The Indian sports community is in celebration as shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been selected as recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker's historic double-medal win at the Olympics, along with Harmanpreet's leadership in securing a second consecutive bronze for the Indian hockey team, were highlights of their achievements. Gukesh's victory as the youngest ever chess world champion and helping India win the gold in Chess Olympiad, and Praveen's T64 championship win in Paralympics, have also earned them the prestigious award. The award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the awardees will receive this recognition from the President of India.
The Hockey India League finally kicked off with a mixed bag of on and off-field events. The opening ceremony was cancelled due to the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, but that didn't stop Delhi SG Pipers from securing a 2-2 draw against Team Gonasika and ultimately taking the bonus point in a shootouts. It was definitely a grand start for the tournament despite the initial setback.
As the Hockey India League kicked off in Rourkela, fans were treated to an exciting game between newcomers Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika. While the match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time, Delhi emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, with Tomas Domene and Aditya Lalage proving to be the heroes for their team. Despite a strong performance from both sides, Gonasika's missed opportunities in the shootout cost them the victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praise India's junior men's hockey team for their historic win in the Junior Asia Cup 2024 against Pakistan. Araijeet Singh Hundal's four goals helped secure a 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the final. This is India's fifth title in the competition, with previous wins in 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004. Hockey India has also announced a cash reward for the players and support staff for their exceptional performance.
It was a moment of pride for India as our Men's Junior Hockey Team clinched the Junior Asia Cup 2024 title. Their unbeatable skills, determination, and exceptional teamwork led them to this epic victory, etching their names in the books of sporting legacy. Cheers to the champions for making the nation proud! #AssemblyPolls2024 #MaharashtraPolls2024 #JharkhandPolls2024
Despite a cautious start, the Indian women's hockey team managed to defeat China in a close 1-0 match and claim the Asian Champions Trophy title for the second time. Player-of-the-tournament Deepika scored the lone goal for India, bringing her total to 11 goals in the tournament. Despite China's efforts, the Indian team was able to control the game and secure the victory. The team's struggles with penalty corners continued, but their overall performance was strong enough to earn them the championship.
P R Sreejesh, who retired as India's Senior Hockey Captain in early August, has recorded a hat-trick of wins as coach for India's junior men's hockey team at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. Despite trailing 0-2, Sreejesh's team made a stunning comeback to defeat hosts Malaysia 4-2. With a goal difference of 6, India now tops the pool and will next face Australia. Sreejesh's impressive performance as a coach comes after a successful career as a player, with two Olympic medals.
The long-awaited comeback of the Hockey India League is finally happening in 2024, with both men's and women's teams competing simultaneously. The league will include eight men's teams and six women's teams, giving a platform for India's best players and international talent to showcase their skills. The three-day player auction will also have a new feature, with no upper limits on bidding to create a level playing field for all teams. This move aims to revitalize Indian hockey and nurture local talent, while also bringing in international expertise to the league.
The highly anticipated Hockey FIH Pro League is back for its sixth season, promising more thrilling matches and changes to the format. After an exciting Paris Olympics 2024 hockey tournament, the winners of both the men's and women's divisions will earn direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. In addition, all participating teams will host matches in their home countries, bringing fans closer to the action. A new scheduling system will also make it easier for fans to follow the league, with matches split between December/February and June. With the inclusion of new teams like Spain and Ireland for the women's and men's divisions respectively, the upcoming season is shaping up to be the best one yet.
On August 29th, 2024, India will be celebrating National Sports Day to honour the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest field hockey players in the history of the game. Despite India not being an independent nation during most of his playing years, he managed to win three Olympic gold medals in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 games. While he lived most of his life in obscurity, his legacy lives on as the government of India uses this day to promote sports and fitness, with various schemes and programs being launched. This day also serves as a reminder to celebrate the achievements of Indian athletes and to strive for excellence in the sporting sphere.