Thursday, July 31, 2014

Indian men beat South Africa to book berth CWG hockey semi-finals



Scotland,  July 31, 2014: In their last preliminary match, India continued their good form and put up a good performance against the South African team at Glasgow, Scotland. With the match being a decider for the semi-final berth, India could have played for a draw while it was a must win match for the South Africans. But India made their intentions clear from the very first minute, of not settling for anything less than a win today.

Getting into business immediately India earned their first penalty corner opportunity just 3 minutes into the game. Realising that the early goal will help put pressure on the opponents, V R Raghunath made no mistake in converting the penalty corner and opening the scorecard 1-0.

This left the opponents stunned as they were not expecting to go on the back foot so early on in the game and before they could come out of the setback, the very next minute India earned their second penalty corner but this time it was saved by the South African goalkeeper Erasmus Pieterse.

 India kept the pressure on the opponents and in the 9th minute India’s Rupinder Pal Singh was successful in converting the penalty corner and helping his team take a 2-0 lead. While South Africa kept looking for the opening, getting past the defence of India was proving to be a huge task for them. In the 22nd minute Ramandeep Singh scored a field goal for India to take the lead further to 3-0. India already high on momentum kept looking for scoring opportunities and in the 26th minute SV Sunil got a brilliant pass and he made no mistake in converting the fourth goal for India.

 With 4-0 on the score board both the teams started the second half again with great speed and determination. While India was looking at more goals, South Africa on the other hand looked at opening their account. Wanting to change gears, South Africa in the 42nd minute finally registered their first goal, which came from the stick of Taine Paton and taking the score tally to 1-4.  With the first goal registered South Africa yet again scored in the 47th minute and this time it was through a penalty corner coming from the stick of their Captain Austin Smith.

 With 4-2 on the scorecard, India ensured a good ball possession hereon hence not allowing the opponents any opportunity to attack. It was in the 58th minute when Manpreet Singh’s diving goal helped India take the score card to 5-2. The rest of the session saw both teams trying to score but were unsuccessful in doing so and the game ended with India taking a convincing win and the bus to the semi-finals.

 India will take on New Zealand in semi-final-1 on August 2.

-HI Photos and Release


Lahiri seeks a Major high at PGA Championship

Anirban Lahiri is all set to put behind the disappointment of the 2014 British Open as he gears up for the third Major appearance of his career at next week’s PGA Championship scheduled to be played at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

Lahiri, who missed the cut at the British Open earlier this month after suffering from high fever, has now fully recovered. The four-time Asian Tour winner finally got some practice on Thursday.

“I was diagnosed with chicken-pox and it took me about 10 days for full recovery. I hit some balls today after almost two weeks,” said Lahiri, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader.

Anirban, now preparing to make his debut at the year’s last Major, is keen to capitalize on his good form in the current season in order to deliver a memorable performance in Louisville.

“I’ve been on top of my game this season. Earning my way to the last two Majors of the year has only added to my confidence. The PGA Championship now presents me with a great opportunity to make an impact at the highest level of the sport as the field at the tournament will feature the world’s elite golfers,” added the world no. 87, who bagged his first overseas title in Indonesia earlier this year.

The 27-year-old Bangalorean knows he’ll have to adapt well to the conditions at the Valhalla Golf Club as this will be only his second tournament on American soil.

“I have very limited experience of playing in the United States. My only previous outing in America was during the 2012 PGA Tour Qualifying School in Florida. I had missed out on qualifying on that occasion.

“I’ll only have an idea of the conditions at Valhalla after playing the practice round. It’ll be essential for me to adapt quickly to the conditions in order to make a good start to the event. The presence of my coach Mr. Vijay Divecha will help me a great deal.”

Although Anirban missed the cut at the British Open, he drew a lot of positives from the event.

“I’m quite happy that I played The Open and managed to finish the two rounds despite being unwell. It was a learning experience as I got to observe some of the top players in the world from close quarters including the reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany who was my playing partner during the practice round. He is a very friendly and intelligent person.

“I suffered from high fever on day two of The Open but my strong will-power helped me finish the event with my head held high as I shot a respectable three-over-75 in the second round. These are some positives that I’ll carry to the PGA Championship,” said Lahiri, who made a sensational Major debut with a tied 31stfinish at the 2012 British Open, his best result at a Major so far.

Anirban is the second Indian to appear at the Majors in 2014. Shiv Kapur had played the US Open earlier in the year where he posted an impressive tied 23rdfinish.

As he tees off at Valhalla on August 7, Lahiri will join the elite company of compatriots Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Arjun Atwal and Shiv Kapur, all of whom have competed in at least two of the four Majors. Anirban is now also set to become the fourth Indian to appear at the PGA Championship, following in the footsteps of Jeev, Jyoti and Arjun.

PGA release


Indian eves lose to South Africa in Commonwealth Games hockey



Scotland, August 30, 2014: The Indian eves well aware of the fact that their match today against the South Africans was a decider for entering the next stage, the team performed with perfection and showcased great physical strength against the experienced and higher ranked South African team today in the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

 India with great determination kept the attack on the semi-circle of the rivals persistently all through out and looked for scoring opportunities. This was also hugely complemented by the brilliant saves by Goalkeeper Savita who was vigilant and on her toes, hence leaving the forward rivals frustrated on many occasions.

The game started with great speed with both the teams looking at scoring an early goal. The Indian girls looked more persistent in the early minutes with good ball possession and attack but were unable to capitalize on the early opportunities.

It was in the 14th minute that South Africa finally converted through the penalty corner opportunity that that they earned and it was Tarryn Bright who gave the much required lead to her team. This did not put a dent on the spirits of the Indian team and the young brigade kept their attack on the opponents hence showing their intent to equalize.


On the other hand the opponent team’s forward, irrespective of their many tries were unable to get through the defence of India leaving them desperate to score and take a lead further. Finally as the match was approaching the finish of the first half, India were awarded with a penalty stroke and was brilliantly converted by Jaspreet Kaur.

The equalizer goal came in the 34th minute leaving the opponents stunned. Wasting no time, South Africa immediately attacked and took the lead again in the 35th minute scoring field goal through Dirkie Chamberlain and the score card read 2-1 at half time.

The second half started with India high on attack which showcased their intentions to equalize and this they proved by their ball possession and also by keeping the opponent’s defence busy. On the other hand the Indian defence was more active and hence making it difficult for the opponents to reach their semi-circle easily. 

It was in the 54th minute when Dirkie Chamberlain had a shot at the goal and was successfully saved by Savita but unfortunately for India as Illse Davids immediately had another shot and this time converted the goal which helped South Africa take the lead further to 3-1. Undeterred by the goal the Indian team upped their ante and attacked the opponent’s immediately. 

In the 59th minute India scored through the penalty corner that they got and was converted through the stick of Rani which took the score to 3-2 with South Africa leading.


Here on both the teams kept looking for scoring opportunities but were unable to score any further goal. The game ended with India losing 2-3 but the fight that they put against the experienced South African side was inspiring.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and South Africa players in action during their match in Glasgow on July 30, 2014.

HI Press release and photos

Indian men aim to book a berth in hockey semi-finals of XX Commonwealth Games

Scotland, July 30, 2014: Securing two wins out of three matches, the Indian Men Hockey team is ready to take on South Africa in the fourth and the last preliminary match of the XX Commonwealth Games 2014 to be played at Glasgow, Scotland on 31 July 2014 and secure a spot in the semi-finals to maintain their hard earned dominance in the tournament.

Both India and South Africa with two wins each to their credit and 6 points each in their kitty, look forward to the clash with each other and securing a place in the semi-finals. While both the teams lost only one match out of three, both against Australia, the Indian team appears stronger than South Africa as the Indian team lost the powerful fight by a mere 2-4 against Australia, whereas South Africa suffered a major 6-0 loss.

Being praised for their last performance against Australia, Indian team looks head strong and confident to take on South Africa with favourable results. While South Africa’s Captain Austin Smith will be the player to watch out for because of the experience he brings along with him, it will be penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh who will be India’s reply to Austin Smith and prove to be a major threat for South Africa.

Speaking before the last preliminary match, Captain, Sardar Singh said, “All the players have been performing really well and I am pleased to see that the team has enough potential to take on any of the opponents and change the course of the game. Our next match against South Africa is a crucial match and we look forward to making our way into the semi-finals.”


Speaking on the match tomorrow, Chief Coach Terry Walsh said, “Our team has shown continuous improvement in the tournament to date. South Africa had some fine qualities in attack and we will be required to close down all avenues in their build up. A semi final position is at stake but more importantly our playing qualities will need to be in place for a good result. India is potentially able to have a significant impact on this tournament. This match will be a good guide as to our abilities.”

HI Press release

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

India go down fighting 2-4 to Australia




Scotland, July 29, 2014: Sardar Singh led Indian Men Hockey team today gave a tough fight to Australia in their third match of the XX Commonwealth Games played at Glasgow, Scotland today.

It was Australia who scored the first goal in the 15th minute through a penalty corner converted by Chris Ciriello. While India immediately came on the attack, in the 17th minute Simon Orchard helped Australia take the lead further.

This did not dent the spirit of the Indian team as they fought back and created scoring opportunities. Though the fight was good by the Indian team, Australia managed to score their 3rd goal in the 27th minute through a field goal scored by Jacob Whetton. Sardar and company took it on themselves to attack and not allow the goal margin to increase further.

Just before going into the break, the Indian team finally broke through the shackles of Australia and in the 35th minute Rupinder Pal Singh successfully converted the penalty corner that the team earned. Going into the break Australia led 3-1.


The second half saw the Indian team making a strong comeback with the intent clear by India, to fight back and score the first goal. In the 49th minute, it was Ramandeep Singh who scored a brilliant field goal which took the tally to 2-3.


India from here knew they had to equalize the game, however Australia managed to score in the 51st minute yet again through a penalty corner converted by Chris Ciriello. While India’s game was brilliant, they were unable to score any further goals and the game ended with Australia winning it by 4-2. 

Photo caption: India and Australia (yellow) players in action during their match in Glasgow on July 29, 2014

HI Press release and photos

Manpreet and Gurwinder claim their 100th international cap

New Delhi, July 29, 2014: The Indian Men Hockey team’s midfielder Manpreet Singh and forward Gurwinder Singh Chandi both complete their 100th international cap today during the match against Australia in the XX Commonwealth Games 2014 at Glasgow, Scotland marking India’s third game in the tournament.

Speaking on the duo’s achievement, Dr. Narinder Batra, Secretary General, Hockey India said, “Hockey India is pleased to see a well rehearsed performance by both Manpreet Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi during their XX Commonwealth Games 2014 outing.

The timing of them both completing their 100th international cap couldn’t have been better, as I believe this achievement on a world class platform will motivate them to perform even better in the remaining matches of the tournament. I would like to congratulate the two on behalf of the entire Hockey India family for achieving this milestone.”

With Gurwinder Singh Chandi making his comeback in the team for this tournament, he made his international debut for the national side in the 4-Nations Cup in Australia in 2008. He even represented India at major tournaments including FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010, London Olympic Games in 2012 and Champions Trophy in 2012.


Completing his 100 caps along with teammate Gurwinder Singh Chandi, the 22 year old Manpreet Singh made his international debut at the Asian Champions Trophy, Ordos in 2011.


Since his debut, Manpreet Singh has represented India in almost all the major tournaments including London Olympic Games in 2012, Champions Trophy in 2012, Asia Cup in 2013 and FIH Men’s World Cup in 2014.

HI Press release

Indian eves face South Africa in Commonwealth Games hockey

Scotland, 29 July 2014: Post their convincing win over Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, the Indian Women Hockey team looks upbeat to take on the challenge of South Africa in the XX Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland on 30 July 2014. With 3 goals each by Jaspreet Kaur, Deepika and Rani, the Indian team will be looking at continuing their onslaught to book a berth in the semi-finals.

With two wins each, both India as well as South Africa know that this will be a must win game for them and a loss from here will mean they will have to play for the 5th / 6th position. While South Africa will be looking at their experienced Captain Marsha Cox to guide them through, Ritu Rani will be looking at her young brigade to fire from all directions.

India takes many positives from their last outing against Trinidad and Tobago. With the 14 goals scored, while on one hand the team’s penalty corner conversions were on the spot, the girls even showcased good coordination with their passes and converting field goals at important junctures during the game and which did not allow the opponents to come out of the set-back that the Indians had inflicted on them.

Speaking on the all important match, midfielder and Captain, Ritu Rani said, “Tomorrow’s match is very important for us as the result will decide our fate in this edition of the Commonwealth Games The entire team understands this but we are not allowing the pressure of this all important match to overtake us. The girls aspire for a win tomorrow and the entire unit will ensure this and enter the semi-final stage.”


Speaking on the match tomorrow, Chief Coach Neil Hawgood said, “It’s a must win match tomorrow and the girls are all set to take on the challenge of South Africa. While they are ranked 11th and we are 13th, this will not deter the girls to go out there for the win tomorrow. The team has worked on their passes and penalty corner conversions and this was evident in our last outing yesterday”.

HI Press release

Indian women register 14-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago

Scotland, July 29, 2014: During the third outing of the Indian Women’s Hockey team in the ongoing XX Commonwealth Games 2014 at Glasgow (Scotland), India defeated Trinidad & Tobago by showering 14 goals and restricted the opponents from scoring even a single goal.

The Indian Women’s Hockey team, after suffering a loss in their last match against New Zealand by 0-3, stood back on their feet and swept away the match against Trinidad & Tobago with a whooping 14-0 on board and displayed immense maturity on the field by simply learning from their previous defeat but not letting the loss affect the their play.

It was as early as in the 4th minute of the game when Vandana Katariya successfully converted a penalty corner to open the account for India. Deepika and Rani sneaked in two back to back field goals in the 11th and 12th minute respectively, to take the lead up by 3-0. Adding on to the 3-0 lead and by the end of the first half, India accumulated a huge 9-0 goal difference over Trinidad & Tobago with the help of Jaspreet Kaur (18th min), Rani (19th and 25th min), Captain Ritu Rani (22nd min), Deepika (27th min) and Anuradha Thokchom (31st min).


The second half of the match saw the Indian women’s team showing no mercy to their opponents as they went on to add another five goals to the winning tally. Starting the goal spree in the 41st minute, it was Jaspreet Kaur who made no mistake in converting the two penalty corner opportunities in the 41st and 48th minute, followed by Anupa Barla (53rd min), Deepika (64th min) and Ritusha Arya (68th min), which helped India in sealing the game at 14-0.

HI Press release

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Ishan International School girls and DAV Public School boys win TT titles


Ishan International School girls and DAV Public School, BSEB Colony, boys won the team titles of the 3rd Acharya Sudarshan Inter-School Table Tennis Championships at the Patna Central School hall in Patna recently. Tripti Verma of Litera Valley School clinched a grand double winning the cadet and sub-junior girls' singles titles. Amit Kumar won the junior boys' singles crown beating Yogesh Mathuri. Patna Central School Principal SP Singh and Vice-Principal OP Singh gave away the prizes.

India take on Australia in Commonwealth Games hockey

New Delhi, July 28, 2014: Post back to back wins in the XX Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland, Indian Men Hockey team will be looking at continuing its winning momentum and form against the defending champions Australia tomorrow.

The Indian team will aim to register their third consecutive win which will take them to the top of the points table in Pool A. While at one end the Indians are aware of their goal, the Kookaburras on the other hand will want to showcase their No. 1 dominance against India.

Australia will be well aware of the fact that the Indian team will be looking at avenging their last Commonwealth Games 2010 defeat and also their World Cup loss. The team since then has shown signs of improvement and the last game against Scotland is a proof keeping in mind the 6-2 score and the penalty corner conversions by the team plus the fact that the Indian forward line has got an added boost with the inclusion of Gurwinder Singh Chandi.

Dragflickers V R Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh are looking in form with their penalty corner conversions in the last game is good news and has come at a time when the team is all set to meet Australia. With their penalty corner conversion in place, the forward line is also looking good with goal conversions coming at important junctures in the game.

Speaking on their game against Australia tomorrow, Chief Coach Terry Walsh said “The Australian round game gives us another opportunity to test ourselves in the areas we believe we have improved. The opponent will test our belief in our abilities. The game will be fast, open and full of tests for individuals and our team. I am confident that our performance will show significant measures of improvement. It is a contest we are all very keen to play. However, we also understand that this game is a round game in tournament where the first objective is to gather the necessary points to play in the semi finals.”

Speaking on tomorrow's game, Captain Sardar Singh said “The team is under no pressure when they will be facing the opponents tomorrow as the boys are high on self-belief. Post the World Cup our main area that we needed improvement was the penalty corner conversions. In the last two matches the boys have shown remarkable improvement and both V R Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh look in great form. I am excited on our clash against Australia tomorrow and confident to deliver a good fight.”

HI Press release


Indian women lose 0-3 to New Zealand in Commonwealth Games hockey




Scotland, July 27, 2014: The Indian Women's Hockey team went down fighting to the higher ranked New Zealand 0-3 in their second match of the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Black Sticks women managed to sneak through the Indian defence line-up in the 3rd minute and converted a penalty corner through G. Flynn, the Indian defence quickly notched up the game and held their post with great agility.

Some promising passing movements were seen within the game by the Indian team after conceding an early goal and did not allow New Zealand to do any damage till the half time.


The second half saw the Indian women's attacking play and dominated the match for the first ten minutes of the second half. It was only in the 46th minute of the game when New Zealand earned a penalty corner opportunity which Anita Punt successfully converted it to take the lead ahead by 2-0. In the 53rd minute Anita Punt from New Zealand again managed to add on to the score when she converted a penalty stroke and marked 3-0 on board.

Photo caption: Indian women (yellow) and New Zealand players in action during their match in Commonwealth Games hockey in Glasgow on July 27, 2014.

-HI Press release and photos

Monday, July 28, 2014

India thrash Scotland 6-2 to register second consecutive win in Commonwealth Games hockey




Scotland, July 26, 2014: The Indian Men Hockey team had a busy day on the field today against the home team as they rained goals and which helped them take a convincing 6-2 win over Scotland in their second match of the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow today.

India who registered their second win in the event, dominated the proceedings. It was only in the final moments of the game that Scotland managed to score but it was too late to make a comeback in a match where India showed its clear intent to win.

Riding high from their win yesterday, India got the scorecard ticking early in the 6th minute of the game, with Gurbaj Singh scoring a brilliant field goal. Not wanting to lose their hold in the match, India continued its attack on the opponents and kept looking for chances to convert. In the 23rd minute, India bagged a penalty corner which was converted through the stick of V R Raghunath helping India to increase the lead further. At the end of first half the scorecard read 2-0 with India leading the match.

Going into the second half India continued its urgency of scoring goals in quick successions. In the 37th minute, Rupinder Pal Singh converted another penalty corner that India earned. This helped India to increase the lead further to 3-0. In the 40th minute, Gurwinder Singh Chandi added one more to the total as he brilliantly struck past the defence of the opponents and scored a field goal. The lead of 4-0 was already a big setback for Scotland and in a way had already sealed the match for the Indian boys, but the visiting team had more plans for the home team and yet again converted a penalty corner stroke that the team won in the 45th minute. It was V R Raghunath who shot the goal, taking the score to 5-0.

India struck again in the 48th minute through another penalty corner and this time it was the turn of Rupinder Pal Singh’s stick that came into play. Trying to break through the defence of the Indian team, Scotland finally managed to score in the 56th minute when K Bain scored through a field goal. In the 69th minute the home team tried to reduce the margin by converting the penalty corner through Nicholas Parkes hence taking the final score to 6-2.

India will now take on Australia in their next match on July 29, at 1830hrs IST and the match will be telecasted live on Ten Action, Ten Sports and Ten HD.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and Scotland players in action during their Commonwealth Games hockey match in Glasgow on July 26, 2014.

-HI Press release and photos 


Indian men start Commonwealth Games outing with a 3-1 win over Wales





Scotland, July 25, 2014: Indian Men Hockey team started its outing of the XX Commonwealth Games today against Wales where they gave a tough time to the opponents. The match was well balanced between both the teams during the half time, with each scoring 1-1. It was the second half which was the deciding session and the Indian team kept its nerves and came out with a victorious 3-1 on board.

The opening match for India against Wales started with a positive approach as both teams played a very attacking game from the onset. Though it was India who continued its dominance and attack on the opponents, as they opened their account in the 20th minute when V R Raghunath made no mistake in converting a penalty corner. Three minutes later Wales scored an equalizer through A. Cornick. Till half time score was levelled at 1-1.

Coming into the second half, India yet again maintained its momentum and in the 36th minute earned a penalty corner but failed to convert it. It was only five minutes later when Rupinder Pal Singh successfully converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, taking the score to 2-1. With teammate Gurwinder Singh Chandi’s support in the 47th minute India took the lead further ahead and sealed the match with 3-1 on the board marking India’s victorious start in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.


Speaking on the performance of the team against Wales, Chief Coach Mr. Terry Walsh said, “Our aim was to score more goals in today’s game against Wales as per our strategy but some small mistakes didn’t allow us to achieve it. Whatever shortcomings we have seen in today’s game will be rectified and not repeated in the game against Scotland. The team is in a good shape and motivated after today’s win, to take on the opponents and steal the show with even better results in the second game”.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and Wales players in action during their hockey match of the Commonwealth games in Glasgow on July 25, 2014.

-HI Press release and photos

Indian women beat Canada 4-2 in their opening game at Commonwealth Games




Scotland,  July 24, 2014: The Indian women hockey team running high on their form, as they beat Canada 4-2 in the opening match of the Commonwealth Games here today at Glasgow, Scotland. As was expected, India dominated the match all throughout and did not give the opponents an easy time on the field.

The match started with high momentum with both teams going on the attack immediately. India was awarded its first penalty corner opportunity in the 7th minute but was unable to convert the same. Canada realizing that the Indians were dominating them completely then went on the attack and in the 13th minute won a penalty corner but were unsuccessful also.

While both the teams continued their attack on each other it was in the 21st minute when finally India scored through the stick of Rani giving her team the all required breakthrough and confidence. Canada immediately came back into the match and in the 24th minute it was B Stairs who gave her team the equalizer goal.

This did not deter the Indians and within 4 minutes it was Poonam Rani who scored through a penalty corner and gave the Indian team the lead 2-1 going into the break.

Coming into the second half India continued its momentum and bagged a penalty corner opportunity immediately and this time it was Jaspreet Kaur who scored in the 37th minute taking her team to a 3-1 lead. Canada in the 39th minute received a penalty corner opportunity and was in a good position to minimize the goal difference but failed to do so. In the 44th minute, it was Canada again who was awarded another penalty corner opportunity and this time K. Johansen stood tall and scored which helped her team reduce the goal margin and the scorecard read 3-2. The Indian team immediately went on the attack and in the 52nd minute Jaspreet Kaur yet again scored through a penalty corner. With this the score card read 4-2 and with India winning the match.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and Canada women players in action during their match in Glasgow on July 24, 2014.

HI Press release and photos


Junior hockey probables resume training

New Delhi, July 24, 2014: The preparatory camp of the Junior Men Core Probables for the FIH Junior Men World Cup 2016, scheduled to take place in India in December 2016, resumed at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on 23 July 2014.

The 33 Junior Men Core Probables are part of this camp which will continue till 18 August 2014. Hockey India Selection Committee shortlisted 33 Junior Men Core Probables out of 60 campers in the first preparatory camp for the Junior Men World Cup 2016 held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi from 25 April – 6 June 2014.

Speaking on the preparatory camp, Dr. Narinder Batra, Secretary General, Hockey India said, “We at Hockey India are trying to work towards the up-gradation in the quality of hockey in India. Our aim here is to mould the Junior Men Hockey Team in a manner where they are ready to take on their challenges and deliver astonishing results in every match they play in the 2016 Junior Men World Cup. Being the host of the Junior Men World Cup 2016, we and all the hockey fanatics throughout the country would like to see a performance matching up to the World Cup standards and these early preparations will help us reach the goal.”

List of players is as under:

GOALKEEPERS
1. Vikas Dahiya
2. Subodh Tirkey
3. Abhinav Kumar Pandey
4. Jugraj Singh

DEFENDERS
5.  Abhay Ekka
6.  Jarmanpreet Singh
7.  Harmanpreet Singh
8.  Anand Lakra
9.  Sanjit Toppo
10. Abhishek Pratap Singh
11. Baljit Singh
12. Nilam Sanjeep Xess
13. Dipsan Tirkey
14. Varun Kumar

MIDFIELDERS
15. Sumit
16. Simranjeet Singh
17. Santa Singh
18. Prakash Barla
19. Harjeet Singh
20. S. H. Nilakanta Sharma
21. Imran Khan
22. Manpreet
23. Rajat Sharma
24. Ajay Yadav

FORWARDS
25. Parvinder Singh
26. Armaan Qureshi
27. Ajit Kumar Pandey
28. Mohd. Nizamuddin
29. Pawan Kumar
30. Raushan Kumar
31. Janma Majhi
32. Sumit Toppo
33. Sumit Kumar

HI Press release


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Ritu Rani looks at the young brigade to fire in the Commonwealth Games

Scotland, July 22, 2014: Going by the present form of her team, seasoned midfielder and captain of the Women Hockey Team, Ritu Rani seems very positive and assured of a striking show by her young players at the Commonwealth Games which is close at hand.

Reassured by the current shape of her team, which is at its best form and with confidence soaring high, Ritu Rani is anticipating a victorious performance in the upcoming matches and is looking forward to finale clash for the upcoming Games. She also is optimistic and inspired by the thumping victory in the just concluded Malaysian Tour, which was the team’s groundwork for the Commonwealth Games.

Speaking on the current form of her team, Captain Ritu Rani said, “I am very confident and at ease with the present form of my team members. Each player, irrespective of whether they are experienced or young, is high on confidence and determined to give their best. A very interesting aspect that I see amongst the young players in this team is their hunger to showcase their play and to prove themselves on the international arena. Be it Ritusha or Anupa in the forward or Lilima and Navjot in the Midfield or Namita in the defence each one has stood up to their responsibility and delivered with elan in the past and I see them yet again eager to deliver”.


 The Women Hockey Team will take on Canada on July 24 in their first match in the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow (Scotland).

-HI Press release 

We too would like an India Vs Australia clash in the finals, says Sardar Singh

Scotland, 22 July 2014: When Australian legend Jamie Dwyer expressed his views towards the outing of both India and Australia in the Commonwealth Games 2014, the Indian Men Hockey team’s Captain Sardar Singh too shared the same feelings and is keen to see the Kookaburras clashing against his team in the finals of the upcoming Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland.

With just a day left for the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland, the Men Hockey Team of India is upbeat towards accepting any and every challenge coming their way in the tournament and a win is what rules the mind of every player in the team.

Speaking on the preparations of the team, Indian Men Hockey Team Captain Sardar Singh said,“Just like my counterpart legend Jamie Dwyer, we too would like to see Australia in the finals with us. While we had lost the match against Australia in the World Cup, the second half of the game cannot be overlooked, as our defence made a significant come back in restricting Australia’s goal scoring spree. Our defence line-up is in place and now it is time for the forwards to deliver their best.”

Speaking on the practice match against England, Captain Sardar Singh added, “The team is showing major signs of improvement and the players’ is morale is on a high as we took on England in the recent practice match and won by 3-2. We played fast hockey with our passes being the key in beating them during our practice game. The training sessions have grown intense and faster as the testing time approaches. We have worked on the pace of the game and the team is in form with the passing.”

The Men Hockey Team will clash with Wales on July 25 in their first match of the Commonwealth Games at Scotland.

A HI Press release



FIH makes changes in indoor hockey rules

Lausanne, July 22, 2014: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board has approved several changes to the rules of indoor hockey following a proposal from the Rules Committee. The majority of the changes are aimed at improving gameplay and the experience for spectators, while others are clarifications and tidying up of existing rules.

Most notably the number of times a team may substitute their goalkeepers off the pitch will now be limited to two per game, as opposed to the previous possibility for unlimited substitutions. The change addresses the issue of multiple goalkeeper substitutions during matches, which were detracting from the game and spectator experience. It also ensures that goalkeeping skills continue to be an integral part of the game, while still allowing teams to make tactical use of goalkeeper substitutions at suitable points during any game. 

A limit on the maximum length of a hockey stick will be introduced into the rules for the first time, following the use of this requirement as a regulation at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague last month. In recognition that goalkeepers were swapping to longer sticks for shoot-outs, which was considered as being against the spirit of the rules, all sticks must now be a maximum of 105cm long. 

The breaking at a penalty corner regulation, which has been successfully used at FIH tournaments, is introduced as a full rule. An attacker who breaks into the circle early or any defender who crosses the back-line early is sent beyond the centre-line. Special provisions apply if a goalkeeper crosses the back-line early, with one of the other defenders being required to go beyond the centre-line. The use of this regulation has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of breaks, encouraging fair play and reducing the amount of time spent on re-setting penalty corners.

Leandro Negre, FIH President, said the rule changes would help drive the continued growth of the sport: “In all forms of the sport we strive to create the most fair, entertaining and competitive environment possible, with particular consideration for our increasingly global fan base. The changes introduced embody these values and are aimed at improving the game at all levels”

Rule Changes to Indoor Hockey 2015
The following are the changes that were recommended by the FIH Rules Committee to, and approved by, the FIH Executive Board: -
i. Date of implementation: It was agreed that this should remain as 1 January 2015.
ii. Terminology
i. Hit – to be amended to ‘Striking or ‘slapping’ the ball …’ with the guidance from page 23 to be moved to this section
iii. Composition of team
i. Rule 2.3a – last paragraph of guidance to be changed from ‘If the goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges is suspended, the offending team plays with one less player’ to ‘ … plays with one fewer player’

ii. Rule 2.3b – the change from 6 to 5 players has resulted in a tactical re-think on the part of a lot of Indoor Coaches, whereby their teams will try to attack with 5 field players and defend with 4 field players and a goalkeeper. This has resulted in multiple goalkeeper substitutions during matches, which has not been seen as an attractive aspect of Indoor Hockey.
In an effort to address this issue Rule 2.3f was adjusted, with effect from 25 November 2013, such that goalkeepers needed to be substituted (as all other players) within 3 metres of the centre-line. Whilst this has had some effect, it has not had the desired effect, and with agreement from the respective Continental Federations two trial goalkeeper substitution experiments were set up to operate at the PanAm Indoor Cups in Montevideo (URU) 7-12 April 2014 and at the Men’s Indoor Asia Cup in Changhua (TPE) 16-22 June 2014.
Following consideration of the feedback from the trials and a review of the information from the Rules questionnaires, the preferred route is a limitation of two fully kitted GK substitutions off the pitch per match (with allowances for injury and/or suspension) which would still permit teams to make tactical use of these at suitable points in any match.
Rule 2.3b currently reads: -
There is no limit to the number of players who are permitted to be substituted at the same time or to the number of times any player is permitted to substitute or be substituted

A Mandatory Experimental Rule 2.3b will read: -
There is no limit to the number of players who are permitted to be substituted at the same time or to the number of times any player is permitted to substitute or be substituted, except that the number of times a team may substitute their goalkeepers off the pitch is limited to a total of two per match
Guidance:
If a team has used their full allocation of goalkeeper substitutions and their goalkeeper is injured and incapable of continuing then, for safety reasons, that team is allowed if it so wishes one further substitution onto the pitch of another goalkeeper who is wearing full protective equipment. The substitution of this replacement goalkeeper should take place in accordance with Rule 2.3g and its guidance.

In the event that a goalkeeper receives a temporary suspension, their return to the pitch following its completion does not count towards the total number of goalkeeper substitutions, but only if they are replacing a player with goalkeeping privileges or another field player. Should they return to the pitch in place of another goalkeeper who is wearing full protective equipment, this will count towards the total number of times a team may substitute off their goalkeepers.

If a team has used their full allocation of goalkeeper substitutions and their goalkeeper receives a temporary or permanent suspension then, for safety reasons, that team is allowed if it so wishes one further substitution onto the pitch of another goalkeeper who is wearing full protective equipment. The substitution of this replacement goalkeeper should take place in accordance with Rule 2.3g and its guidance.
iii. Rule 2.3d – the guidance to be adjusted from ‘one less player’ to ‘one fewer player’
iv. Conduct of play: players
i. Rule 9.5 – the guidance regarding ‘slap’ hitting is to be deleted and inserted in the terminology section.
ii. Rule 9.11 - Guidance to be adjusted from ‘The player only commits an offence if they voluntarily use their hand, foot or body to play the ball …’ to ‘The player only commits an offence if they gain an advantage  …’
iii. Rule 9.19 – greater emphasis to be placed in the guidance on intentional, as compared to unintentional, trapping of the ball against the boards.
v. Penalties
i. Rule 12.1 - Guidance that ‘If awarding a penalty is not an advantage to the team which did not break the Rules play must continue’ to be deleted, since it does not add anything to the Rule
ii. Rule 12.4c – given that the Regulation concerning Breaking the line at Penalty Corners will be adopted as a Rule, the requirement that a penalty stroke is awarded ‘for defenders persistently crossing the back-line before permitted during the taking of penalty corners’ will be deleted. Breaking at Penalty Corners can now be managed using the new Rule, noting that the penalty stroke provision was only very rarely invoked
iii. Rule 12.5 – the provision, if there is another offence or misconduct before the awarded penalty has been taken, to progress a free push by up to 5 metres is to be deleted. This has become redundant with the new Free Push Rules and the ability to self-pass, whilst any other offence or misconduct can be managed using the other provisions in Rules 12.5b, c and d, and/or Rule 14 Personal penalties.
vi. Procedure for taking penalties
i. Rule 13.3h – this Rule that ‘until the ball has been played, no attacker other than the one taking the push from the back-line is permitted to enter the circle and no defender is permitted to cross the centre-line or back-line’ is to be supplemented by the adoption of the Breaking at a Penalty Corner Regulation as a Rule
ii. Rules 13.7b, 13.7c & 13.7d – to be adjusted by the adoption of the Breaking at a Penalty Corner Regulation as a Rule
iii.      Rule 13.10d - the guidance that ‘if the player defending the stroke prevents a goal being scored but moves either foot before the ball has been played, this player must be warned (green card) and for any subsequent offence must be suspended (yellow card)’ to be amended to ‘if the player defending the stroke prevents a goal being scored but moves either foot before the ball has been played, this player may be awarded a personal penalty and for any subsequent offence must be suspended’.
vii. Personal penalties
i. Rule 14.1b – it was decided not to adopt the Regulation that a green card indicates a temporary suspension of one minute as a Rule, since it was considered that the green card as a warning is still important at lower levels of the game. It will however remain as an FIH Tournament Regulation
ii. Rules 14.1c and 14.1d – the guidance to be adjusted from ‘… one less player’ to ‘… one fewer player’.
viii. Umpiring signals
i. 4.6c Penalties – as a result of the deletion of Rule 12.5a and advancing a Free Push up to 5 metres, it follows that the signal should also be deleted
ix. Field and Equipment Specifications
i. 2.18 Stick – in view of longer than normal sticks being used by goalkeepers at Shoot-out competitions, the stick specification will now include a maximum length provision, ‘the length of stick, as measured from the top of the stick to the bottom of the head of the stick (line X in Figure 3 on page 57 of the Rules of Indoor Hockey), shall not be more than 105cm’

A FIH Press release