Latest news with #JuniorMen'sWorldCup
News18
12-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Pakistan To Not Travel To India For Hockey Asia Cup, Junior Men's World Cup: Report
Last Updated: Pakistan may not participate in the Hockey Asia Cup and Junior Men's World Cup in India due to strained relations, impacting their World Cup aspirations. In what might come as a major blow to Pakistan's aspirations of playing in the FIH Men's World Cup next year, the team might not travel to India for the upcoming Asia Cup as well as for the Junior Men's World Cup later this year, in light of strained relations between the two countries, according to a report in AFP. India and Pakistan traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to take part in the Asia Cup to be hosted by India next month, for which the hockey federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war, the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk," a Pakistan sports ministry source told AFP. Pakistan will not take part in the Junior World Cup in India in November either, the source told AFP. Once a force to be reckoned with in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to a lowly 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup might cost Pakistan a place in the 2026 senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source confirmed the decision to AFP as well. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two nations just meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan in 2025 when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026 either. But all hell broke loose when terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam in April, which was followed by the military confrontation in May. Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six sides. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
24-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Former Defender Appointed Assistant Coach For Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team
Last Updated: Birendra Lakra is the new assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team, working with head coach PR Sreejesh for the Junior World Cup. Former defender Birendra Lakra has been named the assistant coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team in preparation for the Junior World Cup later this year, Hockey India announced on Saturday. The 35-year-old will collaborate closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is currently serving as the team's head coach. 'It is a tremendous honor to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such a crucial time. I understand the significance of donning the India jersey, and now I am eager to assist the next generation of players in preparing for the grand stage," Lakra stated in a release. 'Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been both a teammate and an inspiration, presents an exciting challenge. We are dedicated to developing a fearless and well-prepared team for the upcoming tournaments, especially the pivotal Junior World Cup later this year." Lakra is expected to enhance the team's defensive structure and overall game temperament as they gear up for the Junior Men's World Cup, set to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. 'Having Birendra join us is a significant boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable for these young players," Sreejesh remarked. 'We have shared numerous battles on the field, and I am confident we will bring the same synergy and dedication to our roles as coaches. Together, we aim to nurture a squad that can make the country proud." Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and became one of the nation's most consistent and dependable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India secured a historic bronze medal. Throughout an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a pivotal role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other significant tournaments. His 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). (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI)
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
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
New Delhi, 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. "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. 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 and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy .
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan unlikely for Asia Cup hockey, may miss junior WC too
Kolkata: The Pakistan hockey team 's participation in Asia Cup, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, from Aug 27 to Sept 7 is unlikely following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and left scores wounded. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Not only the continental meet, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, Pakistan's participation in Junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai later this year, is also under cloud. Speaking exclusively to TOI, Hockey India (HI) secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said they are awaiting every move by the govt on its foreign policy on Pakistan. "We are continuously reviewing it and will await further guidance from the govt before taking any decision at the appropriate time," Singh said. According to the sources, HI also had to move the Junior Men's World Cup pool draw, which was scheduled on May 5, to a later date because of likely visa issues for Pakistan-born Tayyab Ikram, the current FIH president. After the Apr 22 attack in Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian govt gave a 'Leave India' notice to Pakistani nationals on short-term visas in the country and has also suspended issuing new visa services. While Pakistan's non-participation in the tournament will be embarrassing for Hockey India, it is unlikely to have any effect on the upcoming two events. Even in 2016, Pakistan were unable to take part in Junior World Cup held in Lucknow because of visa issues and Malaysia had replaced them on the basis of ranking. International Hockey Federation (FIH) had then said in a statement, "Earlier today the FIH invited the Malaysian junior men's team to take part in the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016, being held in India from 8 to 18 December. The late invitation came after FIH had to officially withdraw Pakistan's invitation to the event." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Something similar is also expected to happen this time around. "If Pakistan withdraws from the Men's Hockey Asia Cup, Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) would likely replace them with the next highest-ranked team from the Asia region. This is solely upto AHF," the source added. The Pakistan men's hockey team last played in India in 2023 when they took part in Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai and fans and the administrators were certainly looking forward to their participation in the tournament this time around. They had also visited the country to take part in the 2018 World Cup, 2014 Champions Trophy and Junior World Cup in 2021. But as things stand, it's not going to happen again anytime soon.
