Latest news with #HockeyIndiaMastersCup2025
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
Former defender Birendra Lakra has been appointed assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team ahead of the Junior World Cup later this year, Hockey India said on Saturday. The 35-year-old will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is currently serving as the coach of the team. '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,' Lakra said in a release. '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 later this year.' Lakra is expected to strengthen the defensive structure and overall game temperament, as the team gears up for the Junior Men's World Cup scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. '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,' Sreejesh said. Also read | Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 to be played in Chennai from June 18 to 27 '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.' Lakra made his India debut 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. Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments, an illustrious career spanning over a decade. 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). Related Topics Birendra Lakra
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 to begin from June 18 in Chennai
New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): Hockey India (HI) has officially announced the venue and dates for the first-ever Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 (Men's and women's). The inaugural edition of this pioneering tournament will be hosted by the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in Chennai from June 18 to June 27. This event marks a new chapter in Indian hockey, offering a dedicated platform for veteran players. With competitions in both men's and women's categories, the Hockey India Masters Cup is poised to be a celebration of longevity, passion, and the enduring love for the game. As per the regulations, a player must be aged 40 and above to compete in the men's category and 35 and above in the women's category. The names of the teams for both categories will be released shortly. To participate in the event, players must register through their respective State Member Units. The competition will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with pools structured based on the final number of participating teams. Former Indian Women's Hockey Team captain Asunta Lakra expressed her excitement for the tournament and said, as quoted by the Hockey India press release, 'Being part of the first-ever Hockey India Masters Cup is a deeply emotional and exciting moment for me. Hockey has shaped who I am, and to have the chance to return to the field, surrounded by fellow veterans who've shared similar journeys, is truly special.' 'This tournament isn't just about competition--it's about legacy, passion, and the lifelong bond we all have with the sport. I applaud Hockey India for creating this platform for former players to relive the joy of the game and continue inspiring the next generation. I'm proud to wear my boots again, not just for the love of the game, but for everything it has given us over the years,' she added. (ANI)
News18
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
HI Announces India Masters Cup, Inaugural Edition To Be Held In Chennai
Last Updated: The age eligibility for the league and knockout tournament for he veterans is 40 years for the men's category and 35 for the women's section. Hockey India announced the initiation of the Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, an event for veterans of the sport, slated to begin on the 18th of June in Chennai. The age eligibility for the league and knockout tournament is 40 years for the men's category and 35 for the women's section, with the pool structure based on the final number of participating teams. HI took to the social media platform to officially announce the dates of the event on Friday, with a post that read, 'Legends O f The Game Back In Action. Get ready for an epic showdown as our hockey legends take the field at the first Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 in Chennai! From 18 June to 27 June 2025, the action will unfold. This landmark tournament marks a new chapter in Indian hockey, celebrating veteran players who have shaped the game with their experience and passion." ???????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????? 🏑Get ready for an epic showdown as our hockey legends take the field at the first Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 in Chennai! From 18 June to 27 June 2025, the action will unfold. This landmark tournament marks a… — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 23, 2025 The names of the teams for both categories will be released shortly. To participate, players must register through their respective state member units, according to a statement from HI. Former Indian women's hockey team skipper Asunta Lakra expressed her delight on the event for veterans ahead of the inaugural season. 'Being part of the first-ever Hockey India Masters Cup is a deeply emotional and exciting moment for me. Hockey has shaped who I am, and to have the chance to return to the field, surrounded by fellow veterans who've shared similar journeys, is truly special," Lakra began. 'This tournament isn't just about competition, it's about legacy, passion, and the lifelong bond we all have with the sport. I applaud Hockey India for creating this platform for former players to relive the joy of the game and continue inspiring the next generation," she added. 'I'm proud to wear my boots again, not just for the love of the game, but for everything it has given us over the years," the veteran concluded.
