All posts tagged: Indian women's hockey

Hyderabad to host Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers

Hyderabad to host Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers

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Hockey India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Telangana to host the Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad. The qualification tournament will be held from March 8 to 14, 2026, and will determine three direct entrants to the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. The qualifiers will feature eight teams: hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria. With only three World Cup berths available, the competition is expected to be intense, as teams finishing in the top three will secure qualification for the global tournament scheduled from August 15 to 30, 2026. The upcoming World Cup will feature 16 women’s teams, with nine already qualified, making the Hyderabad event a crucial phase in the qualification pathway. Telangana strengthens profile as international hockey destination The MoU signing highlights India’s continued role as a key host for major international hockey events and underscores Telangana’s growing reputation as a sporting hub. Speaking on the occasion, Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana said, …

Soorma Hockey Club ends Women’s HIL campaign with a win over Shrachi Bengal Tigers

Soorma Hockey Club ends Women’s HIL campaign with a win over Shrachi Bengal Tigers

Published by Webster

Soorma Hockey Club concluded their Women’s Hockey India League 2025–26 season on a positive note with a hard-fought 3–2 win over finalists Shrachi Bengal Tigers at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday. Although the fixture had no bearing on the final standings, with Soorma already out of contention and the Tigers assured of a place in the title clash, both sides produced an intense and competitive contest. Sonam delivered a standout performance for Soorma and was named Player of the Match for her influential role in the victory. Soorma set the tempo early, pressing aggressively and keeping the Tigers under sustained pressure. Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 10th minute when Sonam capitalised from close range to give the Ranchi-based side a deserved lead. The Tigers attempted to respond through phases of possession but were unable to breach Soorma’s disciplined defensive structure before the break. The Tigers found their equaliser in the third quarter through league top-scorer Agustina Gorzelany, who converted a penalty corner to restore parity. …

Soorma Hockey Club part ways with women’s team head coach Jude Menezes

Soorma Hockey Club part ways with women’s team head coach Jude Menezes

Published by Webster

Soorma Hockey Club have announced that women’s team head coach Jude Menezes has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, following the team’s loss against SG Pipers in the ongoing Women’s Hero Hockey India League in Ranchi. In an official statement released by the club, it was confirmed that the decision to part ways was taken mutually and in the best interests of the team. The development comes early in the season, with Soorma enduring a difficult start to their league campaign. The club expressed its appreciation for Menezes’ contribution during his tenure and wished him well for his future endeavours. No further details regarding the reasons behind the decision were provided, with the club stating that it would not be making any additional comments at this stage. Rani Rampal named interim head coach Team mentor Ranii Rampal will take charge as interim head coach of the women’s team for the remainder of the tournament and will be supported by the existing coaching and support staff as Soorma look to stabilise their campaign and …

Ranchi Royals hammer Shrachi Bengal Tigers 5–0 in commanding Hero HIL win

Ranchi Royals hammer Shrachi Bengal Tigers 5–0 in commanding Hero HIL win

Published by Webster

Ranchi Royals delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 5–0 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in their second outing of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday. The home side took early control of the contest, dictating possession and creating sustained pressure inside the opposition circle. Their intent was reflected in the opening half alone, during which they registered 17 circle entries. After an early penalty corner went begging, the breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute when Hannah Cotter finished neatly after a well-worked move down the left flank. Ranchi Royals doubled their advantage four minutes later from a penalty corner situation. Lucina von der Heyde’s initial effort was blocked, but Beauty Dungdung reacted quickest to the rebound to make it 2–0. Shrachi Bengal Tigers struggled to cope with the pace and width of the Royals’ attack, though goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo produced a pair of important saves late in the second quarter to prevent further damage before the …

Shrachi Bengal Tigers edge JSW Soorma Hockey Club 1-0 in Women’s Hero HIL

Shrachi Bengal Tigers edge JSW Soorma Hockey Club 1-0 in Women’s Hero HIL

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Shrachi Bengal Tigers began their Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 campaign with a narrow but hard-earned 1-0 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Monday. The match was decided by an 11th-minute penalty corner conversion from Agustina Gorzelany, whose powerful drag flick found the bottom corner to give the Tigers an early advantage. Despite sustained attacking pressure from Soorma Hockey Club over the remaining three quarters, the Tigers’ disciplined defence ensured the opening goal was enough to secure all three points. The contest opened with an intense midfield battle, with both sides cautious in possession. Soorma gradually grew into the game and began making regular entries into the Tigers’ circle, though they struggled to create clear shooting opportunities. Against the run of play, the Tigers earned a penalty corner late in the first quarter, and Gorzelany made no mistake. Soorma responded immediately by winning a set-piece of their own, but Shihori Oikawa’s effort was deflected wide. Soorma dominated territory in the second …

Women’s HIL: Navneet Kaur checks off one item pre-season to-do list as SG Pipers start season with win over Ranchi Royals | Hockey News

Women’s HIL: Navneet Kaur checks off one item pre-season to-do list as SG Pipers start season with win over Ranchi Royals | Hockey News

Published by Webster

Heading into the second edition of Women’s Hockey India League, Navneet Kaur’s pre-season hope was to play more attacking hockey, combine better with her teammates, and contribute more from set pieces. “I don’t have a number in mind for the number of goals,” she had said to The Indian Express. “But I do want to contribute more. I want to focus on our Penalty Corner attack because it is something I did well in the recent Asia Cup.” And that is exactly what the SG Pipers captain did, breaking the deadlock against Ranchi Royals and eventually leading her side to a 2-0 win on the opening night in Ranchi. Despite Royals having the better of the early exchanges, it was the Pipers who got close to opening the scoring. A high ball, caused by Ranchi losing possession deep in their territory, bounced in front of Navneet. The captain smartly batted it down almost like a tennis forehand, into the circle. Bichu Devi initially let the ball through because the shot came from outside the circle …

SG Pipers open Women’s Hero Hockey India League with 2–0 win over Ranchi Royals

SG Pipers open Women’s Hero Hockey India League with 2–0 win over Ranchi Royals

Published by Webster

SG Pipers made a confident start to their Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 campaign with a 2–0 victory over Ranchi Royals at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. Led by captain Navneet Kaur, the Pipers showed composure and discipline to control key moments of the contest. Navneet opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Teresa Viana added a second early in the final quarter to seal the result. The opening quarter saw a tight contest, with both sides pressing aggressively but defences firmly on top. Neither team conceded a penalty corner early on, as play moved end to end. Ranchi Royals threatened down the left through Hannah Cotter, while Navneet Kaur and Deepika led SG Pipers’ attacking forays into the circle. Ranchi Royals earned the first penalty corner of the match through Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, but Maria Ortiz’s drag-flick was well handled by the Pipers’ goalkeeper. SG Pipers responded with a series of penalty corners of their own, though early attempts from Lola Riera were kept …

Who are the captains, key Indian and overseas stars for four franchises – a quick guide for second season

Who are the captains, key Indian and overseas stars for four franchises – a quick guide for second season

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The second edition of Women’s HIL comes at a critical juncture for Indian hockey. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the national team, having missed out on World Cup qualification through Asia Cup and the subsequent departure of head coach Harendra Singh under rather controversial circumstances. A World Cup qualifier in Hyderabad in March offers the last chance to qualify for the marquee tournament, and players would be hoping to make their mark across four teams. SG Pipers Captain: Navneet Kaur Key Indian player: Deepika Key overseas player: Kaitlin Nobbs (AUS) What’s changed: A coaching overhaul after finishing last in the first edition sees Belgium’s Sofie Gierts take over the reins. She has the rare distinction of having coached a men’s team in Belgium’s top division with Royal Uccle. With Navneet and Deepika, Pipers have opted for continuity in Indian talent. Ranchi Royals Captain: Nikki Pradhan Key Indian player: Neha Goyal Key overseas player: Agostina Alonso (ARG) What’s changed: Replacing inaugural season winners Odisha Warriors, the Ranchi franchisee had Harendra Singh at the auction …

‘Our team can play attacking hockey’: India women’s forward Deepika

‘Our team can play attacking hockey’: India women’s forward Deepika

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A billion hopes rest on her young shoulders every time she steps onto the hockey field. And the Indian women’s hockey team star Deepika is aware of the expectations. Deepika has played 56 matches for the country, scoring 27 goals. On Saturday, during the Hockey India award ceremony, the 21-year-old forward collected as many as five awards, including the Asunta Lakra upcoming player of the year (under-21) award receiving Rs 10 lakh and a trophy. “It is a good feeling (to win so many awards). I did not expect to win five of them given the nominees. But, whether I win or my teammate wins, we celebrate it equally,” a humble Deepika told The Bridge on Saturday. “This is just the beginning of my hockey career. And to carry the responsibility to represent your country, pressure is definitely there,” she added. 🚨#news | Hockey India 7th Annual Awards 2024 celebrates India’s Hockey Heroes 🚨 🎖️Hockey India Balbir Singh Award for Men’s Player of the Year 2024: Harmanpreet Singh 🎖️Hockey India Balbir Singh Award for Women’s …

Savita Punia hits 300 international caps

Savita Punia hits 300 international caps

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The Indian women’s goal keeper Savita Punia is set to add another feather to her illustrious career spanning more than a decade. On Monday, Savita will complete a historical milestone of 300 international caps when the Indian women’s team takes on Netherlands during the ongoing FIH Pro League at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. With this, Savita will become the second Indian woman to reach 300 caps after Vandana Katariya, who has played 319 international matches. Savit shared her emotions with The Bridge saying, “(Giggles) I am definitely excited and it’s a proud moment for myself. My hockey career has been long and the good thing is I am completing 300 matches in front of the home crowd and against the world’s best team – Netherlands. That makes it even more special.” The Great Wall of India, as Savita is popularly known in her hockey circle, made her debut in 2008 and has been an integral part of the team since. The 34-year-old from Haryana is the two-time winner of FIH Goalkeeper of the …