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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

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.

Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and retired goalkeeper PR Sreejesh have been honored at the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman. Harmanpreet was named Player of the Year 2024, while Sreejesh received the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade.Harmanpreet's exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics earned him the top spot. He led the scoring charts with 10 goals, including crucial goals in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and bronze medal match. His leadership and contributions were instrumental in India's consecutive podium finishes at the Olympics.Sreejesh, who retired after the Paris Olympics, added a second Olympic medal and a third FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award to his illustrious career. His stellar performance in the quarterfinal win over Great Britain, where India played with 10 players for most of the match, showcased his exceptional skills.In the women's category, Yibbi Jansen of Netherlands was named Player of the Year 2024, while China's Ye Jiao won the Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 award. Zoe Diaz of Argentina and Sufyan Khan of Pakistan received the FIH Rising Stars awards.Alyson Annan (Australia) and Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands) were recognized as the FIH Coaches of the Year in the women's and men's categories, respectively. Sarah Wilson of Scotland and Steve Rogers of Australia won the FIH Umpire of the Year awards in the women's and men's categories.Harmanpreet expressed his gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support of his teammates, Hockey India, and his family. Sreejesh thanked Hockey India and his team for their contributions to his success.The FIH awards recognize the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, and umpires in the sport of hockey. The winners are selected through a combination of votes from an Expert Panel, National Associations, fans, and media.

India's hockey stars, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, have been nominated for the prestigious FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, respectively. The nominations recognize their exceptional performances in leading India to a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.Harmanpreet, the team's captain, was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. His 10 goals made him the highest scorer, showcasing his remarkable drag-flicking skills. He will face stiff competition from Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands), Joep de Mol (Netherlands), Hannes Müller (Germany), and Zach Wallace (England) for the Player of the Year award.Sreejesh, a veteran goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in India's success. His resolute defense, particularly in the quarterfinal against Great Britain when India was reduced to 10 men, was crucial in securing the team's victory. He will compete against Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands), Luis Calzado (Spain), Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany), and Tomas Santiago (Argentina) for the Goalkeeper of the Year honor.The FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards are highly coveted accolades in the hockey world. The nominees were selected by an Expert Panel composed of players, coaches, and officials from each Continental Federation. The voting process will remain open until October 11, with national associations, fans, players, coaches, officials, and media having a say in determining the winners.The nominations of Harmanpreet and Sreejesh are a testament to the resurgence of Indian hockey. Their performances have inspired a new generation of players and brought the sport back into the limelight. The awards ceremony will be held in November, where the winners will be announced and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the game.

P.R. Sreejesh: From Legendary Goalkeeper to Inspiring Junior CoachRetired Indian hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career as the head coach of the national junior men's team. In a heartfelt letter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey and expressed confidence in his ability to make a significant impact in his new role.Sreejesh, known as "The Wall" for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, bid farewell to his 15-year international career after India's bronze-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in India's remarkable achievements, including two Asian Games gold medals and two Champions Trophy silver medals.Following his retirement, Hockey India appointed Sreejesh as the head coach of the junior men's team. In his new role, he aims to nurture the next generation of hockey stars and make India a "powerhouse in hockey."Prime Minister Modi, in his letter dated August 16, acknowledged Sreejesh's monumental contributions to Indian hockey. He recalled the goalkeeper's heroics in the triumphant Asian Games campaign in 2014, as well as his instrumental role in India's quarterfinal finish in the Rio Olympics and the bronze wins in Tokyo and Paris."I am sure your work in the new role will be as impactful and inspirational," Modi wrote. "As you call it a day on your playing career, I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation for your monumental contributions to Indian hockey."Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for Modi's support. "Hockey is my life and I'll continue to serve the game and work towards making India a power in hockey," he said. "Thank You PM Sir for your faith in me."Modi also praised Sreejesh's humility and grace, both on and off the field. "Various awards, national and international medals that came your way reflect the heights you have achieved. But what has always stood out about you, Sreejesh, is your humility and grace, both on and off the field," he wrote."I am confident that your passion, dedication and commitment will help nurture the next generation of world-beaters," Modi added. "I want to thank you for your tireless dedication, your remarkable career and for being a source of immense pride for India."Sreejesh's appointment as junior coach marks a new era for Indian hockey. His experience, leadership, and unwavering passion will undoubtedly inspire the young players and guide them towards future success.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak has been appointed as the main goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, following the retirement of veteran PR Sreejesh. The tournament will be held in Hulunbuir, China, from September 8-17, and will feature defending champions India alongside Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and hosts China.Pathak, who served as India's standby goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics and in previous tournaments, will now take on the primary role, with Suraj Karkera as the reserve custodian. Experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been named vice-captain, replacing Hardik Singh, who has been rested along with Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh.The tournament presents a significant opportunity for promising drag-flicker Jugraj Singh, who traveled to the Paris Olympics as a standby and will aim to prove his credentials alongside the formidable Harmanpreet Singh. Jugraj has demonstrated his abilities in limited appearances in the Pro League and will seek to solidify his place in the team. Araijeet Singh Hundal will serve as the third drag-flicker.The Indian defense will be anchored by Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit. The midfield will comprise Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohammed Raheel, while a young forward line featuring Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Hundal, junior India captain Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh will lead the attack.Ten players from the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning squad have been included in this team. Chief coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of the tournament for building ranking points and continuing the team's momentum after their Olympic success. He also highlighted the inclusion of young players who have earned their opportunity through impressive performances in training.India will commence their campaign against China on September 8, followed by a match against Japan the next day. After a day's rest, they will face Malaysia on September 11 and Korea the following day. The team will then take on arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for September 16 and 17, respectively.

The Indian Hockey Team's triumphant return to Delhi Airport on Tuesday was a testament to their remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics. After securing a hard-fought bronze medal, the team was greeted by a jubilant crowd eager to celebrate their success.The first group of players arrived on Saturday, while the remaining members, who had stayed for the closing ceremony, touched down on Tuesday. Among those who arrived today were PR Sreejesh, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay.Team member Sumit Valmiki expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, "It feels great. Entire India is sending us its love...You can see the atmosphere across the country...Love us more, we will perform even better. Sreejesh gave his best throughout the tournament. We won Bronze due to him..."The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics took place on Sunday night, with India finishing in 71st place on the medals tally. The United States of America topped the standings with 126 medals.India's bronze medal victory was secured by a 2-1 triumph over Spain in a thrilling match at the Yves du Manoir Stadium. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace, while PR Sreejesh's exceptional saves kept Spain at bay.Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, India created history by winning back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Singh emerged as the tournament's leading goal-scorer with 10 goals in eight matches.The victory marked India's first consecutive bronze hockey medals in 52 years, since the 1972 Munich Games. Sreejesh, who played his last game for India, was overcome with emotion as the team celebrated this momentous occasion.

After a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain, India secured the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, marking their 13th Olympic medal in men's hockey and fourth bronze. Captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed his gratitude and called for continued support for the team.Reflecting on the tournament, Harmanpreet acknowledged the disappointment of their semi-final loss to Germany but praised his team's resilience. "Medal is medal. Both medals are big, I think in terms of Indian hockey, we are going up again, showing that we can beat any team in the world," he said.Harmanpreet emphasized the team's commitment to restoring Indian hockey to its former glory. "India's history in hockey is huge. We are trying to get us back to the top again. It is my humble plea that please support us and we will definitely do better next time," he added.While expressing regret for not winning gold, Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction with the team's medal performance. "This is a big achievement for us. One has to wait for Olympics for four years. Our mentality is that we want to win always. We wanted to win gold and people believed in us that we can win gold, and for that, I apologize. We could have done it, but we just fell short. But we have won back-to-back medals, and that is a big achievement for India," he said.Harmanpreet specifically lauded goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, whose outstanding performance in the bronze medal match was pivotal. "There are kids in our team, who are younger than PR Sreejesh's career. He has been with us for such a long time and he has made India proud. It was an emotional moment for the team and we wanted to dedicate this tournament to PR Sreejesh," he concluded.

India's men's hockey team capped off a remarkable Olympic campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain, securing the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The triumph marks a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who is playing his final international tournament.The match started with Spain dominating possession and earning a penalty stroke, which they converted to take an early lead. However, India responded with determination, led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Singh converted two penalty corners in the third quarter, giving India a crucial 2-1 advantage.India's defense, anchored by Sreejesh, stood firm in the face of relentless Spanish pressure. The team's goalkeeper made several crucial saves, denying Spain any chance to equalize. The Indian midfield and forwards also played a vital role, controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities.The bronze medal is a testament to India's resilience and fighting spirit. After a disappointing start to the tournament, the team rallied together and produced some of their best performances in the latter stages. The victory also marks India's fourth bronze medal in hockey at the Olympics, following their triumphs in 1972, 1980, and 2016.For Sreejesh, the bronze medal is a fitting end to an illustrious career. The 39-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Indian hockey team for over a decade, inspiring a generation of players. His leadership and experience were invaluable throughout the tournament, and his performance in the bronze medal match was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.