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, 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 the FIH Pro League will secure entry for the quadrennial showpiece. With Belgium and the Netherlands already through by virtue of being the host nations, a successful European leg will only strengthen India's case. "I think it's pretty clear that this is one of the ways of securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Obviously, if it doesn't work out, we have the Asia Cup in August in Bihar, India, but we've been training well for this. So we really want to try and finish as high as we possibly can and get on the podium. Bearing in mind that Australia, the Netherlands, and Belgium have already qualified because of hosting, and Australia won it last year. So it's the next highest place team that should get the qualifying spot," Fulton told the media during a virtual interaction on Friday. In their first, India will take on the Netherlands on Saturday and then again on Monday, followed by a double-header against Argentina on June 11 and 12, with all four matches set to take place at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. The team will then head to Antwerp, Belgium, for their next challenge, where they will lock horns with Australia on June 14 and 15 before ending their campaign with two crucial matches against hosts Belgium on June 21 and 22. Talking about the preparations of the side for the physically challenging tour, where they will play six games in nine days, Fulton said the players are geared up for it and have worked hard in training to cope with the workload pressure. "So, everything is geared around being physically able to cope with the load of the games. When we get to the sixth game, we have four days off, and then we play Belgium four days later in a back-to-back game. So, I think everything we were pushing for was around being physically conditioned to play against the best teams in the world that starting off with Holland, and to be nice and physically ready for them. That was the whole reason behind pushing as hard as we have," he said. "And, yeah, we'll see how we go tomorrow. We have training just now in the stadium. So, yeah, we're looking forward to it," Fulton added. Harmanpreet also expressed confidence in their preparations at the national camp in Bengaluru and three practice matches in Ireland to do well in the tournament. The Indian captain added he is "fit and healthy" after his recovery from wrist and ankle injuries, which limited his participation in the Hockey India League (HIL) and Pro League earlier this year. "I had a good rehab in Bengaluru with physios. I practiced with the team and also had extra sessions. Overall, it was a bit of overload, fatigue, and tough, but I knew what I had to achieve. Now, I'm feeling strong and hoping to do well," Harmanpreet explained.
Mumbai, July 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) While Ravi Shastri was blasting six sixes off an over in a Ranji Trophy match at the Wankhede Stadium in 1985, his parents had no idea about their son's massive achievement. Shastri's mother, Lakshmi, was told by the neighborhood bhelpuri wala that her son had done something great on that day. Ravi Shastri's mother narrated this incident as the most memorable moment for her from her son's career after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 on his behalf on Wednesday. On the occasion of the World Sports Journalists Day, the Sports Journalists Association ...Read More >
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 >
Bengaluru, Jul 19 (PTI) Hockey India on Saturday announced a 40-member core probable group for the upcoming senior women's national coaching camp, which will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre here from July 21 to August 29. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian women's hockey team gears up for the women's Asia Cup, set to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retaine ...Read More >
Kolkata, Aug 14 (PTI) Dr Vece Paes, a member of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games bronze-winning Indian men's hockey team and father of legendary tennis player Leander Paes, died here on Thursday morning owing to age-related ailments. He was 80. Paes, who was also suffering from Parkinson's disease, was admitted to the Woodlands Hospital here on Tuesday morning. His last rites will be performed either on Monday or Tuesday, as the family will wait for the arrival of his two daughters, who are both settled abroad. He was married to Jennifer, a former India basketball team captain. Paes, who donn ...Read More >
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed his last in a city hospital on Thursday following a prolonged illness, excelled in both sports and academics. The death of Dr Vece Paes, a member of India's bronze medal-winning men's hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, has cast a pall on the Indian sporting fraternity. Social media was flooded with tributes to the legendary midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey, whose contribution to sports go beyond his individual on-field brilliance. Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed h ...Read More >
Japan became the second team to arrive in Bihar late on Saturday night ahead of the men's hockey Asia Cup to begin at the Rajgir Sports Complex next week.The team that has finished fourth on five occasions in the tournament's history has been clubbed in Pool A with hosts India, China and Kazakhstan and they will open their campaign against Kazakhstan in an afternoon game on the opening day of the tournament. While their opener will likely be an easy affair, the match against Harmanpreet Singh & C ...Read More >
Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 29 (ANI): Following India's narrow win over China to kickstart the men's Asia Cup, captain Harmanpreet Singh admitted that the team has struggled to convert their chances into goals more often and vowed it would not make "silly mistakes" again. Team India's Men's Asia Cup campaign kick-started with a 4-3 win over China in Rajgir on Friday. For India, it was Captain Harmanpreet Singh (20', 33', 47') who put in a fantastic performance, as he scored a hat-trick. And whilst Jugraj Singh (18') was India's second scorer, China got their goals from Shihao Du (12'), Ben ...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 >
Mumbai, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Their participation in the event in India is still in doubt due to the groundswell of demand for excluding them in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Pakistan were on Saturday grouped with archrivals India in the expanded 24-team FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be played in Tamil Nadu in November-December this year. FIH President Tayyab Ikram, who incidentally is of Pakistani origin but represents Macau in the organisation, pulled out the ball containing Pakistan's name on the penultimate turn from the first bowl, putting the winn ...Read More >
Rajgir, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bronze medallists at the last two Olympics and the current Asia No. 1, Indian men's hockey team, arrived in Patna, Bihar, on Monday for the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. India had won the bronze medal in the previous edition held in Jakarta (Indonesia), where a young team with 15 debutants showed heart in their campaign by finishing on the podium. This time, however, with the World Cup qualification at stake, India has brought their best squad to the campaign and will be looking to showcase their A game in Rajgir. Upon arriving this afternoon, fresh from hig ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian women's hockey team for their runners-up ... New Delhi [India], September 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian women's hockey team for their runners-up finish in the Women's Asia Cup Hockey tournament in Hangzhou, saying that their "determination and team spirit are simply outstanding". The Indian hockey team clinched the silver medal at the Women's Asia Cup 2025, in Hangzhou, after a 1-4 loss against hosts China in the final on Sunday. Navneet Kaur (1') scored for India while captain Ou Zixia (21 ...Read More >
Canberra, Sep 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian junior women's hockey team suffered a narrow 2-3 loss in their first match of the Australia tour against their U21 side at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra on Friday. Lalthantluangi (47') and Sonam (54') were the goal scorers for India, while Bianca Zurrer (36'), Evie Sransby (45'), and Sammy Love (59') scored goals for Australia. The first half remained goalless as both sides couldn't manage to break the deadlock in the tight contest. In the 36th minute, Australia found the opening goal through a successful penalty corner by Bianca Zurrer. 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 >
New Delhi, July 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid the growing uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup in India next month, the Sports Ministry sources have confirmed that their team will be allowed to cross the border for the continental tournament. However, they also added that final approval regarding the same will be issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. "We have no objection to Pakistan coming to play in the Hockey Asia Cup in India, as it is a multi-national event. However, I must clarify that matters related to visas ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Former Indian hockey captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey on Thursday welcomed the government's decision to allow the Pakistani team from playing in the upcoming multi-nation tournaments in India, though he said he was yet to get an official confirmation from the sports ministry. A ministry source said on Thursday that Pakistan's hockey teams will not be stopped from competing in next month's Asia Cup and the subsequent Junior World Cup in India as any move to block the arch-foes from multilateral competitions in the country would be a violation of the Olympi ...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 >
Hockey India has selected a 40-member core group for the Women's National Coaching Camp at SAI in Bengaluru. The camp aims to prepare the team for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, offering a direct path to the 2026 World Cup. Key players and promising newcomers feature prominently in the lineup. Hockey India announced a 40-member core probables list for the Senior Women's National Coaching Camp, set to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29. The ca ...Read More >
Vece Paes, a former Indian hockey player and father of tennis star Leander Paes, passed away at 80. He was a member of the 1972 Olympic bronze-winning team. Paes also contributed to sports medicine and rugby. His wife, Jennifer, was a former Indian basketball captain. The family awaits his daughters' arrival for the last rites. Dr. Vece Paes, a member of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games bronze-winning Indian men's hockey team and father of legendary tennis player Leander Paes, died here on Thursday ...Read More >
Bangladesh is poised to potentially replace Pakistan in the upcoming men's Asia Cup hockey tournament in Rajgir, Bihar, scheduled to begin on August 29. This possibility arises from the Pakistan Hockey Federation's reluctance to participate, citing security concerns, despite the Indian government's offer to provide visas. A final decision is expected within the next 48 hours. Bangladesh is likely to replace Pakistan in the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August ...Read More >
Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 25 (ANI): Double Olympic medallist and current Asia No.1 Indian men's hockey team arrived in Patna, Bihar on Monday for the prestigious Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025. India had won the bronze medal in the previous edition held in Jakarta, where a young team with 15 debutants showed heart in their campaign by finishing on the podium. Also Read | Sevilla vs Getafe, La Liga 2025-26 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch Spanish League Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. This time, however, with the World Cup qualification at stake, India h ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 29 (ANI): Hockey India on Monday announced a 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men's National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from September 29 to October 18. The camp marks a crucial build-up for the Indian team as it prepares for the upcoming two major international assignments -- the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025, set to be played in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 22nd to 29th, followed by a high-intensity tour of South Africa, as per a Hockey India press release. Indian pla ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 7 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city here, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside," the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. ...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 >
New Delhi: Protest at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) against a recently announced fee hike, the long-standing suspension of students' union elections and calls for administrative accountability have entered their sixth day, with students boycotting classes and staging sit-ins at the Bab-e-Syed gate (the iconic entrance of the varsity). The fee structure for different courses has witnessed a sharp revision. Students say the hike ranges from 25% to over 60% across various programmes. Many claim they first learned of the revised fees only while trying to pay through the university's online ...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 >
Lausanne (Switzerland), Jun 28 (PTI) Hosts India were on Saturday clubbed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Chile and Switzerland in Pool B of the expanded FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup to be co-hosted by Chennai and Madurai from November 28 till December 10 this year. The draw ceremony for the tournament was held at the FIH headquarters here, and this edition will feature 24 teams for the very first time. Pool A consists of Germany, South Africa, Canada and Ireland while Pool C will feature Argentina, New Zealand, Japan and China. Spain, Belgium, Egypt and Namibia are in Pool D, while Ne ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, July 3: Pakistan's hockey teams will not be stopped from competing in next month's Asia Cup and the subsequent junior World Cup in India as any move to block the arch-foes from multi-lateral competitions in the country would be a violation of the Olympic Charter, a sports ministry source said on Thursday. While the Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7, the junior World Cup will be organised in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. "We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition. If we try to ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 19 (ANI): Hockey India on Saturday announced a 40-member core probables group for the upcoming Senior Women's National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian women's hockey team gears up for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. Also Read | Shp ...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 >