India lose to Australia 0-4 in Commonwealth Games men's hockey final

India lost to Australia 0-4 in the men's hockey final of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on August 3, 2014.
Photo: Hockey India

India beat New Zealand 3-2 to enter CWG men's hockey final

Scotland, August 2, 2014: With odds stacked against them and captain Sardar Singh not playing the semi-final match today, Rupinder Pal Singh and team showed they were adamant to take a spot in the finale game tomorrow. Trailing the game 2-1 at half time, India took it on them to not allow the opponents to take home a win and showcased their intent in the second half which left the opponents stunned and trailing.

 The match went underway with the Kiwis taking immediate possession of the ball and attacking the D of India. In the very 2nd minute into the game, Simon Child scored for his team through a field goal. P R Sreejesh immediately asked for a video referral against the goal and which was turned down, resulting in New Zealand taking the early lead over India. 

Moving on from the early setback, India in its bid to level the scores kept the goalkeeper and opponents defence busy but somehow missed out on cashing on in the opportunities. In the 18th minute New Zealand were awarded with a penalty corner and cashed in on the opportunity when Nick Haig scored, taking the lead to 2-0.

 It was finally in the 28th minute when India earned a penalty corner. In a bid to save the goal, Dean Couzins ended up giving India a penalty stroke which was taken and executed by Rupinder Pal Singh. This took the score to 2-1 with the Black Sticks leading. Showing urgency in the last few minutes of the first half, India tried to equalize before going into the break but were unsuccessful and the score card read 2-1 with India trailing.

The second half started with India pressing to equalise the score but were met by the good defence of the opponents. In the 42nd minute, attacking the semi-circle of the opponents, a brilliant pass by Manpreet Singh was met with a superb touch by Ramadeep Singh which took the ball past New Zealand’s goalkeeper, taking the game to the equalizer. This left the Black Sticks stunned as they finally lost hold on the game. From here it was anyone’s game and India realised the importance of this, looked on fire as they kept their attack on the D of the opponents and pressed to take the lead in the game.

The lead for India finally came through Akashdeep Singh which took his team in the front for the first time in the match. In the 47th minute Akashdeep Singh’s brilliant dive to put the ball in the goal post helped India take the score card to 3-2. NZ immediately went on the attack on the Indian goal but the high on confidence P R Sreejesh saved for India yet again. India not wanting to lose their dominance on the match ensured good ball possession coupled with maintaining their attack on the opponents.

This was complemented with India’s good defence which helped them in keeping the opponents forwards at bay till the end of the game. The good show by all departments by team India helped them maintain their lead, resulting in India winning the semi-final by 3-2 over New Zealand.

India will take on Australia in the final on August 3, 2014 at 1645 hrs IST and the match will be telecasted live on Ten Action, Ten Sports and Ten HD.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and New Zealand players in action during their match in Glasgow on August 2, 2014.

HI Photos and Press release

Indian eves defeat hosts Scotland 2-1 to finish 5th in CWG hockey

Scotland, August 1, 2014: Playing for the 5th position at Scotland in the XX Commonwealth Games, the Indian eves yet again proved they are a promising team who one should look out for in the near future. While their first half was a showcase of great defense along with counter attacking, it was only in the second half that the Indian forwards finally scored and won the match leaving dents in the opponent’s semi circle.

Scotland managed more shots to secure two penalty corners in the initial stages of the game but failed to get past the Indian goalkeeper Savita on both the occasions. A good defense was evident by the Indian eves as they successfully disappointed Scotland on all occasions during the entire first half leaving them scoreless.

India on their behalf even managed to keep the opponents defense busy with a good and sound attack but were unable to cash on the opportunities. Post a tough clash, both teams failed to open their respective accounts and ended the first half with a 0-0 on board.

With a winning determination, the Indian girls started the second half by immediately setting off their attack on the opponents. During a penalty corner opportunity in the 42nd minute of the game, with India’s Jaspreet Kaur making the stroke only to be saved by the Scottish goalie Gibson.

The Indian efforts finally showed a result when Anupama Barla sneaked in a field goal in the 53rd minute of the game and took the lead on the game by 1-0.  It was quickly followed by a penalty corner conversion by Scotland’s N. Kidd in the 55th minute, equalized the score at 1-1. However, Scotland’s joy was short lived as the Indians took the lead back in the 57th with Poonam Rani striking another field goal and marking 2-1 as the final score of the match.

The final scores stood at 2-1 depicting a fifth place finish for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

HI Press release and photos

Indian men head out to clash with New Zealand in CWG hockey the semifinals

Scotland, August 1, 2014: Riding high on success and moving closer to the goal, the Indian Men Hockey team readies to take New Zealand head-on in the semi-finals of the XX Commonwealth Games 2014 at Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday..

When the Indian men paved their way in a splendid fight against South Africa to register a 5-2 victory, they secured their stop for the semi finals of the tournament. India is now set to clash with higher ranked New Zealand and will attempt to take a leap into the finals.

With the 6th rank in the world, New Zealand will be using their ‘experience’ against India, as 7 out of 16 players in their squad have more than 150 international caps to their credit. On the contrary, India has proven to be a well-balanced team in the tournament with a fair combination of experienced and young players. It will be New Zealand’s penalty corner specialist Andy Hayward that team India will have to watch out for and avoid giving away penalty corner opportunities. India’s reply to Andy Hayward will be Rupinder Pal Singh, who has performed consistently in the tournament with 5 successful penalty corners and 2 field goals, making a total of 7 goals to his credit.

Heading back to the 1998 Commonwealth Games’ clash between India and New Zealand, India defeated New Zealand 3-1, while in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, both these teams played for 5th/6th spot, where New Zealand managed to slide past India by 2-1 and claimed the 5th position. Though, in 2010 Commonwealth Games the two teams did not face each other in the entire tournament, India made their way into the finals with Australia and bagged the second spot and New Zealand settled for the third position in the tournament.

Speaking on the match tomorrow, Chief Coach Terry Walsh said, “We now move into the second phase of the tournament - the crossovers. Unfortunately we will play New Zealand without Sardar Singh who is under one match suspension. New Zealand are well versed in these contests but indeed this is our challenge. Our team is growing game by game and this important match will measure how far we have developed. Our scoring options are real threats and our defensive structure will need to be at its best. Our confidence and self belief will determine the outcome of this game.”

HI Press release

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

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

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

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

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

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