All posts tagged: Lakra

Asunta Lakra alleges threat by Hockey India secretary, Bhola Nath Singh denies

Asunta Lakra alleges threat by Hockey India secretary, Bhola Nath Singh denies

Published by Webster

Former India women’s hockey captain and current national selector Asunta Lakra has alleged that Hockey India secretary general and Hockey Jharkhand president Bhola Nath Singh warned her to “stay within her limits” after she questioned whether former coach Sudhir Golla was receiving protection from state hockey officials, per a report by Uthra Ganesan of Sportstar. Lakra has submitted a written complaint to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the state’s Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Art & Culture. The complaint, signed by 31 current and former national and international hockey players, alleges that Golla sexually harassed players, used casteist slurs and continued to receive support from officials within Hockey Jharkhand. According to the complaint, individuals who raised concerns over the issue were allegedly threatened and warned against speaking out. Singh rejects allegations Speaking to The Times of India, Lakra claimed Singh called her on May 9 after she began questioning the handling of the allegations. She alleged that he told her to “stay within her limits” and claimed that no one could remove him …

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 …

Hockey, Pro League: Dragflicker Amandeep Lakra, junior World Cup stars Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur named in 24-member squad for Rourkela leg | Hockey News

Hockey, Pro League: Dragflicker Amandeep Lakra, junior World Cup stars Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur named in 24-member squad for Rourkela leg | Hockey News

Published by Webster

In the days after much controversy regarding the exclusion of Manpreet Singh from core probables, India have named a squad with a mix of experienced stars and upcoming talent for the Rourkela leg of FIH Pro League, to be led by Harmanpreet Singh. Dragflicker Amandeep Lakra, who had another breakthrough season in the Hockey India League for the Hyderabad Toofans, is a notable inclusion in defence. The 24-member squad also features junior World Cup bronze medal winners Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur India begin their 2025-’26 Pro League campaign in Rourkela, scheduled to take place from 10th to 15th February 2026 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. The Rourkela leg will feature hosts India, alongside international heavyweights Argentina and Belgium. In the recently concluded HIL season, which was dominated by overseas players in the goalscoring chart (all three who hit double figures were non-Indian players), Amandeep led the way for Toofans, with nine strikes to his name, filling in admirably for the absence of German superstar Gonzalo Peillat. Manmeet and Rosan, …

Hockey India League: As Hyderabad Toofans storm into final, young drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra comes of age | Hockey News

Hockey India League: As Hyderabad Toofans storm into final, young drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra comes of age | Hockey News

Published by Webster

It was a frustrating night for himself from penalty corners and for his side Soorma Hockey Club who had just lost the semifinal of the men’s Hockey India League against Hyderabad Toofans at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Friday night. But national team captain Harmanpreet Singh, dejected as he was, took the chance to praise some impressive performances for the victorious opponents. Bikramjit Singh, the goalkeeper. Arshdeep Singh, forward. Amandeep Lakra, defender and drag-flicker. “Their PC defence was good, and Bikramjit made many good saves,” Harmanpreet said. “There is Jugraj Singh also for the Tigers, and, Amandeep and Arshdeep for Toofans. Acchi baat hai bhai. I hope they continue this. I feel proud as the Indian captain. This is a competition, of course, but it seriously feels good to see the youngsters perform so well.” Toofans captain Sumit too made it a point to appreciate Bikramjt’s saves and then added: “The boy Amandeep has come up with goals that have been so important to us this season.” It was Amandeep’s opening goal, set up by …

Coach Lakra to girls ahead of Haryana clash

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At the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, Odisha secured a decisive win against Chandigarh, solidifying its position at the top of its pool and guaranteeing a spot in the quarterfinals. Following this impressive 6-1 victory, head coach Sujit Lakra offered insights on the team’s prospects in their forthcoming clash against Haryana. Speaking on the team’s approach in this tournament, Lakra said, “For us, our focus will be on execution. Yes, Haryana is a very strong team, and they have a strong core of Indian Women’s Hockey Team players, but that does not matter on the match day. Our objective is to stick to our roles and execute what we have learnt in practice. My message to the players is not to overthink and take pride in representing Odisha.” Odisha has three Indian women’s team players in the squad – Mariana Kujur, Ajmina Kujur and Jyoti Chhatri. On their impact, the head coach opined, “They have a big impact in the team, not only do they motivate the other players, but they bring with …