New Delhi, December 28: While the year may not have been favorable for the Indian women's hockey team both on and off the field, drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat is ready to return to the turf after five months through the Hockey India League, believing that things will change for the better in the new year.

Deepika, who was ruled out of the team due to a slip during the final practice session a day before the departure for the Asia Cup in August, acknowledged that the team did not perform as expected in the past year but expressed confidence that the new year would bring new hopes, as per agency report. The 22-year-old forward stated that with new beginnings in the coming year, significant changes are expected. She highlighted that the upcoming year is crucial, with qualifying for the World Cup being the primary challenge, followed by the Asian Games in 2026.

Apart from finishing last in the Pro League, the Indian women's team lost 1-4 to China in the Asia Cup final, thereby missing the chance to directly qualify for the World Cup scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands next August. The team must now compete in the qualifiers in Hyderabad in March, where they will face England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, with the top three teams securing a ticket to the World Cup.

Deepika, who won the Hockey India Best Emerging Player award in 2025, described the five months away from hockey as extremely difficult, admitting to feelings of anger and sadness over missing the Asia Cup despite good preparation. She affirmed that she is now making a comeback with full fitness and intends to leave no stone unturned. She emphasized the need to demonstrate that the Indian women's hockey team is second to none and aims to restore the upward trajectory the sport witnessed after the fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. She noted that while the previous year was not good, the next year would bring a new dawn.

The player, who made her senior debut through the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar in 2022, attributed the team's poor performance to the repetition of mistakes and stressed the necessity for better communication. She observed that errors which led to their exit from the Pro League were repeated in the Asia Cup, and insisted that focus should have been on rectifying recurring mistakes alongside improving internal team communication.

Highlighting the importance of mental fitness alongside physical conditioning, Deepika credited her Hockey India League team, SG Pipers, for their support. She explained that physical fitness follows naturally when a player is mentally relaxed and happy. Since she wanted to return through the league, SG Pipers arranged a special 15-day camp for her in Jaipur after the national camp concluded, showing faith in her abilities which helped her regain fitness. She mentioned that she has returned to her pre-injury form, resumed drag-flicking, and feels physically stronger than before. Regarding the league, she noted that despite changes in the team, there is excellent coordination among players, and the presence of foreign players offers significant learning opportunities, leading to hopes for better performance this year.

Coming from a family of wrestlers, Deepika revealed that her father wanted her to make a name in the arena like her grandfather and uncle. She recalled going to wrestling practice with her brother initially but was drawn to the hockey field located on the way. Although her family wished for her to choose wrestling, she picked up the hockey stick and now possesses a strong desire to prove this decision right through her performance.

Hangzhou (China), September 8 – The Indian women’s hockey team registered a dominant 12-0 victory over Singapore in their Pool B match at the Asia Cup on Monday, with Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan both scoring hat-tricks.

Navneet found the net in the 14th, 18th, and 28th minutes, while Mumtaz struck in the 2nd, 32nd, and 38th minutes. Neha added two goals in the 11th and 38th minutes. Lalremsiami (13th), Sharmila Devi (45th), and Rutuja Pisal (52nd) also contributed to the emphatic win.

As per agency report, India, currently ranked 10th in the world, had earlier beaten Thailand 11-0 in their opening match and played out a 2-2 draw against defending champions Japan. Singapore, ranked 34th, struggled throughout the encounter and failed to contain India’s relentless attack.

The tournament features eight teams divided into two pools, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The leading two teams from the Super Four will face off in the final on September 14.

The Asia Cup champions will secure direct qualification for the 2026 Women’s World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands, making India’s strong start an encouraging sign for their campaign.

Hangzhou (China), September 5 – India began their Women’s Asia Cup Hockey campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday, defeating Thailand 11-0 in a Pool B encounter. The victory was powered by two goals each from Udita Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung, with several other players also finding the net.

Udita scored in the 30th and 52nd minutes from penalty corners, while Dung Dung added goals in the 45th and 54th minutes. Mumtaz Khan opened the scoring in the 7th minute, followed by goals from Sangita Kumari in the 10th, Navneet Kaur in the 16th, Lalremsiami in the 18th, Thoudam Suman Devi in the 49th, Sharmila Devi in the 57th, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal in the 60th minute.

Ranked ninth in the world, India dominated from the outset against 30th-ranked Thailand, securing a 5-0 lead by halftime. As per agency report, the tournament features eight teams divided into two pools, with the top two from each advancing to the Super 4 stage. The top two teams from the Super 4 will contest the final on September 14.

India entered the tournament without experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia and top drag-flicker Deepika, both sidelined due to injuries. The Asia Cup winner will qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Following their resounding win over Thailand, India will face Japan on Saturday before concluding their pool matches against Singapore on September 8.

Berlin, June 26 – The Indian junior men's hockey team concluded its campaign at the ongoing Four-Nation Tournament in Berlin with a 2-1 victory over Australia, securing third place. The closely contested match saw India come from behind after trailing in the third quarter.

Australia initially took the lead in the 40th minute when captain Toby Malan scored a field goal, breaking the deadlock after a goalless first half. Both teams had exchanged attacking plays in the initial two quarters, but neither could convert chances into goals.

India responded swiftly with an equalizer just five minutes later. Rohit capitalized on a penalty corner opportunity in the 45th minute to level the score at 1-1. Maintaining their momentum, India pressed forward in the final quarter.

As per agency report, Ajit Yadav scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute through open play, giving India a 2-1 lead which they maintained till the final whistle, securing a well-fought win over the Australians.

India's journey in the tournament was marked by mixed results. They began with a heavy 1-7 defeat to host nation Germany, bounced back with a strong 3-1 win over Australia in the pool stage, but then suffered a 1-5 loss against Spain. With the third-place finish, India wrapped up its participation in the tournament on a positive note.

New Delhi, April 10 – The Indian women's hockey team is set to embark on a tour of Australia for a five-match series scheduled from April 26 to May 4. As per agency report, Hockey India confirmed the itinerary on Thursday, emphasizing the tour's strategic importance in preparation for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 starting in June.

The tour will begin with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three games against the Australian senior women's team on May 1, 3, and 4. All matches will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Currently ranked ninth in the world, the Indian team last faced Australia during the FIH Pro League 2023-24, securing a narrow 1-0 win. However, historical records indicate Australia has had the upper hand, winning 10 out of the last 16 encounters since 2013. India has managed three victories, while three matches have ended in draws.

Head coach Harendra Singh highlighted the significance of the tour, stating that playing against a top-tier team like Australia will provide Indian players with a valuable opportunity to assess their performance and refine strategies ahead of the upcoming international season. The series is seen as a vital step in the team’s buildup to one of the most competitive phases in the international hockey calendar.

New Delhi, February 7 – After an impressive performance in the Hockey India Women’s League, rising forward Sonam has been selected for the senior national team’s training camp ahead of the Women’s Pro League. The 19-year-old is optimistic about delivering her best if given the opportunity to represent India.

Sonam, who scored four goals in three matches, was named the Emerging Player of the Tournament. She was the top Indian goal-scorer and ranked third overall among the highest goal-scorers in the competition. Her stellar performance in the league has earned her a call-up to the national camp, where she will train alongside seasoned players as India prepares to face Germany, the Netherlands, England, and Spain in the Pro League.

Expressing her excitement, Sonam shared in a Hockey India press release, "When my family heard the news of my selection, they were overjoyed. I feel great and truly believe that I can give my best for India."

She also emphasized the value of learning from experienced players at the national camp, adding, "I am gaining invaluable insights from senior players here at the training camp. If I get an opportunity, I will make the most of it."

New Delhi, November 7 – In honor of the 100th anniversary of Indian hockey, Hockey India has announced a year-long celebration to pay tribute to a century of unparalleled excellence and visionary growth in the sport. This centennial year will include the grand relaunch of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) and, for the first time, a historic inauguration of the Women’s HIL.

The journey of Indian hockey began on November 7, 1925, in Gwalior with the formation of a national body for the sport. Since then, Indian hockey has built a legacy of victory and pride, marked by eight Olympic gold medals, one silver, four bronze, a World Cup trophy, as well as silver and bronze medals on the world stage. Evolving from the golden era on natural fields to the modern challenges of artificial turf, Indian hockey has emerged resilient and strong, symbolizing a journey of revival. Over the past decade, Indian hockey has seen a renaissance, highlighted by the historic back-to-back Olympic medals for the men’s team and an impressive fourth-place finish for the women’s team in Tokyo. These achievements underscore the resurgence of Indian hockey.

The return of the Hockey India League alongside the centennial celebrations reflects Hockey India’s commitment to preserving this glorious past while embracing an exciting future. India has also hosted several prestigious international tournaments and developed world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art artificial turfs nationwide. Hockey India has embraced digital advancements, including a member unit portal and an online player registration system, creating a comprehensive database for professional players. Additionally, a structured coaching education pathway prepares officials to meet international standards.

Hockey India has always supported gender equality in the sport. It proudly upholds equal prize money for tournament-winning men’s and women’s teams and standardized match-winning fees across genders, making hockey the only team sport in India with full pay parity.

The return of HIL is a planned tribute for this centennial celebration. The Women’s HIL, set to make a grand debut, will be bigger, better, and bolder. This move not only showcases the resurgence of Indian hockey but also reinforces Hockey India’s steadfast commitment to providing equal opportunities and recognition for all athletes.

Expressing his excitement, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stated, “As we celebrate 100 years of Indian hockey, the restart of the Men’s HIL and the launch of the Women’s HIL mark a pivotal moment. This year-long celebration is a testament to our remarkable journey and enduring legacy. We look forward to witnessing thrilling matches and exceptional talent in these leagues that embody the spirit of excellence that has defined Indian hockey for a century.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “The centennial celebration of Indian hockey is a historic milestone that reflects our rich legacy and our vision for the future. The return of HIL and the launch of the Women’s League are crucial steps in our commitment to fostering talent and promoting equality in the sport. We anticipate an unforgettable year of high-caliber hockey as we pay tribute to our past and build a brighter future for the sport in India.”

This centennial celebration is not only a tribute to a century of excellence but also serves as a launchpad for the next hundred years of glory and success in Indian hockey.

New Delhi, 16 October : The first-ever Women's Hockey India League (HIL) auction concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking a historic moment for women's hockey in India. The auction saw intense bidding wars for both junior and senior players from various countries.

The 2024-25 season will feature four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Surma Hockey Club (Haryana).

Here are the complete team rosters following the auction:

Delhi SG Pipers

Defenders: Emma Puverej (Belgium), Jyoti Singh, Stephanie De Groof (Belgium), Giselle Anne Ansley (Great Britain), Miri Maroni (Australia), Elizabeth Ann Neal (Great Britain).  
Midfielders: Manisha Chauhan, Zan Gerdien De Ward (Netherlands), Khaidam Shilema Chanu, Manisha Manshri.  
Forwards: Sunlita Toppo, Sangeeta Kumari, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Mumtaz Khan, Ishika, Geeta Yadav, Charlotte Watson (Great Britain), Preeti Dubey, Himanshi Sharad Gawande.  
Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi Kharibam, Elodie Picard (Belgium), Bansari Solanki.

Odisha Warriors

Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Clare Colville (Australia), Jyoti Chhatri, Anjali Barwa, Lily Paulin Stoffelsma (Germany).  
Midfielders: Neha Goyal, Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands), Caitlin Jay Nobbs (Australia), Baljeet Kaur, Sonika, Victoria Sauze (Argentina), Nisha, Nandini.  
Forwards: Frieke Georgette Marie (Netherlands), Annu, Rituja Dadaso Pissal, Sakshi Rana, Kanika Siwach, Michelle Fillet (Netherlands), Sadhana.  
Goalkeepers: Jocelyn Bartram (Australia), Madhuri Kindo, Angil Harsh Rani Minj.

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers

Defenders: Udita, Upton Roisin (Ireland), Elena Neal (Ireland), Marina Lalramnzhaki, Mahima Chaudhary.  
Midfielders: Eva Roma Maria De Goede (Netherlands), Sarah Hawkshaw (Ireland), Jyoti Edula, Munmuni Das, Binima Dhan, Huda Khan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Shilpi Dabas.  
Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dung Dung, Ambre Ballenghien (Belgium), Katherine Mullan (Ireland), Lalrinpui Pachhuav, Priyanka Wankhede, Vandana Patel.  
Goalkeepers: Grace O’Hanlon (New Zealand), Jennifer Rizzo (USA), Vidyashree V.

Surma Hockey Club

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Preeti, Penny Squibb (Australia), Anna Toman (Great Britain).  
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Nike Lorenz, Maria Verschoor, Hina Bano, Jimena Maria Cedres (Argentina), Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan, Azmina Kujur.  
Forwards: Sharmila Devi, Charlotte Englebert (Belgium), Charlotte Stepanhorst (Germany), Deepika Soreng, Sonam, Upasna Singh, Amanpreet Kaur.  
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Nidhi, Natalia Salvador (Chile).

The 2024-25 Women's HIL promises to be a groundbreaking event, offering a platform for top talent from across the world to showcase their skills.

New Delhi – Former hockey legends Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal have expressed their excitement to witness the Indian hockey team take on Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The event, set for October 23 and 24, is expected to draw many prominent figures, including former hockey stars.

India will face the Paris Olympic silver medalists, Germany, in a much-anticipated showdown. At the Paris Olympics, Germany narrowly missed the gold, losing to the Netherlands in the final. They had previously defeated India 3-2 in the semi-finals, while India went on to secure a bronze medal by defeating Spain in the third-place match.

In a statement released by Hockey India on Saturday, Padma Shri awardee Harbinder Singh shared his memories of playing for the national team in Delhi in 1972. He said, "I remember the packed Shivaji Stadium, filled with fans cheering for us. I believe many fans will come to show their support for both the Indian and German teams, as this will be a high-level international match after a decade."

Zafar Iqbal, captain of the gold-winning 1980 Moscow Olympic team and a silver medalist at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, reminisced about the passion hockey once ignited among Indian fans. "In our time, we had a massive fan following. Tournaments like the Nehru Gold Cup, the Asian Games, and other international matches were always well-attended with lots of excitement. Germany is a strong team, and we defeated them in Tokyo to win the bronze medal, but they bested us in the recent Paris semi-final. I'm confident that Indian spectators will motivate us to claim victory."

The upcoming matches promise to be thrilling, as the two teams rekindle their fierce rivalry on Indian soil.

New Delhi – After clinching the title of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, the Indian men's hockey team returned to Delhi this morning, where they were greeted with a warm and enthusiastic reception. The tournament, held at the Mogi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China, saw India claim its record fifth championship title in the history of the competition.

Fans and Hockey India officials gathered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to welcome the victorious team with great excitement and celebration.

Speaking upon their arrival, team captain Harmanpreet Singh said, "This title is very special for us. It was a very important tournament for our team, especially given that we didn’t have much time to prepare for it."

Head coach Craig Fulton added, "I think it’s fantastic. Being number one in Asia has always been our goal, and this was a great tournament."

India secured their fifth title on Tuesday with a thrilling 1-0 victory over hosts China in the final match. The win solidified India's dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy, where they remained undefeated, continuing their successful campaign under the ‘Fultonball’ strategy. India had previously won the title in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023.

New Delhi - Hockey India has announced the 18-member squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, set to take place from September 8 to 17 in Hulunbuir, China. The Indian team, which is the defending champion, will be led by the seasoned drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, with experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as the vice-captain.

The tournament will see Asia's top hockey-playing nations—India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and host China—competing for the prestigious title.

The team selection has been made with a careful balance of experience and youth. Ten players from the bronze medal-winning squad of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are part of the team. Notably, key players like Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh have been rested for this tournament.

Head Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of this tournament for India, saying, "This is a crucial campaign for us to improve our ranking points. After celebrating our performance in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the team has returned to camp. The past few weeks have been truly incredible with the love and appreciation we've received, and we hope this support continues in our future campaigns."

He added, "Our new Olympic cycle begins with the Asian Champions Trophy, and we are ready for the challenge. We've rested some of the players who competed in Paris, but we've also included some young players who have performed well in training and earned their place in the team. Gurjot will make his international debut, and I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to shine. As a team, we want to maintain our dominance in the Asian continent, and we will go to China to defend our title."

The Indian team will kick off their campaign on September 8 with a match against China, followed by a clash against Japan on September 9. After a day's rest, they will face Malaysia on September 11 and Korea on September 12.

After another break, India will play against Pakistan on September 14, with the semifinals and finals scheduled for September 16 and 17, respectively.

Indian Men's Hockey Team:

- Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera.
- Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit.
- Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Neelakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad (Vice-Captain), Manpreet Singh, Mohammad Raheel Mousin.
- Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh.