All posts tagged: Hockey coaching

India’s hockey team turns to Australian great to become ruthless in striking circle

India’s hockey team turns to Australian great to become ruthless in striking circle

Published by Webster

Mandeep Singh entered the Pro League on the back of one of his longest goal-scoring droughts. The twice Olympic medallist hadn’t found the back of the net in 10 games, a run stretching a little more than six months. He ended the dry spell with a simple tap-in in the 2-0 win over Spain in the FIH Pro League last week. It wasn’t a coincidence that Mandeep’s first goal since opening India’s account at the Paris Olympics, against New Zealand on July 27, 2024, was a deflection from roughly five yards out. In the week leading up to the year’s first assignment, India flew down an Australian specialist, Michael McCann, just to sharpen exactly these skills of the attackers. Story continues below this ad McCann isn’t any other name in world hockey. A prolific scorer with an average of a goal every other game, he was one of the heroes in Australia’s 2004 Athens Olympics gold medal-winning campaign. McCann made a career out of operating in the nine-yard zone between the penalty spot and the …

Hockey: In Kukuda’s Sunelita Toppo and Sonepat’s Sakshi Rana, two teenage hopes for India’s future | Hockey News

Hockey: In Kukuda’s Sunelita Toppo and Sonepat’s Sakshi Rana, two teenage hopes for India’s future | Hockey News

Published by Webster

Sunelita Toppo is on the move, and four Germans are running to stop her. A pass is played in her direction from the right flank and even before it reaches her, the puny attacker is surrounded by the quartet in pink, each one at least a head taller than her. On the run, Sunelita opens up her body to receive the ball. In a single motion, she cuts left to eliminate one opponent, then shuffles to the right and changes direction to wrong-foot two more. It opens up enough space to thread a forward pass. Just like that, another raid on Germany’s defence was launched. For those fleeting few seconds, it was easy to forget that Sunelita was all of 17. By the time she’ll legally be an adult, Sunelita could well be a ‘veteran’ on the hockey field. Within a year of her debut at the age of 16, she has made more than two dozen international appearances. Story continues below this ad Like her, another 17-year-old has been turning heads over the last …

Hockey India League revamp on the cards, here are things likely to be addressed

Hockey India League revamp on the cards, here are things likely to be addressed

Published by Webster

When the Hockey India League (HIL) returns next year, it might no longer be a single-city affair like the recently concluded edition. Based on the feedback from players and franchise owners, Hockey India is considering holding the next season in multiple cities. However, the home-and-away format might have to wait until it becomes financially sustainable to adopt the model. Sources said that apart from Rourkela — which hosted the men’s league — and Ranchi — where the women’s competition was held — New Delhi, Lucknow, and Chennai could be the other possible venues for the second season. Additionally, the duration of the league could also be shortened to ensure it’s completed within one month to reduce player fatigue in a crucial year that will include the World Cup and the Asian Games. A meeting between Hockey India, league officials, and franchises is likely to be held on Monday to discuss these issues. Story continues below this ad When asked about the duration and multiple venues, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the idea to expand …

Hockey: Rani Rampal juggles dual roles to inspire Haryana’s National Games triumph | Hockey News

Hockey: Rani Rampal juggles dual roles to inspire Haryana’s National Games triumph | Hockey News

Published by Webster

The start wasn’t ideal for the Haryana women’s hockey team in the final of National Games final against Madhya Pradesh on Thursday at the Vandana Katariya Hockey Stadium in Haridwar. They trailed 0-1 at halftime in the gold medal match and were struggling. However, their captain and Indian hockey legend Rani Rampal inspired the team to a fine comeback, as Haryana banged four goals past Madhya Pradesh to clinch gold. And after the game ended, another huddle talk followed where Rani asked her players to soak in the moment and enjoy the medal. “I told them to be themselves and don’t worry about the result,” Rani said after the match. “A good leader is the one who gets the best out of their players and I did just that in the halftime.” It wasn’t just her words that inspired Haryana’s win. The former Indian captain Rani was back on the field after a long time and playing in her fifth national games, she finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals. Talking about her …