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Hans India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Birendra Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
New Delhi: Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian men's team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian junior men's team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian junior men's team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (gold in 2016, silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, coach of the Indian junior men's team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.'
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports revises Scheme of Assistance to NSFs, 13 Sports to adopt league culture
New Delhi [India] May 22 (ANI): Thirteen sports in India will soon have league culture, basketball, badminton, archery, boxing, wrestling, white water sports and polo are the main games under which the league will start, accoridng a release from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). These reforms aim to build a robust, accountable, and performance-driven sports ecosystem, ensuring alignment with India's long-term goal of becoming a global sporting powerhouse and eventual host of the 2036 Olympic Games. Games that are under operation in leagues include Hockey, Kabaddi, Shooting, and Yogasana. Games in which progress is going on for a league culture include Cycling and Rugby. Under planning leagues include Basketball, Badminton, Archery, Boxing, Wrestling, White Water Sports and Polo. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had revised the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs; the last revision was in February 2022. The revision follows the commencement of a new Olympic Cycle post-Paris Olympics 2024, reflecting India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games and addressing emerging challenges. Revision considers increased costs due to inflation in training, infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and athlete welfare. Financial assistance for conducting National Championships increased to 90 lakhs for high priority sports, 75 lakhs for priority sports (Up from the previous limit of Rs51 lakh). Financial assistance for hosting International Tournaments in India doubled to Rs2 crore. Pro Kabaddi League and Hockey India League are one of the major sports leagues of the country. Hockey India League was founded in 2013 as a part of Hockey India's attempt to develop an International Hockey Federation-sanctioned league. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is an Indian professional Kabaddi league for men. It was founded in 2014, It is the most popular kabaddi league in the world. Salary Hikes for Coaches: Chief National Coach: from 5 lakh to 7.5 lakh per month, other Coaches: from 2 lakh to 3 lakh per month. Diet Charges increased significantly, senior athletes: from 690 to 1000 per day per athlete, for junior athletes: from 480 to 850 per day per athlete. Focus on Grassroots and Athlete Development: NSFs must earmark at least 20% of their annual budget for grassroots development, channelled through affiliate units for junior/youth development. NSFs of High Priority and Priority sports disciplines shall identify a probable group of athletes in two categories of Senior Group and Junior Group with high performance potential. These athletes will be trained at accredited academies, selected by NSFs through a fair and transparent process. The training programme delivered at these accredited academies for a particular sport will be monitored by the High Performance Director (HPD) of the respective sport. Each Probable Group athlete is to receive Rs10,000 per month as dietary allowance during non-camp days, so that they are not deprived of a proper diet. At least 10% of Scheme funds will be allocated for: Coach and technical staff development, conduct of training courses in India, courses for Indian personnel abroad, development of coaching curriculum, conduct of Conferences, seminars, workshops, Inviting Foreign/Indian experts for conduct of workshops/courses, conduct of national and international certification courses, all NSFs to have a Coaching Education Expert dedicated to the training of trainers, foreign Experts shall also mandatorily train and build capacity of local officials and coaches during non-training periods as part of Key Results Areas (KRAs). (ANI)
News18
19-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Hockey India Opens Three-Month-Long Registration Window For 2026 HIL Season
Last Updated: The registration process for 2026 HIL will conclude on August 20. More than 1,000 men's and women's players from across the world are expected to sign up for the Hockey India League's three-month-long registration process, which began on Monday. HIL was revived last year after a gap of seven years, with Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers winning the men's title and Odisha Warriors bagging the honours in the women's section. Players from Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, Argentina, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, and South Korea, besides India can sign up for the registration process in the men's section. In the women's section, players from India, Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, China, Australia, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Chile, Japan, USA and Scotland are eligible for registration. The registration process for 2026 HIL will conclude on August 20. 'Building on the success of the 2024–25 revival season, which featured eight men's and four women's franchises, the upcoming edition promises to be even bigger," said a Hockey India release. advetisement 'Last season, more than 1,000 players signed up, underscoring the league's global appeal and its role as a launchpad for emerging talent," it added. Hockey India president and former player Dilip Tirkey said HIL had taken the sport to a different level. 'HIL has been a game changer for Indian hockey, and we are thrilled to continue its resurgence with the 2026 season. Last season's response from players and fans was phenomenal, and we are confident that the upcoming edition will further elevate the standard of hockey in India while strengthening our international collaborations," said Tirkey. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) First Published:
India Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Hockey India starts player registration for Hero Hockey India League 2026
Hockey India have announced on Monday, May 19 that the player registrations for the 2026 edition of the Hero Hockey India League is now open. The closing date for the registration of players will be on August 20 and the deadline has been set at 5 pm IST. Last season saw more than 1000 players sign up for the men's and women's edition of the Hockey India League after it returned from its hiatus of seven years. The men's edition was won by the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers while the women's crown was lifted by the Odisha Warriors. The 2024-25 edition saw eight teams in the men's side of things while four teams squared off for the women's title. advertisementThe registrations for the upcoming season is open for all eligible Indian and international players, with invites extended to stars from the world's leading hockey nations. Speaking about the development, Hockey India President and Chairperson of the Hero Hockey India League Governing Committee Dr. Dilip Tirkey said that the HIL has been a game changer for Indian hockey. Tirkey said that the upcoming edition will further elevate the standard of hockey in India. 'The Hero Hockey India League has been a game-changer for Indian hockey, and we are thrilled to continue its resurgence with the 2026 season. Last season's response from players and fans was phenomenal, and we are confident that the upcoming edition will further elevate the standard of hockey in India while strengthening our international collaborations,' said Tirkey. Hockey India League: Registration opening and closing datesadvertisementOpening Date: 19 May 2025, 1700 hrsClosing Date: 20 August 2025, 1700 hrsEligible NationsMen: India, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, Argentina, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, South KoreaWomen: India, Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, China, Australia, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Chile, Japan, USA, ScotlandMust Watch
Mint
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Im going to ensure I make the most of opportunity: young womens hockey midfielder Kujur
Perth, Apr 22 (PTI) Drafted into the senior national women's team following an impressive performance in the Hockey India League with JSW Soorma Club, young midfielder Ajmina Kujur is desperate to make the most of the opportunity in the upcoming five-match away series against Australia. India are set to play two games against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three matches against the Australian senior team on May 1, 3, and 4 at the Perth Hockey Stadium. "I am grateful that they have given me a chance to play now so I have to give my 100 per cent. Two years ago, I was in the senior team camp but I didn't make it into the team. Now that I have been given this chance, I am going to ensure I make the most of it," Kujur said in a Hockey India release upon landing in Australia. Kujur had been training in the senior national camp in SAI, Bengaluru, since March 23 in preparation for the tour. "Training with the seniors has been a wonderful experience. I am learning a lot and I am excited to play with them ahead. Everyone has enjoyed training with each other and now it is time for us to give it our best against Australia,' she said. "The senior players are really helpful, especially Sushila di (Sushila Chanu) who has supported me a lot during the camp. She tells me every time I make a mistake and has taught me how to play to my strengths. I also tend to think a lot when I make an error but the senior players have helped me cope with it and I am a lot more confident now." At the start of the year, Kujur played a crucial role in the HIL (Women) as she featured in all the seven matches for runners-up side JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Next, she played the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship for Odisha and, although her team was knocked out in the pool stage of Division A, dished out a stand-out performance in the midfield. "I have been focusing on my fitness a lot more, which I think has really helped me improve my game," she said. Kujur started playing hockey at the age of 11. Coming from Sundargarh district in Odisha which is famous for its rich hockey culture, the sport has always been a part of her life. She was first introduced to hockey when she saw her father and brothers play in their village. Kujur's father was a big supporter in her pursuit of a career in hockey, but unfortunately, he passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. "My father used to play and so did my brothers, so I watched them and my interest in the sport grew. Now that my father is not there, I am playing hockey for him, to make him proud. This is my biggest motivation," she said. First Published: 22 Apr 2025, 01:37 PM IST
