany's lead in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a comfortable 2-0 advantage.Despite the loss, India showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in the second half. The hosts created several scoring opportunities but were unable to convert them. Germany's defense, led by goalkeeper Alexander Stadler, stood firm and denied India any chance of a comeback.The second Test of the series will be played on Thursday, and India will be eager to level the series. The match will be a crucial test for the Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League and the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.

The Indian men's hockey team is set to host reigning world champion Germany in a two-match bilateral series at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The matches, scheduled for October 23 and 24, mark the return of international hockey to the capital after a decade.India, now a two-time Olympic medalist and ranked fifth in the world, will face a formidable challenge in Germany, who finished second at the recent World Cup in Paris and are ranked second in the global standings. The series promises to be a close contest, with both teams boasting talented and experienced players.Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the charge, with Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as his deputy. Youngsters Rajinder Singh and Aditya Lalage are set to make their international debuts, while defender and drag-flicker Varun Kumar returns to national duty after a long break.Coach Craig Fulton expressed his excitement about the upcoming matches, noting the significance of playing at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, where Indian hockey experienced a resurgence 14 years ago. He acknowledged the team's injury concerns but emphasized the opportunity for young players to prove themselves."It's unfortunate to have injuries, but it's also an exciting chance to test against the No. 2 in the world," Fulton said. "From now till the World Cup and then on to LA28, the selections will again open up chances for the guys to prove themselves."Germany, meanwhile, will field a mix of experienced and up-and-coming players. While some members of their World Cup squad are absent, the team includes several players from their Under-21 World Championship-winning side.The series is expected to provide valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India will be eager to continue their recent success, while Germany will aim to prove their status as one of the world's top hockey nations.

International hockey returns to New Delhi after a decade-long hiatus as India, the Olympic bronze medalists, face off against world champions Germany in a two-Test bilateral series starting Wednesday. The matches, to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, mark a significant revival for the sport in the capital.The last international match played at the stadium was the 2014 Hero World League Final, leaving a void in the city's hockey scene. The upcoming Tests against Germany, ranked second in the world and silver medalists at the Paris Olympics, promise to reignite the passion for hockey in Delhi.Over 12,000 fans have already registered for free tickets, indicating the immense anticipation for the event. The series holds great importance for Indian hockey, which has witnessed an upswing with consecutive Olympic bronze medals.In Paris, India narrowly lost 2-3 to Germany in a thrilling semifinal. The Tests provide an opportunity for revenge and a chance to test new faces. However, Germany remains a formidable opponent, having displayed their resilience in Paris, losing only in a shootout to the Netherlands in the gold medal match.Despite Germany's higher ranking, India has an edge in recent encounters, winning three of the last five matches. The Indian team boasts a mix of youth and experience, with notable inclusions like defender and drag-flicker Varun Kumar, who returns after a sabbatical.Star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian charge, while Vivek Sagar Prasad will serve as his deputy. Mid-field mainstay Hardik Singh remains absent due to injury. Newcomers Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lgale will make their international debuts.Striker Mandeep Singh, rested for the Asian Champions Trophy, will aim to impress alongside Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, and Dilpreet Singh. Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will guard the Indian goal, having proven their worth in the ACT after PR Sreejesh's retirement.The two matches offer a platform for newcomers and returning players to showcase their abilities and stake their claim for future selection. The series promises to be a thrilling spectacle, rekindling the spirit of hockey in Delhi and providing valuable experience for the Indian team as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Key Sports Dropped, Dealing Blow to India's Medal HopesIn a significant setback for India's aspirations at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, host city Glasgow has announced a revised roster of 10 disciplines, excluding key sports such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, and shooting. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on India's medal tally, as these sports have historically contributed a substantial number of medals.The move is part of Glasgow's efforts to keep the event budget-friendly and streamline logistics. The Games will be held across four venues, with a total of nine fewer events compared to the 2022 Birmingham edition. The pruned roster includes Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.The exclusion of hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, and shooting is a major blow to India's medal prospects. Hockey has been a consistent medal-winner for India, with the men's team claiming three silver and two bronze medals, while the women's team has also shone, clinching three medals, including a historic gold in 2002. Badminton has been another strong suit for India, with an impressive 31 medals to its name, including 10 gold, eight silver, and 13 bronze.Wrestling has also been a fruitful sport for India, yielding 114 medals, including 49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronzes. Cricket's reintroduction in 2022 saw the Indian women's team claim a silver medal. Shooting was a stronghold for India, with a staggering 135 medals, including 63 gold, 44 silver, and 28 bronze.The absence of these sports will significantly reduce India's chances of achieving a high medal count. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has acknowledged the setback, stating that the roster is a "massive setback to India's medal prospects."Despite the disappointment, the CGF has emphasized that the Games will deliver over 100 million pounds of "inward investment into the city" and is expected to support add an economic value of over 150 million pounds for the region. The body asserted that all this would be possible thanks to a model "that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games."

India to Defend Women's Asian Champions Trophy Title in BiharTwo-time champions India will embark on their title defense in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, scheduled to commence on November 11 in Bihar. The tournament will witness the participation of six teams, including hosts India, China, three-time winners Korea, two-time champions Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.The tournament, to be held in Rajgir, will conclude on November 20, as per the official schedule announced by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). India emerged victorious in the 2016 edition in Singapore and reclaimed the title in Ranchi last year.India's opening match will be against Malaysia on November 11, followed by a clash with Korea on November 12. They will then face Thailand (November 14), China (November 16), and Japan (November 17).The top four teams after the round-robin format will advance to the semifinals on November 19, with the summit clash scheduled for November 20.AHF president Dato Fumio Ogura expressed his confidence in the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, stating, "The Rajgir Hockey Stadium stands as a symbol of the region's commitment to fostering world-class sports, and we are confident that it will provide an exceptional experience for players and fans."Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey highlighted the significance of the event for Bihar, saying, "The newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium will serve as the perfect stage for this prestigious tournament, and we are excited to see India defend their title against some of the best teams in Asia."The tournament promises to showcase high-level hockey action, with India aiming to retain their title and other teams eager to challenge their dominance.

The much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a grand return after a seven-year hiatus, with both men's and women's teams participating in the event from December 28. The men's competition will feature eight teams, while six sides will compete in the women's event, which is being held for the first time. The league will be played in two venues — Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women — from December 28 to February 1.The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has granted a 10-year sanction for the HIL. The player auction for the league will be held from October 13 to 15. A total of 10 franchise owners have come on board, and players will be auctioned in three categories: Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.The return of the HIL is not only a significant moment in the history of the sport but also a major step forward in promoting women's hockey. The introduction of an exclusive women's league within the HIL framework is seen as providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their prowess, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future for Indian hockey.The franchise owners of the men's event are:* Chennai – Charles Group* Lucknow – Yadu Sports* Punjab – JSW Sports* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment, owned by tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi* Odisha – Vedanta Limited* Hyderabad – Resolute Sports* Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private LimitedThe women team owners are:* Haryana – JSW Sports* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment* Odisha - Navoyam Sports Ventures Private LimitedThe remaining two franchise owners of the women's league will be announced later. Each franchise will have a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight international stars.The final of the women's league is scheduled for January 26 next year in Ranchi, while the men's summit clash will be held on February 1 in Rourkela. Hockey India president and chairman of HIL, Dilip Tirkey, expressed his delight at the revival of the league, saying it was his dream since taking over the charge of the federation."Premier Hockey League started the culture of league in the world. Since the day we were elected it was our dream to revive the league and today the dream has been fulfilled," Tirkey said during the launch of the event in New Delhi on Friday (October 4, 2024)."HIL has been and will be a supply chain for the national teams. HIL is going to create a history for the sport. HIL is very important for world hockey. We are thankful to International Hockey Federation (FIH) for giving us 35 days window," he said.HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh agreed with Tirkey, saying starting the HIL was their aim from day one after taking charge of the federation."The first day we joined our first though was to restart HIL. It was long time waiting. Hockey is not just a sport in India, it is in our hearts," Singh said.He also announced that the Odisha government has extended its sponsorship deal with Indian hockey till 2036.

P.R. Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from international hockey and will withdraw from the upcoming Hockey India League Player Auction. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen Sreejesh achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.Sreejesh's decision to retire stems from his desire to focus on coaching and mentorship roles, paving the way for younger players to emerge. He has already been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the junior Indian men's team, pending final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the sports ministry.In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and his pride in ending his career on a high note. He recalled the unforgettable moment of standing atop the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games and the emotional celebration with his teammates.Sreejesh believes that his experience and knowledge can be invaluable to the next generation of Indian hockey players. He will continue to be involved with the Hockey India League as a Brand Ambassador, working closely with team staff and players to provide guidance and support.Hockey India has reportedly approved Sreejesh's contract for an initial period of three years, which will not conflict with his national duties. The federation has also expressed its appreciation for Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey and its commitment to supporting his transition into a coaching role.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.His exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination have inspired countless young players and fans alike. Sreejesh's legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey as he embarks on a new chapter as a mentor and coach.

The Indian Railways hockey team emerged victorious in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup all-India hockey tournament, defeating Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-3 in a thrilling final. The Railways team, the defending champion, displayed dominance throughout the tournament and continued their impressive form in the summit clash.Despite having a squad featuring several Olympians and internationals, IOC struggled to find their footing against a determined Railways side. The Railways team earned nine penalty corners in the first quarter alone, but managed to convert only one. However, their relentless pressure paid off in the third quarter when they extended their lead to 4-2, leaving IOC with a mountain to climb.IOC made several attempts to rally back, but their efforts were thwarted by the Railways defense. The former champion also had eight penalty corners, but could only convert one. Railways head coach Sunil Kumar Singh attributed the victory to his team's superior fitness and the exceptional skills of youngster Simranjot Singh."Though IOC had many stars, our players were fitter and better. I would also like to pick youngster Simranjot Singh for not just his ability to score but also his receiving skills. Of course, it has been a 100% team effort," said Singh.The match was a testament to the growing strength of Indian hockey, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. The Railways team's victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and serves as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for Indian hockey.