Tag: India

Esports Gamblers In India Using Offshore Sites To Bypass Gaming Ban

Whereas the Indian authorities has cracked down on real-money gaming, esports bettors proceed to entry offshore platforms to gamble.
The federal government blocked an extra 242 web sites final week that violate the nation’s strict anti-gambling legal guidelines. Since 2022, the nation has restricted entry to over 7,800 platforms.

Regardless of the actions, the nation continues to see heavy site visitors to offshore betting platforms. Storyboard18 reviews that India accounts for 13.48% of world visits to the net playing website Stake. Solely in Canada, the place customers can legally entry the positioning, are there extra Stake customers.
Moreover, site visitors to different offshore websites stays excessive, with tons of of 1000’s of Indian gamblers accessing different websites, together with Parimatch and 1xBet.
Indian bettors are discovering methods across the guidelines. Picture Credit score: Unsplash/Saradasish Pradhan
Stricter Legal guidelines Not Lowering Playing But
Final yr, the Promotion & Regulation of On-line Gaming Invoice (PROGA) positioned additional restrictions on real-money gaming, banning fantasy sports activities and talent video games.
Jay Sayta, a expertise and gaming lawyer, famous that the rules have nonetheless not been formally introduced into pressure. There have, due to this fact, been few adjustments within the accessibility of playing websites.
Sayta acknowledged, “5 months have elapsed, however PROGA has not been introduced into pressure but. The central authorities claims to have blocked 242 playing web sites lately and over 7,800 over time, however the reality stays that there are literally thousands of such unlawful betting web sites nonetheless working and flourishing.”
On the similar time, the invoice promotes esports, investing in coaching and infrastructure. Indian Prime Minister Modi mentioned he needs the nation to change into a frontrunner in gaming, however voiced robust opposition to playing.
But the 2 usually go hand in hand, with esports followers more and more seeing playing adverts throughout protection of high-profile occasions.
MIBR turned the primary Valorant staff to make the most of Riot Video games’ resolution to permit betting sponsors. The staff introduced a take care of playing platform 1xBet, which continues to see excessive site visitors in India.
Indian gaming firms have campaigned towards the brand new legal guidelines within the nation, arguing that they’ve led to large job losses and a destructive financial influence.
Indian Corporations Shedding Out
Amrit Kiran Singh, President of the Ability On-line Video games Institute (SOGI) mentioned that whereas Indian firms are dropping out, firms in different nations are gaining a foothold by focusing on customers on the planet’s most populous nation.
Singh acknowledged, “The one victims of this ill-advised ban are sincere Indian gaming firms. The one gainers are Chinese language gaming firms working from areas reminiscent of Cyprus and Estonia.”
He careworn that it’s impractical to implement widespread bans on web gaming within the trendy period, as expertise can simply circumvent such restrictions. He added, “VPNs and area farming make it not possible to dam platforms. Crypto and mule accounts facilitate every kind of financial transactions.”
Korean gaming firm Krafton is investing within the authorized gaming market, promising to spend $50 million yearly over the subsequent 3-4 years.
Offshore playing platforms require little funding to proceed benefiting from Indian gamblers who use VPNs to entry platforms.
Whereas the federal government continues to dam web sites, the market seemingly thrives as customers search methods to bypass rules.

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January 19, 2026
HIL: Hockey India League: From champions Bengal Tigers to revamped SG Pipers, a quick guide to all 8 teams

The Males’s Hockey India League (HIL) begins on Saturday, third January in Chennai on the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore. This would be the second version of the revived males’s Hockey India League and is scheduled to be held in multi-cities – beginning with Chennai earlier than it strikes to Ranchi and ends in Bhubaneswar with the ultimate on twenty sixth January, 2026.

SG Pipers
After a poor season and not using a single outright win beneath Graham Reid, SG Pipers enter the season after an overhaul of their management and squad. The franchise, with Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as Director of Hockey, have named Tim Oudenaller as Head Coach. Captain Jarmanpreet Singh, an Indian defensive mainstay with 142 senior worldwide caps, will lead the backline alongside drag-flick specialist Varun Kumar, who has amassed 142 caps and scored 39 targets.
The staff additionally boasts of veteran Rupinder Pal Singh so as to add additional experience in set-pieces. In objective, the Pipers will depend on Argentine veteran Tomás Santiago. The midfield has been bolstered with the inclusion of Wales’ Jacob Draper, whereas the assault will probably be spearheaded by Argentina’s Tomás Domene, who has scored 41 senior worldwide outside targets. One of many key gamers to look at is younger ahead Dilraj Singh, who emerged as a breakout star on the 2025 Junior World Cup. The staff additionally has the Junior World Cup captain Rohit as a defensive dragflicking possibility.
Indians: Pawan, Rupinder Pal Singh, Varun Kumar, Manjeet, Rohit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Ankit Pal, Raj Kumar Pal, Thokchom Kingson Singh, Shamsher Singh, Aditya Lalage, Dilraj Singh, Sourabh Anand Khushwaha
Abroad: Tomas Santiago (ARG), Bram Van Battum (NED), Gareth Furlong (GBR), Willott Ky (AUS), Jacob Draper (GBR), Tomas Domene (ARG), Roman Duvekot (BEL)
Shrachi Bengal Tigers
Shrachi Bengal Tigers, the defending champions, head into the brand new season with most of their core squad retained from final season. Jugraj Singh, the hat-trick hero from final season’s Remaining will lead the staff this time round, with German Head Coach Valentin Altenburg on the helm. The vastly skilled goalkeeper James Carr will probably be their first line of defence with Vivek Lakra taking part in second fiddle to him. Gauthier Boccard, an Olympic Gold medallist in 2020 and Silver medallist in 2016 with Belgium will probably be trusted to marshal the defensive unit alongside Jugraj Singh, who was additionally the top-scorer final yr.
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Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons
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The 2-time Olympic medallist German duo of Tom Grambusch and Christopher Rühr will anchor the midfield with help from the likes of Sean Findlay, Jaskaran Singh, Affan Yousuf, Pradhan Poovanna Chandura, Atul Deep and Pardeep Singh Sandhu. Final season’s Participant of the Match, Sukhjeet Singh, will probably be spearheading the staff’s assault with Ajinkya Jadhav, Gursewak Singh, and Abhishek. Tigers’ ahead line additionally consists of 14-year-old prodigy Ketan Kushwaha, the youngest participant within the historical past of the event.
Indians: Vivek Lakra, Parmod, Jugraj Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Affan Yousuf, Pradhan Poovanna Chandura, Atul Deep, Pardeep Singh Sandhu, Ajinkya Jadhav, Ketan Kushwaha, Gursewak Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek
Abroad: James Carr (New Zealand), Tommy Willems (Belgium), Gauthier Boccard (Belgium), Enrique Gonzalez (ESP), Christopher Ruhr (Germany), Tom Grambusch (Germany), Sean Findlay (New Zealand)
JSW Soorma Hockey Membership
Soorma enter the 2026 season with the goal of constructing on its third-place end from the earlier version. Below the steerage of Head Coach Philippe Goldberg and mentor Sardar Singh, the staff has retained a robust management core that emphasises self-discipline and circle dominance. Main the aspect is the world’s premier drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh, who not too long ago accomplished a landmark 250 worldwide caps. Guarding the objective will probably be Belgian legend Vincent Vanasch, a three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the 12 months with over 270 worldwide appearances.
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The defensive unit is additional strengthened by Australian powerhouse Jeremy Hayward, who brings greater than 230 caps and 121 targets to the backline. Midfield management will probably be anchored by Belgium’s Victor Wegnez, a former European Participant of the Match, alongside India’s Vivek Sagar Prasad. In assault, Soorma will financial institution on the expertise of Akashdeep Singh, traded from UP Rudras, and the tempo of South African ahead Dayaan Cassiem.
Indians: Mohith HS, Gurinder Singh, Pradip Mandal, Sukhvinder, Harmanpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Jeet Pal, Akashdeep Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Harjeet Singh, Pawan Rajbhar, Maninder Singh, Gurjant Singh
Abroad: Vincent Vanasch (BEL), Nicolas Della Torre (ARG), Jeremy Hayward (AUS), Victor Wegnez (BEL), Nicolas Poncelet (BEL), Nicolas Keenan (ARG), Dayaan Cassiem (RSA)
Ranchi Royals
Ranchi Royals enter the league as the most recent franchise, changing the previous Workforce Gonasika. The staff is led by Manpreet Singh, who not too long ago turned solely the second Indian participant to cross 400 worldwide caps. Below Head Coach Harendra Singh, the Royals have paired Manpreet with Belgium’s Tom Boon, the 2025 FIH Participant of the 12 months, making a midfield partnership able to controlling the tempo of matches.
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Defensively, the Royals have strengthened their backline with the additions of Belgian defender Maxime Van Oots and Australia’s Tim Howard, alongside skilled Indian defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess. In assault, the Royals will depend on the ending potential of Mandeep Singh and the tempo and energy of younger ahead Araijeet Singh Hundal.
Indians: Rajak Pankaj Kumar, Suraj Karkera, Purti Ashish Tani, Ravneet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Vishnukant Singh, Yashdeep Siwach, Manpreet Singh, Manmeet Singh Rai, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Mandeep Singh
Abroad: Joshua Beltz (AUS), Van Oots Maxime (BEL), Tim Howard (AUS), Jack Waller (GBR), Mustaphaa Cassiem (RSA), Tom Boon (BEL), Sam Lane (NZL)
Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons
Led by captain Amit Rohidas, one of the vital reliable defenders in world hockey, the Dragons boast one of many strongest goalkeeping teams within the league. Eire’s David Harte, a two-time FIH Goalkeeper of the 12 months, is joined by Prince Deep Singh, who impressed in shootouts on the 2025 Junior World Cup. In assault, the Dragons proceed to depend on Australia’s Blake Govers, whose penalty-corner conversion makes him a relentless risk. He’s supported by Mohammed Raheel Mouseen in midfield and Germany’s Paul Kaufmann. Tim White is the pinnacle coach.
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Indians: Prince Deep Singh, Anand Lakra, Pruthvi G M, Amit Rohidas, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Chandan Yadav, Shesha Gowda, Arun J, Sushil Dhanwar, Adrohit Ekka, Selvaraj Kanagaraj, Selvam Karthi, Uttam Singh
Abroad: David Harte (IRE), Sander de Wijn (NED), Tom Craig (AUS), Blake Govers (AUS), Paul Kaufmann (GER), Thomas Sorsby (GBR), Nathan Ephraums (AUS)
Hyderabad Toofans
Hyderabad Toofans will probably be hoping to go one step additional as in comparison with their earlier marketing campaign. The runners-up from final season have Pasha Gademan returning as their head coach, and the staff boasts a younger goalkeeping group with Jean Paul Danneberg and Bikramjit Singh, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Match within the final version. Olympic Gold medallist in 2020, Belgium defender Arthur De Sloover will probably be their pillar in defence with help from the likes of Amandeep Lakra and Devindar Sunil Walmiki, together with younger gamers resembling Sundram Singh Rajawat and Mukul Sharma. Within the coronary heart of the midfield, Nilakanta Sharma provides an abundance of expertise with Olympic Bronze medallist Zachary Wallace additionally of their ranks. Nic Woods and Michel Struthoff add a mixture of expertise and enthusiasm, together with Rajinder Singh, Sumit and Rahim Aakib Sayyed.
With the likes of Commonwealth Video games Gold medallist Jacob Anderson and New Zealand’s Tim Model within the ahead line, the Hyderabad Toofans have sufficient expertise up entrance. Shilanand Lakra will deliver some dynamism to the combination, as will Arshdeep Singh, who was the Upcoming Participant of the Match final season and likewise made his mark with 4 targets on the FIH Hockey Males’s Junior World Cup 2025. They may nevertheless miss out on the targets from Gonzalo Peillat, the star drag flicker out because of harm.
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Indians: Bikramjit Singh, Mukul Sharma, Amandeep Lakra, Devindar Walmiki, Sundram Singh Rajawat, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit Walmiki, Rajinder Singh, Rahim Aakib Sayyed, Shilanand Lakra, Irengbam Rohit Singh, Talwinder Singh, Arshdeep Singh
Abroad: Jean Paul Danneberg (GER), Arthur de Sloover (NED), Zachary Wallace (GBR), Michel Struthoff (GER), Nic Woods (AUS), Tim Model (AUS), Jacob Anderson (AUS)
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
After scoring lots and conceding lots in a rollercoaster season, Kalinga Lancers will want defensive solidity as they appear to enhance on their final season’s sixth-place end. In objective, the Lancers have choices in India’s No. 1 goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia’s Jed Snowden. Their defence is headlined by a high-profile Belgian trio, with Co-Captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx and Antoine Kina bringing elite-level expertise, complemented by Co-Captain Sanjay, whose management and dragflicking potential stay central to the staff’s plans. Gamers resembling Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra and Rohit Kullu add additional solidity to the backline. The midfield options Australia’s younger duo of Liam Henderson and Craig Marias supported by India’s Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo and Rosan Kujur. Up entrance, the Lancers boast a dynamic attacking unit that includes a few of India’s best attackers in Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh and Gursahibjit Singh joined by Australia’s Cooper Burns.
Indians: Krishan B Pathak, Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, Rohit Kullu, Sanjay, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, Rosan Kujur, Gursahibjit Singh, Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami
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Abroad: Jed Snowden (AUS), Antoine Kina (BEL), Arthur Van Doren (BEL), Alexander Hendrickx (BEL), Craig Marais (AUS), Liam Henderson (AUS), Cooper Burns (AUS)
HIL Governing Council
Forward of the public sale, the HIL Governing Council took over operations from the UP Rudras franchise. Hardik Singh will proceed to steer the staff, with Vikram Pillay named head coach. James Mazarelo of England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan are their goalkeeping optins, whereas the defensive unit will probably be spearheaded by seasoned campaigners resembling Surender Kumar with 178 worldwide caps and Kane Russell with over 200 senior caps for New Zealand. James Albery of Nice Britain and India’s Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris and Talem Priyobarta add additional depth to the backline.
In midfield, Captain Hardik Singh will anchor the unit alongside Manmeet Singh who not too long ago scored six targets within the FIH Hockey Males’s Junior World Cup on dwelling soil. Rahul Yadav and Eire’s skilled midfielder Daragh Walsh will be part of them in the midst of the park. The attacking line-up consists of confirmed performers resembling Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British ahead Sam Ward who’ve scored 67 and 216 senior worldwide targets respectively. Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, Ajeet Yadav, Belgium’s Tanguy Cosyns and New Zealand’s Simon Yorston will add additional firepower.
Indians: Prashant Kumar Chauhan, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Haris, Surender Kumar, Prasant Barla, Talem Priyobarta, Hardik Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rahul Yadav, Ajeet Yadav, Sudeep Chirmako, Gurjot Singh, Lalit Upadhyay
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Abroad: James Mazarelo (GBR), James Albery (GBR), Kane Russell (NZL), Daragh Walsh (IRE), Simon Yorston (NZL), Sam Ward (GBR), Tanguy Cosyns (BEL)
The place to look at Hockey India League?
All matches of the Hockey India League will probably be broadcast stay on Sony Sports activities Ten 1, Sony Sports activities Ten 3 and DD Sports activities. The matches may also be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
What about tickets for Hockey India League?
Tickets for HIL throughout the venues are free and obtainable on Ticket Genie portal.

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January 4, 2026
HIL: SG Pipers come from behind to beat JSW Soorma Hockey Club 3-1 in Women’s Hockey India League

SG Pipers stayed high of the standings as they defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Membership 3-1 of their Girls’s Hero Hockey India League encounter at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday. Though Soorma managed to finish their lengthy look forward to a objective within the match and took the lead on the night time, the defeat all however ends their hope of ending within the high two.
For the Pipers, Lola Riera (13’), Jyoti Singh (18’), and Sunelita Toppo (58’) scored a objective every, whereas Penny Squibb (12’) netted the one objective for the Soorma.

The opening quarter noticed an intense end-to-end battle, with the groups buying and selling early assaults and testing one another in a high-tempo begin. Soorma struck first when Squibb – who missed a Penalty Stroke on Friday within the defeat towards Ranchi Royals – transformed a penalty nook to present her aspect the lead. SG Pipers responded instantly, sustaining their attacking stress and incomes back-to-back penalty corners. Their persistence lastly paid off on the fifth try, with Riera changing it to revive parity, as the primary quarter ended evenly poised at 1-1.
The second quarter noticed Pipers push Soorma onto the again foot with sustained attacking stress, incomes an early penalty nook that went unconverted. The breakthrough quickly adopted, nonetheless, as junior India captain Jyoti discovered herself completely positioned contained in the circle to fit the ball house from shut vary, pouncing on a steal that was pressured by her India teammate Ishika and put the Pipers within the lead.
The rest of the quarter was performed at a brisk tempo, with each side creating probabilities. Soorma got here near restoring parity via a penalty nook and a one-on-one alternative for Sonam, however on each events Pipers’ goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino produced wonderful saves to protect her aspect’s 2-1 benefit on the half-time break.
Pipers started the third quarter on an aggressive observe, creating a few promising probabilities however failing to transform. Decided to carry on to their slender lead, Pipers started the fourth and ultimate quarter in commanding style, repeatedly testing Soorma’s defence and protecting sustained stress to disclaim them an equaliser. With 10 minutes remaining, Soorma opted to interchange their goalkeeper with an additional outfield participant seeking a breakthrough, however the transfer backfired as Sunelita produced an excellent solo run earlier than firing into the empty web to seal a 3-1 victory for the Pipers.

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January 4, 2026
HIL: Hockey India League: Princedeep Singh shines in a shootout again as Tamil Nadu Dragons and Hyderabad Toofans play out thrilling 3-3 draw

In a match that ebbed and flowed a method then the opposite, it was the goalkeeper Princedeep Singh who had the ultimate say on the identical finish of the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai the place he introduced his arrival through the FIH Junior World Cup. With far fewer followers round than that evening when he starred within the shootout in opposition to Belgium to assist India win the quarterfinal, he was introduced on by Tamil Nadu Dragons only for the tiebreaker in opposition to Hyderabad Toofans on the finish of what had been a sensational 3-3 attract regulation time of the Hockey India League season opener. And the teenager from Pathankot, who shifted to goalkeeping from defence as a result of he was impressed by PR Sreejesh, produced two excellent saves handy Dragons the bonus level.
Earlier than the shootout, Dragons and Toofans produced a rollercoaster that was performed at breakneck pace. Uttam Singh (4’), Thomas Sorsby (9’) and Karthi Selvam (32’) scored for Dragons, whereas Amandeep Lakra (12’, 18’) and Arthur De Sloover (37’) scored for last-year finalists Toofans.

The standout moments from the match got here from Amandeep, who confirmed why his drag flicks are so extremely rated. Within the absence of Gonzalo Peillat for this season, with the legendary drag flicker dominated out as a result of harm, Amandeep hit the bottom right away, scoring from two highly effective flicks after Dragons had taken a 2-0 lead within the first quarter.
Then got here a goal-of-the-season contender as midfielder Tom Craig produced a full-length diving cross in midfield to maintain a transfer flowing, earlier than native boy Karthi Selvam got here up with a diving end. Toofans’ equaliser was additionally a factor of magnificence as De Sloover completed from a near-zero angle.
Whereas each goalkeepers – David Harte and Jean Paul Danneberg – got here up with huge saves, probably the most telling defensive contribution got here from Amandeep within the dying moments of the sport. With lower than 10 seconds to go, Dragons launched a blistering counterattack with a protracted, grounded cross into the circle, however the Toofans teenager acquired throughout rapidly and launched himself ahead together with his outstretched stick to dam the cross and celebrated it like a objective scored. It actually received his aspect a degree on the evening.

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January 4, 2026
HIL: Hockey India League: Gorzelany on target again as Tigers edge out Royals; Soorma Hockey Club part ways with coach Jude Menezes

Shrachi Bengal Tigers moved into the second spot after securing a 1-0 victory towards Ranchi Royals within the ladies’s Hockey India League at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Sunday in Ranchi. It was a well-known identify on the scoresheet towards as ace dragflicker Agustina Gorzelany (37’) scored the decisive objective of the sport to assist her aspect register three factors, and reverse a 0-5 defeat towards Royals from their earlier assembly.
Heading into this match on the again of consecutive wins, Royals started the sport on the entrance foot with their midfield controlling the tempo within the opening exchanges. That they had 5 penalty corners and 7 circle penetrations within the first quarter, however couldn’t discover a well past Jennifer Rizzo in objective for the Tigers. Enjoying on the counter assault, the Tigers had a late alternative of their very own earlier than Bichu Devi Kharibam pulled off a few sharp saves for the house aspect in direction of the tip of a stop-start first quarter that went on for practically half-hour with quite a few video evaluations being referred to as for.

Tigers steadily grew into the sport within the second quarter, making inroads and placing the Royals defence beneath stress, albeit briefly. That they had seven circle penetrations and a few penalty corners as they attacked in waves in quest of the opening objective. Madhuri Kindo stayed agency in objective for the hosts although, making essential saves to maintain her aspect on degree phrases to finish a hard-fought first half with the rating at 0-0. Lalremsiami, who in any other case had a improbable all-round match once more, actually ought to have scored for Tigers on the finish of the primary half after forcing a midfield turnover and making a 1v1 state of affairs solely to then put the ball large as Madhuri lower down the angle.
Royals added some impetus to their assault to start the second half and got here near breaking the impasse on a few events. Nonetheless, it was the Tigers who ultimately drew first blood via Gorzelany. She transformed from a penalty nook, going inside out to beat Bichu to her left, scoring her fourth objective of the season to offer her aspect a 1-0 lead. The house aspect seemed for a fast response however couldn’t fairly discover a technique to break the resolute and disciplined Tigers defence within the third quarter.
Regardless of seven circle penetrations and 5 penalty corners within the closing quarter, Royals couldn’t discover a breakthrough because the Tigers defence noticed out the match.
Soorma half methods with coach
With their hopes of creating it to the highest two formally over, first version’s finalists Soorma Hockey Membership annnounced that they’ve parted methods with head coach Jude Menezes with fast impact. Soorma are winless in 4 matches and have managed to attain only one objective.
“Soorma Hockey Membership and Head Coach, Ladies’s Group, Jude Menezes, have mutually determined to half methods with fast impact, following the staff’s begin to the continuing Hockey India League in Ranchi,” the membership stated in a press release.
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Menezes is a former India worldwide who’s now a New Zealand resident. He had coached Soorma to the ultimate within the first season and has additionally guided Japan to the Paris Olympics in 2024. At this 12 months’s HIL, Soorma simply couldn’t discover the ending touches, making greater than 100 circle entries throughout 4 matches and scoring just one objective from all that attacking endeavour. The franchise stated former India captain Rani Rampal will take over because the coach for the rest of the season.
“The choice has been taken in the very best pursuits of the staff. The membership needs to position on file its honest gratitude to Jude for his contribution and desires him the easiest in his future endeavours. Group mentor Rani Rampal will take over as interim coach of the ladies’s staff for the rest of the event with the assist of the prevailing employees. Soorma Hockey Membership will probably be making no additional remark at the moment.”

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January 4, 2026
HIL: Hockey India League: Kalinga Lancers, last season’s entertainers, begin with encouraging 4-2 win against Ranchi Royals

It took Ranchi Royals ahead Araijeet Singh Hundal simply 40 seconds to seek out area contained in the circle amongst a crowd of defenders and win a Penalty Nook for Ranchi Royals from which FIH World Participant of the Yr 2025 Tom Boon fired a bullet previous Krishan Pathak in purpose. Then within the ninth minute, Mandeep Singh transformed with a cheeky contact from shut vary after a flowing go transfer, with Pathak’s positioning questionable as soon as extra as Kalinga Lancers trailed 1-2. It will need to have introduced again reminiscences of final season when the franchise scored freely, however conceded with equal regularity to ultimately miss out on prime 4, regardless of arguably having the most effective squads on paper.
However what adopted within the remaining three quarters augurs effectively for Lancers as they displayed most of their good attacking traits whereas marrying that with stable defensive construction. Three targets flowed within the second quarter as they went from 1-2 to 4-2. They then saved that rating intact with a mature show within the second half the place they have been nonetheless the higher attacking facet regardless of Royals looking for a manner again into the sport. Alexander Hendrickx (7′, 28′) as soon as once more served up a reminder of his drag-flicking class whereas Gursahibjit Singh (16′, 26′) scored two well-taken close-range targets. For Harendra Singh-coached Royals, Boon (1′) and Mandeep (9′) have been the goalscorers and Araijeet impressed in flashes on his return from damage after lacking the Junior World Cup.

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Chatting with The Indian Categorical earlier than the season, Lancers co-captain Arthur van Doren had mentioned the franchise was conscious of bettering their defensive document. “We scored so many targets however I believe we struggled with our PC protection, I believe that was the primary downside. So yeah, if we be certain we’ve that so as, we already eradicate half the targets. So we’d like to verify we’ve our defence checked off,” he mentioned. That Pathak’s defence restricted Royals to 1 purpose from six corners would encourage van Doren and Co.
Whereas Hendrickx continues to stay their essential risk from setpieces, Gursahibjit’s two targets would encourage new head coach Jay Stacy, the legendary former Australian participant who has taken over from Valentin Altenburg.
Tigers begin defence with win
In a battle between two sides led by India’s ace dragflickers – Harmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh – neither managed to get on the scoresheet however defending champions Bengal Tigers have been deserved 3-1 winners towards Soorma Hockey Membership. All 4 targets got here via Indians with Sukhjeet Singh (33’), Abhishek (45’) and Gursewak Singh (60’) on the scoresheet for Tigers, whereas Prabhjot Singh (54’) scored for Soorma late within the match in what was a comfort strike. Soorma paid the value for not forcing attacking alternatives and creating PC conditions for Harmanpreet to step in. On the finish of a cagey first half that ended 0-0, veteran goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch’s improbable double save saved Soorma within the contest. However Tigers got here alive within the second, with the spotlight of the evening being the sensational reverse hit from the left channel by Abhishek that left even Vanasch shocked for simply the sheer velocity of it.

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January 4, 2026
HIL: Junior World Cup hero Prince Deep Singh looking forward to learning from legendary goalkeeper David Harte in the Hero Hockey India League 2026

~ Prince Deep Singh and David Harte will characteristic for Tamil Nadu Dragons ~
New Delhi, 18 December 2025: Contemporary from a powerful displaying on the FIH Hockey Males’s Junior World Cup, the place he performed a pivotal position in India’s bronze medal end, younger goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh is heading into the Hero Hockey India League (Hero HIL) 2026 brimming with confidence. The Tamil Nadu Dragons participant was one among India’s standout performers in the course of the event, producing decisive saves in a shootout within the quarterfinals in opposition to Belgium and following it up with constant performances throughout matches, moments which have strengthened his perception forward of the upcoming league.

Reflecting on the influence of the FIH Males’s Junior Hockey World Cup on his mindset, Prince Deep mentioned, “I’m way more assured now after this event as a result of I performed properly in entrance of such a giant residence crowd. After I used to make saves, the followers cheered me quite a bit and it was an amazing motivation for me.”
“Throughout the shootout, once I noticed so many followers behind me within the stadium, I informed myself that I’ve to cease the ball for them. After I saved the fourth shootout, there was lots of noise once more and my confidence went even larger. When the fifth one got here, I believed that I might cease it, and it turned a double-save. That second was one of the best for me and it went viral as properly,” Prince Deep recalled.
As he prepares for the Hero HIL, Prince Deep will as soon as once more be a part of the Tamil Nadu Dragons setup alongside legendary Irish goalkeeper David Harte, with whom he shared the dressing room final season as properly. Talking in regards to the affect David Harte had on his growth final season, Prince Deep defined, “He’s like one of many world’s greatest goalkeepers. He taught me find out how to deal with strain, which is a very powerful factor for us. Earlier, I used to fall very quick and commit early, however he informed me to remain on my ft and react on the final second. Taking part in and practising with such a giant participant will assist me quite a bit and I’m trying ahead to studying extra from him.”
The younger goalkeeper additionally highlighted how observing Harte carefully throughout coaching helped him sharpen his fundamentals and decision-making. “I used to look at him from behind throughout apply, to see what he does at totally different moments. He informed me that in penalty corners you need to keep relaxed and maintain your self cool as a result of there may be a lot strain. He all the time mentioned that negativity must be saved out of the bottom and it’s best to solely concentrate on what you’re doing inside the sector,” Prince Deep mentioned.
Since final season, Prince Deep believes he has come a good distance, by way of constant publicity on the worldwide stage and prolonged time in nationwide camps below the steering of former Indian goalkeeper and the present head coach of the lads’s junior crew, PR Sreejesh. Aside from all of the coaching and worldwide excursions, this yr Sreejesh guided Prince Deep to medals in two main worldwide tournaments – a silver medal within the Sultan of Johor Cup and a bronze within the current Junior World Cup.
“There’s lots of change in my sport now. Earlier, I used to be slightly scared throughout matches, however now I’m very totally different. My final two tournaments went properly. In coaching, coach sir (Sreejesh) all the time taught me to not focus an excessive amount of on the end result, however to play easy, make fundamental saves, talk extra on the sector, and keep linked with the sport,” he defined.
Each Sreejesh and David Harte are legendary figures in world hockey and have shared the world stage for years, clashing within the greatest competitions, and have even performed collectively in the course of the early seasons of the Hockey India League again in 2014. Having skilled below each, Prince Deep identified the similarities of their sport and mentioned, “Each of them have taught me find out how to deal with strain and management myself. They all the time say that no matter resolution you are taking, take it with full conviction. Should you concede a aim, don’t lose confidence, overlook it shortly and take into consideration the subsequent motion. They each focus quite a bit on decision-making, defensive form and staying calm.”
Turning his consideration to Tamil Nadu Dragons, Prince Deep acknowledged the frustration of falling brief within the semi-finals final season however sounded optimistic in regards to the squad heading into the brand new marketing campaign. “Final time, we made a number of errors and we’ll work on that this season. A lot of the crew is similar and our camp begins quickly. Now we have a very good stability within the squad and everybody is concentrated on enhancing from final yr,” he said.
With the Hero Hockey India League set to get underway quickly, Prince Deep believes the competitors and familiarity with opponents will add to the thrill since his teammates from the Junior World Cup will now be taking pictures in opposition to him this time round. “I understand how many of those gamers play, their strengths and weaknesses, so it is going to be enjoyable competing in opposition to them within the league. It’s going to be a really thrilling season,” he concluded on an amusing notice.
The Hero Males’s Hockey India League 2026 will start on third January 2026, as Tamil Nadu Dragons will kick off the event in opposition to Hyderabad Toofans in entrance of residence followers in Chennai.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will probably be broadcast reside on Sony Sports activities Ten 1, Sony Sports activities Ten 3 and DD Sports activities. The matches will even be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.

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December 18, 2025
India: ‘The comeback against Argentina shows our belief and mental strength,’ says Rohit After Captaining India to Bronze Medal Win at FIH Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025

~ Rohit additionally underlines Hero Hockey India League’s affect by means of high-intensity matches and international publicity ~
New Delhi, sixteenth December 2025: Indian Junior Males’s Hockey Workforce Captain and defender Rohit mirrored on the workforce’s character and resilience after India’s current Bronze medal win on the FIH Hockey Males’s Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, following a sensational 4-2 comeback victory over Argentina within the third-place play-off match.

After ending fourth within the earlier two editions of the Junior Hockey World Cup, India lastly returned to the rostrum in dramatic trend, producing one of the crucial memorable comebacks of the event.
India discovered themselves trailing 0-2 on the finish of the third quarter, however a shocking attacking show within the remaining quarter-hour noticed the younger Colts rating 4 unanswered objectives within the fourth quarter to seal the Bronze medal and cap off a outstanding marketing campaign.
Talking in regards to the sensational win, Rohit mentioned, “This Bronze medal means quite a bit to each participant within the squad. After ending fourth within the final two Junior World Cups, we had been decided to get again on the rostrum this time. The best way the workforce fought again after being 0-2 down exhibits our perception, psychological power, and belief in one another.”
Reflecting on the comeback in opposition to Argentina, the 21-year-old defender added, “On the finish of the third quarter, we reminded ourselves to remain calm and play our pure sport. The teaching employees saved telling us that one purpose would change the momentum, and as soon as that occurred, everybody stepped up. Scoring 4 objectives within the final quarter in opposition to a powerful aspect like Argentina is one thing we are going to all the time be pleased with.”
India loved a powerful run all through the event, successful all their Pool stage matches earlier than edging previous Belgium in a tense Quarterfinal through shootout to advance to the Semifinals. Their solely defeat got here in opposition to Germany within the Semifinal, earlier than the workforce bounced again strongly to complete the event on excessive.
Highlighting the workforce’s general efficiency, Rohit mentioned, “We performed some wonderful hockey all through the event. Successful all our pool matches after which beating Belgium within the shootout confirmed our composure below stress. The loss within the Semifinal was robust, however the boys confirmed nice maturity to regroup and end the event with a medal.”
Rohit, who can be a specialist dragflicker, will subsequent be seen in motion within the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26, as he was retained by the SG Pipers forward of this 12 months’s auctions.
Talking in regards to the significance of the Hero HIL and his affiliation with the SG Pipers, Rohit mentioned, “The Hero Hockey India League is a unbelievable platform for younger Indian gamers. You get to play high-intensity matches alongside and in opposition to a few of the greatest gamers on the planet, which actually helps in understanding the calls for of top-level hockey.”
He additional added, “For me, the Hero HIL has been essential in bettering my dragflicking, decision-making, and sport consciousness. Coaching with skilled worldwide defenders and penalty-corner specialists pushes you to boost your requirements daily. Being retained by SG Pipers motivates me to carry out persistently and contribute extra to the workforce.”
Emphasising the league’s position in bridging the hole between junior and senior worldwide hockey, Rohit mentioned, “The Hero HIL prepares younger gamers for senior worldwide hockey by exposing them to stress conditions, packed stadiums, and totally different taking part in kinds. It helps us develop not simply as gamers, but additionally mentally, and I’m excited to take the learnings from the Junior World Cup into the upcoming Hero Hockey India League season.”

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December 16, 2025
India: India register 3-1 win against Wales at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup

~Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’), and Ishika (31’) have been the goalscorers for India ~
Santiago, Chile, 8 December 2025: The Indian Junior Girls’s Hockey Workforce recorded a commanding 3-1 victory over Wales of their 9/16 qualification match at FIH Junior Girls’s World Cup match on the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Santiago, on Monday. Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’), and Ishika (31’) scored for India, whereas Eloise Moat (52’) netted the lone objective for Wales.

India started the sport on the entrance foot, asserting themselves on the opposition with a Penalty Nook within the first 30 seconds. They have been enjoying between the strains to carve out alternatives on common events, however couldn’t discover the opening objective early on. Wales had the chance to get their noses in entrance with a penalty stroke, however have been denied by Nidhi as she made a pointy cease to maintain the scores degree. India finally managed to interrupt the impasse in direction of the top of the primary quarter, courtesy a tap-in from Hina Bano (14’), after some neat work by Sakshi Rana.
Trying to double their benefit, India maintained the strain with one other Penalty Nook initially of the second quarter. They continued to create possibilities usually, and have been rewarded for his or her persistence after Sakshi Rana’s preliminary shot fell to the best way of Sunelita Toppo (24’), who made no mistake from shut vary. With 14 circle penetrations within the first half, India held a deserving 2-0 lead on the break.
India prolonged their result in 3-0 early within the second half as Ishika (31’) discovered the again of the web after a rebound from the Welsh goalkeeper fell her method. Jyoti Singh’s facet managed the tempo of the sport, stretching the Welsh protection by enjoying between the strains and urgent excessive, whereas remaining disciplined and compact on the again. They continued to create possibilities, pushing Wales again in their very own half to shut out the third quarter.
With the lion’s share of possession, India remained in pursuit of extra goalscoring alternatives to additional enhance their benefit within the ultimate quarter. Wales had a gap on the opposite finish and Eloise Moat (52’) made it rely, pulling one again for her facet. Nevertheless, that solely proved to be a comfort objective as India held agency to safe a well-deserved 3-1 win.
India will subsequent play Uruguay on ninth December. All matches of the FIH Junior Girls’s World Cup 2025 are being reside streamed on JioHotstar.

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December 8, 2025
New Zealand: India Joins Expanded Summer of Hockey Series as Dunedin Prepares for Five Nation Showcase

Dunedin is ready to host much more world-class worldwide hockey this summer time, with Hockey New Zealand confirming that India will be a part of the upcoming January Summer season of Hockey sequence; remodeling the initially deliberate 4 Nations occasion into an exciting 5 Nations spectacular.

The addition of India, mixed with the introduction of a New Zealand A (NZA) facet, elevates the Summer season of Hockey into one of the vital thrilling worldwide tournaments hosted in Aotearoa in recent times. Followers can now stay up for six match days, that includes powerhouse performances from New Zealand, USA, Japan, Korea, India, and NZA.

“That is an unimaginable alternative for Dunedin sports activities followers,” mentioned Michelle Hollands, CEO Hockey NZ. “Including India – one of many world’s most passionate hockey nations – and creating house for our NZA facet to go head-to-head with main worldwide groups is a big win for the game and for our neighborhood. It means extra competitors, extra improvement, and extra unforgettable moments for followers.”

Expanded Format, Larger Alternatives
What started as a four-day fixture has grown right into a six-day worldwide pageant of hockey. The expanded schedule ensures better taking part in alternatives for groups whereas giving spectators extra possibilities to witness high-intensity worldwide matchups.

For the NZA squad, the sequence provides a beneficial platform to check themselves towards top-tier nations, constructing depth and expertise inside New Zealand’s high-performance pathway. With India becoming a member of the lineup, the extent of competitors rises even additional—setting the stage for fast-paced, skilful, and fiercely contested hockey.

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November 26, 2025