Others

Former Kerala State hockey player A.V. Rajagopal, fondly known as the "Father of Alappuzha Hockey," passed away in Alappuzha on Thursday at the age of 73.Rajagopal's journey in hockey began in Chennai, where he picked up the sport in the St. Thomas Mount area. He went on to represent Kerala in three senior Nationals in the late 1960s, playing as a left half-back.After his playing career, Rajagopal dedicated himself to promoting hockey in Alappuzha. At a time when the sport was dominated by people from Gujarat, Rajagopal played a pivotal role in introducing hockey to the local community.His efforts bore fruit as Alappuzha emerged as a hockey powerhouse in Kerala. Rajagopal's brother, A.V. Suresh, also a former State hockey player, recalls his brother's unwavering commitment to the sport."He was the one who introduced hockey among the local people and developed Alappuzha hockey," Suresh said. "He was a great coach and mentor, and he inspired many young players to take up the sport."Rajagopal's legacy extends beyond his contributions to Alappuzha hockey. He was a respected figure in the Kerala hockey community, known for his passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of sports to transform lives.His passing has left a void in the Kerala hockey fraternity, and his memory will continue to inspire generations of players to come.

The Indian hockey team faces a daunting challenge at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a formidable group that includes Australia, Belgium, Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand. Legendary hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, believes that the team must approach the tournament with a fearless mindset and avoid preconceived notions to overcome the obstacles.India's recent performances, including a series loss to Australia and a disappointing finish in the Pro League, have raised concerns about their readiness for the Olympics. However, Dhyanchand remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's capabilities and experience. He advises the players to control their nerves and focus on implementing their techniques and tactics.Dhyanchand acknowledges the difficulty of the group but believes that India can succeed if they play with a fresh mind and a determination to win a medal. He highlights the importance of the Olympics as a potential swansong for several players, urging them to give their all and leave a lasting legacy.Despite the challenges, Dhyanchand remains hopeful that India can stand on the podium in Paris. He laments the fading aura of hockey in India but emphasizes the enduring romance with the sport and the expectations that accompany it. He believes that a medal is an absolute necessity, given India's rich hockey history.

Indian hockey legend Manpreet Singh is set to make history by representing his country in his fourth Olympics in Paris, joining the ranks of the legendary Dhanraj Pillay. The senior midfielder expressed his excitement and pride, stating that it is a "dream come true" and a testament to his hard work and dedication.Manpreet's journey with the national team has been remarkable, with his debut in 2011 and an impressive 370 caps and 27 goals to his name. He has participated in three previous Olympic Games, including the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic Bronze medal.Speaking about his expectations for the Paris Olympics, Manpreet emphasized the importance of enjoying the performance and not underestimating any team. He believes that by focusing on their game and supporting each other, the team can achieve great results.The Indian men's hockey team is currently undergoing a three-day training period in Switzerland to instil mental toughness. They will then move to the Netherlands for practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.India is placed in Pool B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside defending Champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.Manpreet's fourth Olympic appearance is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Indian hockey. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they aim to make a strong showing in Paris and bring honor to their country.