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.
August 29 marks National Sports Day in India, a day dedicated to recognizing the vital role of sports in promoting health and fitness. This date also honors the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, an iconic Indian hockey player who led the country to multiple Olympic victories. Through his inspiring journey, National Sports Day reminds us to celebrate our country's athletic legacy and encourages us to embrace sports as a form of exercise. With events and activities organized nationwide, this day highlights India's continued efforts to promote and encourage sports in the country.
Hockey India retires the iconic No. 16 jersey of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh after he announced his retirement from the sport. He played a key role in helping India win a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The senior team will no longer use the number, but it will continue to be worn by the junior team, as Sreejesh will now take on the role of their coach. The ceremony included the players wearing special red jerseys with Sreejesh's name as a tribute.
India made its mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a total of six medals. The shooting team led the way with three bronze medals, followed by Neeraj Chopra's silver in javelin throw. Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat and the men's hockey team each secured a bronze medal in their respective events. As the multi-sport event comes to a close, let's take a look at the achievements of all Indian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Indian men’s hockey team put up a tough fight against Germany in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics 2024 but unfortunately, fell short by a score of 2-3. Despite having more opportunities to score, Germany capitalized on their chances and secured a spot in the gold medal match. India will now face Spain for the bronze medal, seeking redemption after their historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Germany's win also marks their redemption after losing to India at the Tokyo Olympics.
India's journey in the men's hockey competition at the Paris Olympics 2024 came to a disheartening end as they lost 3-2 to Germany in the semi-finals. Despite showing an incredible fighting spirit, the Indian team could not surpass the determined German side who avenged their loss at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. The defeat left the Indian players in tears as they missed out on a chance to make it to the Olympic final after 44 years.