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400 Caps, One Legend: Manpreet Singh Enters Hockey's Hall of Fame!

In a sport where consistency is everything, Manpreet Singh has stormed into an elite club, earning 400 international caps, a feat only one other Indian has achieved before him: Dilip Tirkey, former captain and now president of Hockey India. But what exactly does “400 caps” mean? In international sports, each "cap" represents an appearance for your country. To do it once is a dream; to do it 400 times is legendary. Manpreet, who debuted in 2011 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, now stands as the eighth player in men’s international hockey history to reach this milestone. On Sunday in Antwerp, though India lost 2-3 to Australia, Manpreet won the day, receiving a guard of honor and a signed jersey from the Aussie team. From Rock Bottom to Podium GloryManpreet was part of the squad that finished 12th out of 12 in the 2012 London Olympics, a brutal low. Fast forward to 2021 in Tokyo, and under his captaincy, India scripted history with a bronze medal, ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought. He was again part of the team that bagged bronze in Paris 2024. “Earlier, we just went to participate,” Manpreet said in an interview, reflecting on India’s past Olympic mindset. “Now, we go to win.” The turnaround wasn’t overnight; it came from campfire discipline during the pandemic, a time he says helped the team reflect and reignite their commitment. His leadership was about example-setting: pushing harder, training longer, and believing more fiercely. And that belief took India back to the world stage where it always belonged.A Trophy Cabinet to BeholdA career this long is decorated not just with caps but with medals and accolades that shine just as bright. Manpreet has 2 Olympic bronze medals (2020, 2024), 2 Asian Games golds (2014, 2023), and 2 Commonwealth Games silver medals (2014, 2022). Add to that 4 Asian Champions Trophy titles and consistent performances in the FIH World League and Champions Trophy, and you get a career that speaks louder than any headline. For his unmatched contributions, he received the Arjuna Award in 2018 and India’s highest sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, in 2021. Not to mention, he was named FIH Men’s Player of the Year in 2019, a global acknowledgment of his midfield mastery.Beyond Records: Fueling India’s Hockey SoulIn a country where cricket often overshadows, Manpreet Singh has carried the torch of India’s national game with unparalleled grace. As he said ahead of his 400th match,“I still play with the same hunger I had at 19.” As the second Indian to hit this cap milestone, he not only celebrates his personal triumph but also reaffirms hockey’s soul in India’s sporting legacy. With Paris 2024 in the rearview mirror, his eyes are now on inspiring the next generation, not just through wins, but through discipline and humility. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said it best: “Very few athletes achieve this level of endurance. Manpreet is a true flagbearer of Indian hockey.” For young athletes, his journey is a living legacy.

18 Jun 2025
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The Making of a Champion: Jyoti Singh’s Remarkable Senior Debut for India!

I’m 21 years old, or should I say young and there are days when I still feel like a child, wandering through life, unsure, and figuring things out. But then, there’s 20-year-old Jyoti Singh, who’s already making history, standing tall on the international stage, and playing for India at the FIH Hockey Pro League. It’s a humbling reminder that age is never a limit, it's the fire within that pushes you forward. Jyoti's story isn't just about hockey, it's about dreams, determination, and daring to shine, no matter how young or uncertain you feel. From Holding a Stick to Wearing the Indian JerseyFrom the moment she first held a hockey stick at the age of 11, Jyoti Singh dreamed of playing for India. That dream turned into reality when, at just 20 years old, she made her senior debut at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women). Not only did she represent her country, but she also played a crucial role in India's incredible victory against World No. 1, the Netherlands. Standing on the field, listening to the national anthem echo through the stadium, Jyoti felt an overwhelming sense of pride. “It was a feeling I will never forget,” she recalls. Despite the nerves before her first match against Spain, her senior teammates, including Sushila Chanu and Savita, provided the much needed support. Their guidance fueled her confidence, allowing her to embrace the moment and give her best.An Unstoppable Spirit: A Family of ChampionsJyoti's journey to the international stage is deeply rooted in her family’s sporting legacy. Her father, Dheeraj Singh, was an international athlete who instilled in her the discipline and passion for sports. However, it was her cousin, Anuja Singh, who played hockey for Central Railways, that inspired Jyoti to take up the sport seriously. Training at the MP Women Hockey Academy in Gwalior, she quickly proved her mettle, climbing the ranks and earning a spot in the junior team. Her leadership shone when she captained India to gold at the Junior Women’s Asia Cup. Then, fresh off an impressive season with Delhi SG Pipers in the Hero Hockey India League, she received an unexpected call-up to the senior squad. Overjoyed, she immediately shared the news with her parents, who had been her biggest supporters.Eyes on the Future: The Making of a LegendJyoti Singh is not just here to play, but she is here to dominate. Learning from the best, she admires Sushila Chanu for her defensive prowess and leadership on the field. "I need to be faster, sharper, and make better passes," she says, determined to improve every aspect of her game. Her hunger for excellence and relentless spirit set her apart. Now, returning to the junior camp, she is laser-focused on bringing another medal for India. Her story is proof of her perseverance, hard work, and the power of dreams. Jyoti Singh is a name to remember, a rising star destined to inspire generations of young athletes across the nation.Jyoti is back at the junior camp, driven by her dream of winning more medals for India. With every practice session, she pushes her limits, determined to reach new heights. Her journey proves that age is no barrier—at just 20, she’s proving that courage and perseverance can take you anywhere. And perhaps, in her story, we can all find a little inspiration to chase our own dreams, no matter how big or small.

17 Mar 2025
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Queens of the Turf: India’s Fierce Five-Match Hockey Tour of Australia Begins!

From the heartlands of Simdega to the global stage in Perth, the Indian women’s hockey team is not just participating — they are leading a quiet revolution. Under the dynamic leadership of Salima Tete, a prodigy from Jharkhand, and the tireless support of vice-captain Navneet Kaur, the team is redefining the contours of the game.Their journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience. Salima’s rise — from humble beginnings in rural Jharkhand to captaining the national side — embodies the spirit of determination and grit that now fuels the team's ambitions on the world stage.Clash of Titans: India's Date with Destiny in Australia Set against the backdrop of the Perth Hockey Stadium, the Indian team embarks on a five-match series from April 26 to May 4. The initial two matches pit them against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three high-octane games against the senior Australian team on May 1, 3, and 4.This series is more than just a set of matches; it's a crucible where strategies are tested, and legends are forged. With a recent morale-boosting shootout victory against World No. 1 Netherlands, the Indian team is poised to challenge the best.The New Vanguard of Indian HockeyThe squad is a blend of seasoned stalwarts and promising newcomers. Goalkeeper Savita, recently celebrating her 300th international cap, brings invaluable experience to the team. Defensive dynamo Udita Singh and midfield maestro Vaishnavi Phalke are set to anchor the team's core. The forward line boasts talents like Deepika, whose drag-flicking prowess has been instrumental in recent victories. Adding fresh energy to the mix are debutants Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete, ready to make their mark on the international stage.Beyond the Game: A Movement of Empowerment and EqualityThis tour transcends the boundaries of sport; it's a statement of empowerment and a stride towards gender equality. Coach Harendra Singh emphasizes the importance of this series as a preparatory ground for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League. Salima Tete echoes this sentiment, highlighting the team's rigorous training and the invaluable experience the young players will gain. The Indian women’s hockey team fought valiantly, showcasing their grit and spirit, before going down 3-5 to a clinical Australia 'A' side in their opening match of the tour Down Under on Saturday. Undeterred, the team remains determined to learn, adapt, and come back stronger in the battles ahead, carrying the hopes of a nation with them.

27 Apr 2025
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India Strikes Gold: Women’s Junior Hockey Team Shines in Asia Cup!

The Indian women’s junior hockey team etched their name in history with a stunning victory at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024. In a nail-biting final against China, they triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. The clash unfolded on December 15 at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Muscat, Oman. After a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time, India emerged victorious with a 3-2 score in the shootout, sealing a glorious moment for the nation.With this win, the team not only retained their title but also showcased their mettle and resilience on an international stage. Here’s how the action unfolded.A Match for the AgesBoth teams brought their A-game to the final, starting with equal fervor in the opening quarter. Despite shared possession and promising opportunities, the scoreboard remained untouched, with neither team breaking the deadlock. China’s defense was particularly sharp, denying India success in converting two penalty corners.The tempo shifted in the second quarter as India pressed hard to dominate the play. However, it was China that grabbed the upper hand just before halftime. With mere seconds left, China earned a penalty stroke, and Jinzhuang Tan made no mistake in slotting the ball past India’s goalkeeper, giving her side a crucial 1-0 lead.India Strikes BackIn the third quarter, India displayed a strong determination to fight back. Deepika stood out with her exceptional dribbling, opening up key opportunities for her team. Her persistence paid off in the 41st minute when a well-executed series of passes between her and Sunelita Toppo set up Kanika Siwach in the shooting circle. Kanika then delivered a brilliant field goal, bringing the score level at 1-1 and sparking renewed hope among Indian supporters.The fourth quarter was a battle of nerves as both teams threw everything they had in pursuit of a winning goal. India’s Deepika came close with a narrowly missed penalty corner, and China, too, squandered a golden chance moments later. Despite the relentless efforts, the teams couldn’t find the decisive strike, setting the stage for an electrifying penalty shootout.Source: Google ImagesNidhi’s Heroics Seal the TitleThe penalty shootout turned out to be a showcase of skill and composure. For India, Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo stepped up and converted their chances. Meanwhile, the star of the moment, goalkeeper Nidhi, stole the show with three spectacular saves against Lihang Wang, Jingyi Li, and Dandan Zuo. Her heroics between the posts were instrumental in sealing India’s 3-2 triumph in the shootout.This victory was a landmark achievement in the ninth edition of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. The under-21 tournament, organized by the Asian Hockey Federation, took place from December 7 to 15, 2024.The young Indian women’s hockey team has once again proven their prowess and determination, etching their name in the annals of Asian hockey. Their incredible journey in Muscat has inspired a nation and set the stage for even greater accomplishments on the global stage. Bravo, champions!

16 Dec 2024
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Unstoppable India: Women’s Hockey Team Clinches Second Straight Asian Champions Trophy!

The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in Rajgir, Bihar set the stage for a thrilling showdown. All eyes were on India, the defending champions, as they faced questions about their ability to score consistently and overcome penalty corner woes. But as the final whistle blew, it was India’s defense that shone brightest, securing a narrow yet memorable 1-0 win over China.The final wasn’t without drama. With the score tied at 0-0 and 12 minutes left in the first half, China earned a penalty corner, putting India’s defense under intense pressure. Tan Jinzhuang’s powerful strike seemed destined for the net, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi pulled off a remarkable save, diving to her right and deflecting the ball at the last moment. This crucial save kept India in the game and underscored the team’s defensive resilience.Deepika’s Decisive StrikeIndia’s moment of glory came early in the third quarter. The team earned a penalty corner right after halftime. Although the initial attempt went awry, Deepika seized the opportunity. Finding herself in space inside the circle, she unleashed a fierce reverse hit that pierced through China’s defense, scoring the decisive goal.Despite missing a penalty stroke later in the match, Deepika’s performance remained stellar. She emerged as the tournament’s leading scorer with 11 goals and was named Player of the Tournament. Unbeaten and Unyielding: India’s Stellar RunThroughout the tournament, India showcased dominance, winning all seven matches and finishing with an impressive tally of 29 goals while conceding just two. Their defense remained impenetrable in six of those games, showcasing their solid teamwork and meticulous preparation under the guidance of head coach Harendra Singh.“The team’s recent results weren’t great, so this is like a tonic,” Harendra shared after the victory. “But we must stay grounded. This is just the beginning of our journey towards Los Angeles 2028.”The Asian Champions Trophy victory is more than just a title; it’s a stepping stone for Indian hockey. Harendra emphasized that the team’s focus is on long-term goals, with the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games serving as critical milestones.Young talents like Sunelita Toppo, Vaishnavi Phalke, and Beauty Dungdung have risen to the occasion, ensuring stiff competition for spots in the national squad. At the same time, seasoned players like Vandana Katariya and Nikki Pradhan remain in contention, creating a healthy mix of experience and youthful energy.Source: Google ImagesOvercoming Pressure, Delivering ResultsThis tournament carried immense expectations. With Japan and China fielding relatively inexperienced squads, India was expected to win. Falling short would have been seen as a setback, especially after the team’s failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics. But India’s victory silenced doubts and proved their mettle under pressure.“This win gives us confidence but also highlights areas where we need to improve,” Harendra said. His focus on building a core group of 40 players and nurturing talent from within signals a strategic approach to sustained success.While the victory deserves celebration, Harendra’s words remind us that this is just the beginning of a larger mission. As the team sets its sights on global competitions, Indian hockey fans can look forward to more inspiring performances. With a blend of determination, skill, and strategic vision, India is poised to shine on the world stage.India’s triumph at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is more than a victory—it’s a statement of intent. A team rising against the odds, delivering under pressure, and setting the tone for a brighter future in Indian hockey.

22 Nov 2024
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