From the electrifying victory of the Indian cricket team in the recent T20 series to the rising star power of young badminton sensations, India's sporting landscape is ablaze with action! This week alone saw record-breaking performances in the Pro Kabaddi League, showcasing the nation's unwavering passion for indigenous sports. The upcoming Asian Games are generating immense anticipation, with athletes across disciplines sharpening their skills and aiming for glory on the international stage. We delve into the crucial role of sports sponsorships in nurturing talent and boosting India's sporting infrastructure. Furthermore, debates rage on about the future of cricket's dominance in India's sporting ecosystem, with other sports like hockey and football vying for increased attention and investment. Stay updated on all the latest scores, match analyses, and exclusive interviews with your favorite athletes. Explore the dynamic world of Indian sports—from the bustling stadiums to the quiet dedication of rising stars—right here. Discover the stories that shape the nation’s sporting spirit and witness the unfolding drama of the sporting year.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) SG Pipers have unveiled a formidable list of 17 retained men's players ahead of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2025 auctions, showcasing a balanced mix of Indian stars as well as international stalwarts. The retained roster underlines the franchise's commitment to nurturing domestic talent while strengthening global pedigree across all positions. The SG Pipers coaching staff worked closely with the Director of Hockey, Padma Bhushan PR Sreejesh, to finalise the list of retained players. The Pipers have also completed the acquisition of the Welsh international Jacob Draper, who has been traded in from Team Gonasika after appearing in all 10 games last season. Goalkeepers Tomas Santiago of Argentina and India's Pawan provide depth at the back, supported in defence by Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Rohit, Manjeet, and Wales international Gareth Furlong. The midfield unit is bolstered by Shamsher Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Ankit Pal, and Kingson Singh from India, alongside Australia's Ky Willott and Welshman Jacob Draper, who joined via trade. In attack, Argentina's Tomas Domene leads the forward line with support from India's Aditya Lalage, Sourabh Anand Khushwaha, and Dilraj Singh. The retained players delivered memorable moments for fans last season as well as on the international stage. Two-time Olympic medallist Shamsher Singh returns as a symbol of resilience and belief. Jarmanpreet Singh will bring solidity to the defence, fresh from playing a vital role in India's Asia Cup 2025 triumph. Varun Kumar, a bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will further strengthen the backline with his pace and aggressive tackling. Rajkumar Pal offers a proven ability to stay calm under pressure - a trait he showcased on multiple occasions, including penalty shootout goals against Team Gonasika last season and against Great Britain at the last Olympics. Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago adds further pedigree between the posts. Speaking on the squad's balance after the retention, Sreejesh stated, "Retaining the core men's team was crucial. Last season, missing six key players disrupted our rhythm. This time, the retained squad knows each other well and brings the hunger and attitude needed for a strong season. With Olympic medallists like Shamsher, Jarman, Rajkumar, and Varun alongside hungry youngsters, we have a balanced mix of experience and ambition. The seniors will lead by example, the juniors are eager to prove themselves, and we will complete the squad thoughtfully with the expertise of our coaches." The Pipers will also benefit from the leadership of newly appointed men's team Head Coach Tim Oudenaller. Oudenaller is widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest coaching minds and boasts a proven track record of building successful squads in the Dutch Hoofdklasse and the Euro Hockey League. Working in tandem with Sreejesh, an icon of Indian Hockey, the coaching and leadership group will provide both strategic vision and mentorship as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season. Looking forward to coaching the team, head coach Tim Oudenaller said, "The players we have retained will bring balance, depth, and ambition qualities that can take us far this season. Together with the management, I truly believe we have the foundation to challenge for the title." Having set the tone with their early moves, the Pipers now head into the HIL auction with clarity on what it will take to round off the squad.
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Indian hockey player Jarmanpreet Singh said that the return of the Hockey India League (HIL) will help up-and-coming players learn more about the overseas players and would help India in ultimately securing the gold medal in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Jarmanpreet spoke to ANI about the return of the Hockey India League, team India winning the Paris Olympics 2024 bronze and the Asian Champions Trophy, the retirement of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh etc. Speaking about the return of HIL, Jarmanpreet said to ANI, "Yes (if it will help Team India get LA 20 ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): Amir Ali, the 20-year-old captain of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team, is set to make his mark in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25. Bagged by Team Gonasika for a remarkable Rs 34 lakh at the HIL auction, Amir's rise from humble beginnings to the top of Indian hockey is nothing short of inspirational, said a release from Hockey India. Amir, born and raised in Lucknow, is the son of a bike mechanic. He balanced helping his father after school with pursuing his passion for hockey, attending coaching sessions alongside his work. His journey fr ...Read More >
Ranchi, Jan 13 (VOICE) Olivia Shannon, Charlotte Englebert, Salima Tete, and Sonam scored a goal each as Soorma Hockey Club began their Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 campaign on a high as they handed Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers a dominant 4-1 win here on Monday.Olivia scored in the 38th minute, Charlotte in the 42nd, captain Salima Tete in the 44th and Sonam struck in the 47th minute as Soorma came back strongly after Hannah Cotter (7') scored the only goal of the first quarter for the Tigers. The JSW Soorma Hockey Club started the tie on a good note as they held possession, contro ...Read More >
Rourkela (Odisha) [India], January 31 (ANI): The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers booked their place in the final of the Hockey India League 2024-25 after beating the Tamil Nadu Dragons 2 (6) - (5) 2 on penalty shootouts at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. In a thrilling match, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers came back from a goal down twice before forcing a penalty shootout. Pardeep Singh Sandhu (30') and Sam Lane (53') scored for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers while Nathan Ephraums (18') and Selvam Karthi (32') scored for the Tamil Nadu Dragons, as stated in a release from HIL. A ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (PTI) Hockey India on Tuesday announced free entry for fans for both men's and women's matches of the Hockey India League to be played at Rourkela and Ranchi. The eight-team men's HIL in a new format will start on December 28 at Rourkela's Birsa Munda Stadium and will conclude on February 1, 2025. The women's edition comprising four teams will be held at Ranchi's Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium from January 12-26. Also Read | ZIM vs AFG 2024: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Ruled Out of Zimbabwe ODI Series With Quadriceps and Hip Flexor Injuries. Additionally, HI sai ...Read More >
MUMBAI, July 10: Hockey India on Thursday named a 33-member core probable group for the senior men's national coaching camp to be held at the SAI Centre here from July 14 till August 7. The upcoming camp is crucial for the Indian team as it gears up for two major international assignments -- the Australia tour and the all-important Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 7.The winner of the Asia Cup will earn direct qualification for next year's FIH men's World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands from August 14 to 30. The goalkeeping unit remai ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 13 (ANI): SG Pipers announced the appointment of the coaching staff for their Men and Women teams. Tim Oudenaller has been appointed as Head Coach of the men team, while Sofie Gierts will serve as Head Coach of the women team, as per a release from SG Pipers. These strategic appointments reflect the franchise commitment to excellence, innovation, and the sustained development of Hockey talent. With the appointment of highly experienced international coaches, the SG Pipers are laying the groundwork for a strong campaign. The coaches will play a central role in stre ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 10 (ANI): Hockey India on Thursday named a 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men National Coaching Camp, which will take place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 14 to August 7. The upcoming camp is a crucial preparatory phase for the Indian team as they gear up for two major international assignments--the Australia tour and the all-important Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025, scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 7. The winner of the Asia Cup will earn direct qualification for the International Hockey Fe ...Read More >
IMAGE: Ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, centre, will continue to serve as captain of the team. Photograph: Hockey India/X There were no major surprises in the 18-member Indian men's hockey team picked for the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar with mid-fielder Rajinder Singh, and forwards Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh retaining their places in the squad, announced on Wednesday. The tournament is scheduled to be held from August 29 to September 7 and the winner will earn direct qualifica ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 13 (ANI): SG Pipers announced the appointment of the coaching staff for their Men's and Women's teams. Tim Oudenaller has been appointed as Head Coach of the men's team, while Sofie Gierts will serve as Head Coach of the women's team, as per a release from SG Pipers. These strategic appointments reflect the franchise's commitment to excellence, innovation, and the sustained development of Hockey talent. With the appointment of highly experienced international coaches, the SG Pipers are laying the groundwork for a strong campaign. The coaches will play a central ro ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ahead of the start of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, Craig Fulton, head coach of the Indian men's hockey team, has stressed finishing as high as possible in the standings to secure direct qualification for next year's World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. India are currently ranked third in the FIH Pro league with fifteen points in eight games, only behind England and Belgium respectively. Harmanpreet Singh-led side has the chance to improve their position to boost their chances for World Cup qualification, as only the top two teams of t ...Read More >
Neeraj Chopra's invitational javelin event - NC Classic 2025 - has been rescheduled to be held on July 5 in Bengaluru, organisers JSW Sports confirmed on Tuesday. The NC Classic was postponed from its original May 24 date last month due to the India-Pakistan cross-border conflict last month. Some of the world's top stars are set to line up for the event at the Kanteerava Stadium next month. Former World Champions Anderson Peters and Julius Yego, as well as Rio 2016 champion Thomas Rohler, were a ...Read More >
Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 28 (ANI): The Indian Men's Hockey Team will aim for their fourth Asia Cup title as it takes on top Asian teams in the 12th edition of the Men's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7. The tournament, a quadrennial event that began in 1982, also serves as a qualification event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. Also Read | Mirabai Chanu Secures Commonwealth Games 2026 Qualification; A Look At Top Five Accomplishments of Star Indian Weightlifter. The w ...Read More >
JAMMU, Mar 31: Varuna Anand today was appointed as the National Initiative Head for Textiles, Handlooms & Handicrafts and a National Governing Body (GB) Member of FICCI FLO for the term 2026-2027. She will work under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the 43rd national president, Puja Garg. This prestigious appointment underscores Varuna Anand's continued commitment to advancing India's rich textile heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods and strengthening women-led enterprises. A textile designer by profession, her work has been deeply rooted in reviving and promoting the Art ...Read More >
Van Riel Triumphs in Dubai, Taylor Knibb Claims Women’s T100 World Title Belgium’s Marten Van Riel secured a commanding victory at the T100 Triathlon event in Dubai, bouncing back after his Paris Olympics disappointment. Van Riel’s focus paid off, leaving reigning Ironman 70.3 Champion Rico Bogen in second place. Bogen’s performance, following a bronze in San Francisco, elevated him to third in the overall standings. Britain’s Alistair Brownlee, despite a challenging season, claimed his first T100 podium with a hard-fought bronze. On the women’s side, American Taylor Knibb celebrated a hist ...Read More >
Chandigarh: Punjab chief ministerBhagwant Mann on Thursday said the government will table a bill in the assembly on Friday to introduce harsher punishment for religious sacrilege. However, the law will not be enacted immediately, as the government plans to hold consultations with stakeholders before finalising the legislation.Mann said the decision was taken in a meeting of the cabinet earlier in the day. After the legislation is tabled, Punjab govt will gather suggestions on the law from stakeholders, including religious organisations and people, he added.Sources said said the new legislation ...Read More >
BENGALURU: Hockey India on Thursday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men's national coaching camp, to be held at the SAI Centre here from July 14 to August 7. The upcoming camp will be crucial as the Indian team prepares for two major international assignments -- the Australia tour and the all-important Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, scheduled from August 29 to September 7. The Asia Cup carries significant importance, with the winner earning direct qualification for next year's FIH Men's World Cup, to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Despite a disappointing Pro ...Read More >
Rourkela, Jan 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in the Hockey India League (HIL) history, but it went in vain as the Hyderabad Toofans were held to a 3-3 draw by Team Gonasika, who then won 1-3 in the resulting shootout at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday. Anderson scored in the 20th second, and then Tim Brand (6') and Amandeep Lakra (25') added to the Hyderabad Toofans' tally. But a brace by Victor Charlet (12', 55') and a superb goal by Araijeet Singh Hundal (24') saw Team Gonasika draw level before winning the shootout. Earlier, the Hyderabad Toofans ...Read More >
IMAGE: Hyderabad Toofans' Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in the Hockey India League history with a 20th second strike against Team Gonasika in Rourkela on Tuesday. Photograph: Hockey India League Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in the Hockey India League history, but it went in vain as the Hyderabad Toofans lost to Team Gonasika in the shootout in the HIL match in Rourkela on Tuesday. After Anderson's quickfire strike immediately after the start, Tim Brand (6th minute) and Amandeep Lakra (25th) added to Toofans' tally, but a brace from Victor Charlet (12th, 55th) and a superb ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): Former India footballer and captain Bhaichung Bhutia joined the 40th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Delhi on Sunday, where he spoke on a wide range of topics from Khalid Jamil appointment as India head coach to issues in football administration, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant upcoming AFC Champions League Two clash. Jamil recently guided India to a third-place finish in the CAFA Nations Cup, where they defeated higher-ranked Oman 1(3)-1(2) on penalties to claim a historic bronze medal. Speaking on Jamil appointment, Bhutia told ANI, Khalid Jamil ...Read More >
Rourkela (Odisha) [India], January 28 (ANI): Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in the Hero Hockey India League history, but it went in vain as the Hyderabad Toofans played out a 3-3 draw with Team Gonasika and then lost 1-3 in the resulting shootout on Tuesday. Jacob Anderson scored in the 20th second, and then Tim Brand (6') and Amandeep Lakra (25') added to the tally, but a brace from Victor Charlet (12', 55') and a superb goal from Araijeet Singh Hundal (24') saw Team Gonasika draw level before winning the shootout, as per a press release from Hockey India League (HIL). Also Read | S ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (PTI) Hockey India on Tuesday announced free entry for fans for both men's and women's matches of the Hockey India League to be played at Rourkela and Ranchi. The eight-team men's HIL in a new format will start on December 28 at Rourkela's Birsa Munda Stadium and will conclude on February 1, 2025. The women's edition comprising four teams will be held at Ranchi's Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium from January 12-26. Additionally, HI said select matches of both men's and women's categories will be held at alternate venues to "expand the league's reach". "By ...Read More >
Leander Paes recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, a move seen as important ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Indian tennis legend Leander Paes slammed Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government's handling of Lionel Messi's 2025 December visit to Bengal, calling it "sad". He said Messi was not managed properly during the event. "If Dada Sourav Ganguly had handled it, he would have protected him," Paes said. He added that if someone from the sports world had organise ...Read More >
Rourkela, Jan 31 (PTI) Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers booked their place in the final of the Hockey India League, defeating Tamil Nadu Dragons 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot out here on Friday. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers came back from a goal down twice before forcing a penalty shootout as the score was tied 2-2 in regulation time. Also Read | Virat Kohli Felicitated by DDCA President Rohan Jaitley for His Contribution to Delhi, Indian Cricket During Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Match Against Railways. Pardeep Singh Sandhu (30') and Sam Lane (53') scored for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, while Natha ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 28 (ANI): Indian legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh hailed 18-year-old Indian armless archery wonder, Sheetal Devi, who made history by bagging the gold medal in the women's individual compound archery category at the ongoing World Para Archery Championship on Saturday. Sheetal defeated Turkiye's world number one Oznur Cure Girdi by 146-143 in the gold medal clash. Yuvraj Singh, in an X post, wrote, "Many congratulations, Sheetal, on inspiring a nation and showing the world that nothing is stronger than an unbreakable spirit! Born without arms and told that archery ...Read More >
Mirabai Chanu is on a comeback trail after a spate of injuries and the first pit stop is Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship starting here on Monday which will be her dress rehearsal for the marquee World Championship in Norway in October. While immediate focus is on Ahmedabad event, Chanu revealed that her ultimate target is podium finish at the World Championships in Norway in October and the Asian Games in Japan next year. "I'm not putting all my effort into Ahmedabad because I'm preparin ...Read More >
Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 28 (ANI): The Indian Men Hockey Team will aim for their fourth Asia Cup title as it takes on top Asian teams in the 12th edition of the Men Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7. The tournament, a quadrennial event that began in 1982, also serves as a qualification event for the 2026 FIH Men Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. The winners of the Asia Cup will earn a direct berth to the World Cup, while the teams finishing from second to sixth will advance to the FIH World C ...Read More >
Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 28 (ANI): The Indian Men's Hockey Team will aim for their fourth Asia Cup title as it takes on top Asian teams in the 12th edition of the Men's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7. The tournament, a quadrennial event that began in 1982, also serves as a qualification event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. The winners of the Asia Cup will earn a direct berth to the World Cup, while the teams finishing from second to sixth will advance to the FIH W ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 28 (ANI): Indian legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh hailed 18-year-old Indian armless archery wonder, Sheetal Devi, who made history by bagging the gold medal in the women's individual compound archery category at the ongoing World Para Archery Championship on Saturday. Sheetal defeated Turkiye's world number one Oznur Cure Girdi by 146-143 in the gold medal clash. Also Read | West Indies vs Nepal Best Fantasy Playing XI Prediction for 2nd T20I 2025 and Who Will Win WI vs NEP T20I?. Yuvraj Singh, in an X post, wrote, "Many congratulations, Sheetal, on inspiring a ...Read More >
Rourkela (Odisha) [India], January 31 (ANI): The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers booked their place in the final of the Hockey India League 2024-25 after beating the Tamil Nadu Dragons 2 (6) - (5) 2 on penalty shootouts at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. In a thrilling match, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers came back from a goal down twice before forcing a penalty shootout. Pardeep Singh Sandhu (30') and Sam Lane (53') scored for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers while Nathan Ephraums (18') and Selvam Karthi (32') scored for the Tamil Nadu Dragons, as stated in a release from HIL. A ...Read More >