All posts tagged: Araijeet Singh Hundal

In a season of transition, promising drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra steps into focus

In a season of transition, promising drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra steps into focus

Published by Webster

A crack drag-flicker, Amandeep Lakra, among the most exciting prospects to emerge in a while. A strapping 22-year-old striker, Araijeet Singh Hundal, returning from injury. Two attack-minded midfielders, Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur, riding the high of a Junior World Cup medal. L’affaire Manpreet Singh has overshadowed India’s build-up to a new season. The former captain’s omission from the squad was the biggest talking point, dominating headlines and debate alike. What got lost in the noise were the names that were actually picked in the Pro League squad — the fresh faces, the returning bodies, and the quiet signals of a transition underway. As India turn the page, attention must shift from who isn’t there to what lies ahead. India’s 2026 — a year that holds both the World Cup and the Asian Games — begins in the familiar surroundings of Rourkela against mighty Belgium on Tuesday. The resonance of this FIH Pro League match and, later in the week, the game against Argentina, will go beyond the scoreline. For head coach Craig Fulton, the four …

Coach Rajinder, Captain Hardik reflect on Punjab’s national title

Coach Rajinder, Captain Hardik reflect on Punjab’s national title

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Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh 4-1 in the Senior Men’s National Championship 2025 final to lift the title in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. In the 2024 edition, Punjab was knocked out in the quarter-final by Hockey Maharashtra. However, Hardik Singh returned to lead the team this season along with coach Rajinder Singh. Story continues below this ad “It was a very good tournament for us, and we gave a solid performance overall. The loss against Hockey Madhya Pradesh was truly a turning point for us. We knew we were a strong side, but after that loss, we regrouped and ensured we didn’t take the rest of the matches lightly,” Punjab’s coach Rajinder Singh said about the title. Jugraj Singh was in top form for Hockey Punjab, having finished the tournament as the second-highest goalscorer with five goals and even recorded a crucial brace in the final. Young sensation Araijeet Singh Hundal also played a crucial role in the attack and claimed three goals to his name. Talking about the team’s strategy, Rajinder Singh said, “Since …

Hockey: At FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar, India’s hockey teams begin their journey toward World Cup | Hockey News

Hockey: At FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar, India’s hockey teams begin their journey toward World Cup | Hockey News

Published by Webster

This time in 2024, when India’s hockey teams kick-started their Pro League commitments, the circumstances couldn’t have been more contrasting. The men were in an experimental mode, upbeat after the Asian Games and brimming with self-belief to finish on the Olympic podium again — which they did. The women’s team, meanwhile, were recovering from a heartbreak like never before. They failed to qualify for the Paris Games, which put many celebrated careers in a spot of bother. And the then-coach, Janneke Schopman, lashed out heavily at the administration. A year on, they return to the competition in different moods and ambitions. Craig Fulton and Harmanpreet Singh’s men are strutting around with an aura around them; not necessarily of invincibility — that they are not — but one of them being taken seriously in world hockey. In Salima Tete, the women have a new leader; the old guard have stayed on and with the Olympic setback now behind them, the Harendra Singh-coached team once again seems to have the wind in their sails. And later this …

Top 5 Indian performers in HIL 2024-2025

Top 5 Indian performers in HIL 2024-2025

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The men’s Hockey India League (HIL), revived for the first time since 2017, has provided hockey fans with thrilling moments, as both Indian players and their international peers have dazzled with remarkable performances. As the league approaches its business end, with the final set for February 1, The Bridge takes a look at the top 5 Indian performers in the HIL. Jugraj Singh The Rarh Bengal Tigers defender has been the standout Indian player in the HIL. His penalty corner conversion rate with drag flick is the highest among all players in the league. With nine goals thus far, Jugraj leads the goal-scoring chart with the most penalty corners converted. His ability to defend, break into counterattacks, and earn penalty corners has been crucial in helping the Bengal Tigers top the points table. Harmanpreet Singh Leading from the front, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh guided Soorma Hockey Club to the semifinals. He is second on the goal-scoring chart among Indian players with five goals. His drag-flicking expertise proved invaluable when he scored twice in a 5-3 …

Gonasika edge Toofans in shootout after thrilling 3-3 draw

Gonasika edge Toofans in shootout after thrilling 3-3 draw

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Team Gonasika secured two points after a dramatic shootout victory over Hyderabad Toofans, who settled for one point, following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time in their final pool-stage clash of the Hockey India League. Despite Toofans’ early dominance, Gonasika showed immense resilience, with Victor Charlet emerging as the hero with a brace, including the crucial equalizer in the final quarter. Hyderabad Toofans wasted no time in asserting their dominance, finding the net within the very first minute. Jacob Anderson capitalized on a defensive lapse from Gonasika to slot home a well-taken field goal, giving Toofans the perfect start. Just five minutes later, Tim Brand doubled the lead with another field goal, leaving Gonasika stunned as they trailed 2-0 within six minutes. However, Gonasika were quick to respond. They won their first penalty corner in the 12th minute, and after a review, it was upgraded to a penalty stroke due to a Toofans defender’s infringement. Victor Charlet stepped up and calmly converted, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Trading Blows in the Second Quarter The …

The youngsters that did the trick for India at the Asian Champions Trophy

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The Indian men’s hockey team clinched its fifth Asian Champions Trophy after defeating hosts China in a tightly played final earlier this week. It was a clinical show from the Olympic bronze medalists as they won all seven matches and dominated the tournament completely. Indian coach Craig Fulton decided to rest the likes of Hardik Singh and instead gave an extended run to a few Indian youngsters such as Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Amir Ali, and Gurjot. Uttam and Araijeet delivered the goods on multiple occasions while Gurjot and Amir were promising in their roles as well. The Bridge dissects the performances of Indian youngsters in the Asian Champions Trophy. Uttam Singh International Senior Caps: 14 | Goals: 6 Uttam Singh is a known name for Indian hockey fans given his exploits at the junior level as the skipper of the junior national team. He led India to a famous Sultan of Johor Cup win in 2022 defeating Australia in the final. While he made his debut in the 2022 Asia Cup and went …