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India's junior hockey team, led by defender Amir Ali, is gearing up for the upcoming Men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat, Oman, scheduled to commence on November 26, 2024. The team has a rich history in the tournament, having won it a record four times, including in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023.The tournament will feature 10 teams from across the continent, divided into two pools. India has been placed in Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Pool B consists of Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Oman, and Pakistan.The tournament also serves as a qualifying event for next year's FIH Junior World Cup, and India has already secured its berth as the host nation. However, the team is determined to build on its recent success at the Sultan of Johor Cup, where they displayed impressive form.Rohit will serve as Amir Ali's deputy in the tournament. Coach P.R. Sreejesh expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup, stating, "The Sultan of Johor Cup was a first-time experience for many of the players, yet they showed great spirit in doing well, and I am quite pleased with how they performed."The team has been working hard at the ongoing national camp in SAI, Bengaluru, and has made certain changes to its game to enhance its defensive capabilities and goal-scoring efficiency.Squad:Goalkeepers:* Princedeep Singh* Bikramjit SinghDefenders:* Amir Ali (C)* Talem Priyobarta* Shardanand Tiwari* Yogember Rawat* Anmol Ekka* Rohit (VC)Midfielders:* Ankit Pal* Manmeet Singh* Rosan Kujur* Mukesh Toppo* Thokchom Kingson SinghForwards:* Gurjot Singh* Sourabh Anand Kushwaha* Dilraj Singh* Arshdeep Singh* Araijeet Singh HundalAlternate Players:* Sukhvinder* Chandan Yadav

The Indian women's hockey team embarks on a new Olympic cycle with the defense of its Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) title at home. Having endured a challenging year with limited victories, the team aims to turn the tide and showcase their resilience.Led by captain Salima Tete, India boasts a blend of youth and experience. Striker Navneet Kaur serves as Tete's deputy, bringing a wealth of attacking prowess. The team faces stiff competition from reigning Olympic silver medalists China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.India's defense will be anchored by a solid lineup featuring Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke. The midfield will be marshaled by Tete, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami.The forward line-up boasts the likes of Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and Beauty Dungdung. Goalkeeping duties will be shared between the experienced Savita and rising talent Bichu Devi Kharibam.Sushila and Beauty Dungdung make their return to the team after successful rehabilitation. India enters the tournament as one of the favorites alongside China, ranked sixth in the world. South Korea has won the tournament thrice, while Japan has claimed it twice.After missing out on Olympic qualification, India's new coach Harendra Singh aims to instill a renewed sense of purpose and focus on fitness. Captain Tete acknowledges the team's past struggles and emphasizes the importance of moving forward.The tournament marks the beginning of a new journey for the Indian women's hockey team, with their sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Indian hockey has reached new heights with the recent recognition of Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh as the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024. This prestigious honor is a testament to their exceptional performances and the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage.Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men's hockey team, has been a force to reckon with. His leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in India's recent successes. At the Paris Olympics, he led the scoring charts with 10 goals, including crucial goals in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and bronze medal match. His third FIH Player of the Year award is a fitting recognition of his consistent brilliance.PR Sreejesh, the legendary goalkeeper, has been a pillar of the Indian team for over a decade. His agility, reflexes, and leadership have made him one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world. At the Paris Olympics, he played a pivotal role in India's quarterfinal victory over Great Britain, despite playing most of the match with only 10 players. His third FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award is a testament to his unwavering excellence.The FIH awards also recognized the rising stars of hockey. Sufyan Khan of Pakistan was named the Men's Rising Star of the Year, while Zoe Diaz of Argentina won the Women's Rising Star of the Year award. These young players represent the future of hockey and their recognition is a sign of the sport's continued growth and development.The FIH awards are a celebration of the best and brightest in hockey. Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh's achievements are a source of pride for India and an inspiration to young hockey players around the world. Their success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that drives the sport of hockey.

Salima Tete has been appointed as the captain of the 18-member Indian women's hockey team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from November 11 to 20 at the newly-developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. Navneet Kaur will serve as Tete's deputy.India enters the competition as the defending champions, having clinched the title at last year's edition in Ranchi. The team will face stiff competition from five other nations, including reigning Olympic silver-medallists China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, in the battle for continental supremacy.Tete, a dynamic mid-fielder, expressed her excitement and determination to lead the team to another successful campaign. "It's an incredible feeling to lead the team into another major tournament, especially as defending champions," she said. "We have trained rigorously and have a strong unit with both experienced players and young talent. Our goal is to defend our title and play with the same passion and determination we showed last year."The goalkeeping duties will be shared between the experienced Savita and rising talent Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defence will be anchored by a solid line-up, featuring Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke.In the mid-field, captain Tete will be supported by Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami, all known for their dynamic play. The forward line-up boasts firepower with Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and Beauty Dungdung leading the charge.Notably, Sushila and Beauty Dungdung make their return to the team after successfully completing their rehabilitation. "We are confident in our preparation and the chemistry we've built within the team," said vice-captain Navneet. "Playing in front of our home crowd is a huge boost, and we are ready to face tough competition from the best teams in Asia."India will open their campaign against Malaysia on November 11. The team is determined to defend their title and continue their dominance in Asian hockey.

Rani Rampal, the former captain of the Indian women's hockey team, has announced her retirement after a remarkable 16-year career. The 29-year-old forward, who hails from a humble background in Haryana, has been an inspiration to countless young athletes.Rampal made her international debut in 2008 at the age of 14, and quickly established herself as a key player for India. She has represented the country in over 250 matches, scoring 205 goals. Rampal was instrumental in India's historic fourth-place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the team's best-ever performance at the Games.In recognition of her achievements, Rampal was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020, India's highest sporting honor. She was also conferred the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in the same year.Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Rampal has been a vocal advocate for women's empowerment and gender equality. She has used her platform to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.Rampal's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian women's hockey. She has been a role model for generations of players and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in India. Her legacy will continue to inspire young athletes for years to come.

Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey captain, emerged as the most sought-after player at the Hockey India League auctions, fetching a staggering ₹78 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club. The ace drag-flicker's acquisition set the tone for a bidding frenzy, with several Indian national team players commanding prices far exceeding their base price of ₹10 lakh.Abhishek Nain became the second-most expensive buy at ₹72 lakh, snapped up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. India vice-captain Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh. Jugraj Singh (Bengal) and Amit Rohidas (Tamil Nadu Dragons) rounded out the top Indian buys at ₹48 lakh each.Among the overseas players, Gonzalo Peillat was the most coveted, triggering a fierce bidding war before being acquired by Hyderabad Toofans for a massive ₹68 lakh. The Argentine-turned-German became the fourth most expensive player overall, surpassing Dutch drag-flicker Jip Janssen, who went for ₹54 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons.Youngsters Araijit Singh Hundal and Rohit also had impressive outings, fetching ₹42 lakh (Gonasika) and ₹40 lakh (SG Pipers) respectively. Australian forward Jeremy Hayward (JSW, ₹42 lakh) and Dutchman Lars Balk (UP, ₹40 lakh) were the other prominent foreign buys.However, Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh were left disappointed, receiving only ₹19 lakh and ₹25 lakh respectively as teams initially hesitated before gaining momentum.The auction also witnessed some confusion when Dutch goalkeeper Maurits Visser was put up for bidding before franchises were informed of his withdrawal, forcing last-minute adjustments.Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey acknowledged that the ₹4 crore purse was insufficient, stating that the possibility of increasing it next year would be considered after reviewing feedback from franchises.

The revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) has sparked excitement among hockey enthusiasts, with former captain Sardar Singh expressing optimism about its impact on the sport. The league's return after a seven-year hiatus is expected to revitalize Indian hockey and provide a platform for young players to showcase their talent.Over 1,000 players have registered for the HIL 2024-25 Players' Auction, scheduled for October 13-14 (men's) and October 15 (women's). The league's comeback is seen as a significant step towards reviving Indian hockey's golden era."The HIL will be bigger and better this time around," said Sardar Singh. "With a Women's league being held concurrently, the League is set to revive Indian hockey's golden era."The HIL provides a high-performance environment for players, allowing them to compete against and alongside some of the best in the world. This exposure to different cultures and mindsets creates a valuable learning experience for young players.Sardar Singh, who captained the Indian team at the age of 21, believes the HIL has played a crucial role in identifying and grooming talented players. "Current mainstays in the team; Harmanpreet, Mandeep, Sumit and many more were identified and groomed in the HIL," he said.The league's return is expected to expand the pool of potential players for the Indian Hockey Teams. By providing a platform for young players to gain experience at the highest level, the HIL will contribute to the development of a stronger and more competitive national team.The HIL's impact extends beyond the field, fostering a sense of community and passion for hockey. The league's return is a testament to the sport's enduring popularity in India and its potential to inspire future generations of players.

The Indian hockey team has been on a steady upward trajectory since their bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their impressive performance continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals before falling short. However, they bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Spain 2-1 to secure a podium finish.The team's success continued at the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, where they emerged victorious after defeating China in the final. This victory further solidified their position as a rising force in international hockey.Hardik Singh, a key member of the Indian squad, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the Olympic medal. "We were told the medal had iron from the Eiffel Tower, but I hope that's true," he said. "They had one job, which was to make a good quality medal, but that's not the case."Despite his disappointment with the medal, Singh remains proud of his achievement. "This is still my biggest achievement," he said. "I have a tattoo of the Olympic rings, but I've kept it incomplete. My wish is to complete it when I win the gold medal next time."Singh also shared an anecdote about an encounter with social media personality Dolly Chaiwala at an airport. "I saw it with my own eyes," he said. "People were getting themselves clicked with him and didn't recognize us. We started looking at each other, feeling awkward."This incident highlights the growing popularity of internet stars and the potential for them to overshadow athletes who have achieved significant accomplishments.As the Indian hockey team looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they will be determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for the gold medal. With their current form and determination, they have the potential to make history and bring home the ultimate prize.