Hockey India Announces 22-Member Squad For Series Against Germany
Hockey India unveiled a 22-member squad here today for the two-match bilateral series scheduled against the reigning World Champions Germany. The series marks the much-awaited return of international hockey to New Delhi at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on October 23rd, 2024 and on October 24th, 2024. What To Expect From Hockey India? Of course, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, led by ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh and midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad as vice-captain, is eager to leave a mark on the challenge from Germany after an impressive performance at Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China. India won back their coveted title at the event, also scripting history by being the sole Asian team to win this prestigious tournament five times since its inception in 2011. Hardik Singh To Miss The Series Despite their win, India will miss one of their key players, Hardik Singh, dynamic midfielder, who has been recovering from an injury he sustained while playing in the Paris Olympic Games. He is doing his rehab and won’t feature in this series. Indian Hockey Team – A Mixed Bag The Indian Hockey Team has a good mix of veterans and the new young blood. Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will be marshaled in the goalkeeping roles, while the backline will have Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, and Sanjay. India’s midfield would be spearheaded by Manpreet Singh along with captain Vivek Sagar Prasad. Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd Raheel Mouseen and Rajinder Singh. Star striker Mandeep Singh is expected to return to the forward line, which played at the Asian Champions Trophy and did not feature him. Mandeep will support his mates Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra in India’s attack. India face Germany, a tough test, however the home advantage coupled with success over two games in China will surely build up their confidence before the series. India’s 22-Member Squad GOALKEEPERSKrishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera DEFENDERSJarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Varun Kumar, Sanjay, Sumit, Nilam Sanjeep Xess MIDFIELDERSManpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen, Rajinder Singh FORWARDSMandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilananda Lakra The India side is to arrive today in New Delhi from its training base in Bengaluru. International hockey will return to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and people in the capital are waiting for two exciting days of top-class action. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Coca-Cola India Joins Forces with Hockey India; Know More
The Coca-Cola India Foundation is teaming up with Hockey India for the first time ever for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024, a tournament that will show off the skills and talents of women hockey players. This partnership is part of Coca-Cola India’s dedication to sports and promoting gender equality. The three-year commitment aims to make a game-changing impact on women’s sports. It goes along with Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, which supports and celebrates women. The goal of this collaboration is to improve women’s hockey by doing things like providing special coaching, giving out training gear, offering nutritional help, and organizing camps and competitions to help players get better. Coca-Cola’s Association with the Indian Sports Industry Coca-Cola has been a long-time supporter of sports in India, teaming up with various leagues and teams to promote athleticism and teamwork. The beverage brand was earlier involved with the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a sponsor. Their partnership with the IPL has helped bring excitement to cricket fans across the country with memorable campaigns and activations. Coca-Cola has also supported grassroots sports development through initiatives like the Coca-Cola Cup, which provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and pursue their passion for sports. Moreover, Coca-Cola has also collaborated with the Indian national football team, contributing to the growth of football in the country. They’ve sponsored events like the Coca-Cola Super Cup, which brings together top football clubs to compete for the title. This involvement in football demonstrates Coca-Cola’s commitment to supporting various sports beyond cricket, encouraging a diverse sporting culture in India. Through these partnerships and initiatives, Coca-Cola continues to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of Indian sports, inspiring athletes and fans alike. Development of HockeyThe goal of this collaboration is to develop women’s hockey by providing special coaching, giving out training gear, offering nutritional help, and organizing camps and competitions to help players get better. Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, welcomed the partnership with Anandana and the Coca-Cola India Foundation. “Our goals are perfectly aligned,” he said. “Both Hockey India and Coca-Cola are committed to promoting and developing sports at the grassroots level, particularly women’s hockey. We envision the National Women’s Hockey League as a strong feeder system for the national team. This partnership is a win-win, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration in the years to come.“ Rajiv Gupta, Director of the Coca-Cola India Foundation, declared the partnership, stating, “At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the transformative power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Partnering with Hockey India advances our shared vision of creating a supportive environment for the development of sports and athletes alike. With this, we are proud to sponsor women in sports and contribute to their success on the global stage.“ In a country dominated by cricket, Coca-Cola’s decision to associate with Hockey India highlights the growing interests, popularity, and business prospects of other sports in the nation as well. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Hockey India Unveils 41-Member Core Probable Group for Junior Women’s National Coaching Camp
Hockey India on Sunday named a 41-member core probable group for the Junior Women’s National Coaching Camp that begins on 8th January 2024 in Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bengaluru. The new core probable group has been picked based on their performances in the domestic championships held in 2023. The players will report to Coach Tushar Khandker on 8th January for a month-long camp that concludes on 6th February. The list of core probables includes goalkeepers Vidyashree V, Aditi Maheshwari, Nidhi, Engil Harsharani Minz, defenders Lalthantluangi, Niru Kullu, Mamita Oram, Thounjaojam Nirupama Devi, Jyoti Singh, Anjali Barwa, Pawanpreet Kaur, Puja Sahoo while the midfielders called up are Priyanka Dogra, Rajni Karketta, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Manisha, Nirali Kujur, Hina Bano, Ksetrimayum Sonia Devi, Anisha Sahoo, Priyanka Yadav, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Supriya Kujur, Jaisikdeep Kaur, Binima Dhan, Huda Khan and Sakshi Rana. The forwards called up for the camp include Sonam, Sanjana Horo, Dechamma PG, Ishika, Himanshi Sharad Gawande, Kanika Siwach, Nisha Minj, Yamunna, Geeta Yadav, Gurmail Kaur, Lalrinpuii, Munmuni Das, Ashwini Punjab Kolekar and Sunelita Toppo. Speaking about the upcoming camp, Coach Tushar Khandker said, “This core group has been picked based on the players’ performances for their respective state teams in the Hockey India Junior Women’s National Championship, the Zonal Championships as well as the Junior Women Academy National Championships and the Zonal Championships. I have always believed that there is no dearth of talent in India. I look forward to working with this new group as these players will be closely watched and developed with focus on the next FIH Junior World Cup.” List of players in the 41-member core-probable group: Goalkeepers: Vidyashree V, Aditi Maheshwari, Nidhi, Engil Harsharani Minz Defenders: Lalthantluangi, Niru Kullu, Mamita Oram, Thounjaojam Nirupama Devi, Jyoti Singh, Anjali Barwa, Pawanpreet Kaur, Puja Sahoo Midfielders 13. Priyanka Dogra 14. Rajni Karketta 15. F. Lalbi Aksiami 16. Manisha 17. Nirali Kujur 18. Hina Bano 19. Ksetrimayum Sonia Devi 20. Anisha Sahoo 21. Priyanka Yadav 22. Khaidem Shileima Chanu 23. Supriya Kujur 24. Jaisikdeep Kaur 25. Binima Dhan 26. Huda Khan 27. Sakshi Rana Forwards 28. Sonam 29. Sanjana Horo 30. Dechamma PG 31. Ishika 32. Himanshi Sharad Gawande 33. Kanika Siwach 34. Nisha Minj 35. Yamunna 36. Geeta Yadav 37. Gurmail Kaur 38. Lalrinpuii 39. Munmuni Das 40. Ashwini Punjab Kolekar 41. Sunelita Toppo (Sr. Women Core Group) Standby 1. Lakhimoni Majuwar (Goalkeeper) 2. Mamteshwari Lahare (Defender) 3. Sejal (Forward) The Sportz Planet Desk