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Elections 2026Hockey / Rediff
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated that the controversy over the national team's jersey colour change to saffron before the World Cup was unnecessary. He claimed that federation president Dilip Tirkey was aware of the decision, contradicting Tirkey's earlier denial. Bhola Nath asserted the change was based on player and team management preference and criticised the timing of the dispute.
India, already in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey, will play Malaysia in their fourth round robin match on Sunday.
Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh highlighted patience and composure as crucial factors in their 4-1 victory against Japan in the Asian Champions Trophy. Despite a tough first half, India dominated the final quarter, scoring three goals. Coach Craig Fulton also praised the team's patience and Harmanpreet's world-class performance.
Five-time champions India secured their third consecutive win at the men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, defeating Japan 4-1. Striker Abhishek Nain scored two field goals, while captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnukant Singh also found the net. Japan's lone goal came from Shota Yamada via a penalty stroke. India will next face Malaysia on Sunday.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh revealed that Punjab, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu are strong contenders to host the 2030 FIH Men's and Women's World Cups, with Odisha being the preferred choice. He also outlined Hockey India's strategy to expand the sport's reach across the country by bringing international tournaments to various states and focusing on infrastructure development. The article also touches upon player selection for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Hockey India giving
Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton expressed satisfaction with his side's consistent performance across all four quarters in their 5-2 victory over China at the Asian Champions Trophy. This marks India's second consecutive win in the tournament, following a dominant 13-0 triumph against Bangladesh. Fulton highlighted the third quarter as particularly strong and praised the team's penalty corner defence, while also acknowledging China's efforts.
India defeated China 5-2 in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, securing their second consecutive win. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and striker Sukhjeet Singh both scored a brace, with Jugraj Singh adding another goal. China managed to score two goals from penalty corners, but India maintained control throughout the match.
Veteran Indian hockey striker Mandeep Singh, after a hat-trick in the Asian Champions Trophy, has stated his intention to continue playing until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, provided he remains fit. His performance comes amidst reports of him being phased out, with fellow player Nilakanta Sharma announcing retirement. Mandeep expressed pride in playing in front of his family in Jalandhar, where international hockey has returned after 17 years.
Five-time champions India, fresh off a dominant win against Bangladesh, are set to face a youthful and unfamiliar Chinese side in their second Asian Champions Trophy round-robin match on Thursday. Coach Craig Fulton acknowledges the challenge of playing an unknown opponent, while veteran striker Mandeep Singh's hat-trick against Bangladesh signals his return to form.

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