This cordial interaction stood in sharp contrast to last month’s Asia Cup cricket tournament, where Indian and Pakistani players avoided any on-field gestures. During that event, the Indian cricket team led by Suryakumar Yadav skipped the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts following Operation Sindoor. They later dedicated their victory to the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack.

India also declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. Reflecting on the situation, Yadav had said, “Delhi is still far. We will see what happens when we play Pakistan next.”

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Sultan of Johor Cup was calm and competitive. The Pakistan Hockey Federation had reportedly instructed its players to stay focused on the game and avoid confrontation, ensuring a smooth and respectful contest.

The post India, Pakistan Play Out 3-3 Draw at Sultan of Johor Cup appeared first on India Podcast.

Prachura compared chess phases to hockey gameplay. The opening represented a strong start, the middle game highlighted controlling the midfield, and the endgame focused on finishing moves. He used examples from India’s Tokyo Olympics Bronze-medal game to demonstrate precision and mental toughness.

Players explored chess pieces as hockey positions. Pawns symbolized defense, rooks and bishops created structure, knights represented unpredictability, and the queen embodied versatility. Players actively engaged and tried chess themselves, with Vivek Sagar Prasad and Captain Harmanpreet Singh participating first.

Coach Craig Fulton praised the initiative, noting it sharpened players’ thinking and strategy. Vivek and Harmanpreet shared that learning chess enhanced their approach to hockey. The session is expected to encourage future interdisciplinary learning, strengthening the team’s tactical and mental skills.

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Harmanpreet recalled, “Winning the gold in London was massive, especially defeating Great Britain on their turf. Listening to stories from our seniors about that day inspires me greatly as a player.” He has previously interacted with Balbir Singh Sr, a key member of the 1948 team, learning about their experiences and the roaring support of the British crowd.

At the 1948 Olympics, India defeated Austria, Argentina, Spain, and the Netherlands before winning against Great Britain. Harmanpreet emphasized that the team aims to reach higher at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, hoping to hear the National Anthem played for India once again.

“Hockey and India share a rich history. Our goal is to win the ninth Olympic gold. With our seniors’ blessings, we will give our best on the field,” Harmanpreet said. Hockey India plans to share more stories from legends to celebrate the sport’s century-long contribution to the country.

The post Harmanpreet Singh Inspired by 1948 Olympic Gold appeared first on India Podcast.

He studied at Oxford University when selected for India’s Olympic squad. Singh played key matches before leaving the team due to differences with British officials and never represented India again.

From herding cows to excelling in academics and sports at St Paul’s School, Ranchi, Singh became an exceptional full-back. He organised tours for college teams, helping establish the Indian Hockey Federation in 1925.

Dhyan Chand praised Singh’s guidance in England and his knowledge of opponents. Later, Singh founded the Mohun Bagan hockey club in 1929, led the team to honours, and served as secretary of the Bengal Hockey Association, leaving a lasting impact on Indian hockey.

The post Jaipal Singh Munda: India’s Hockey Pioneer appeared first on India Podcast.

UP Rudras withdrew from the league due to financial issues. The franchise now focuses on strengthening hockey in India through school programs, community initiatives, and scouting young talent. It also aims to create platforms connecting local players to national-level opportunities.

The announcement came during the HIL 2026 Mini Auctions, featuring over 100 men’s and women’s players. Men’s teams have a salary cap of Rs 4 crore, and women’s teams Rs 2 crore. Each squad includes 20 players, with two goalkeepers, up to seven overseas recruits, and at least three Indian juniors to promote new talent.

The auctions have three base price levels — Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh. Franchises can only bid if they have budget and open positions. This ensures balanced squads while providing fair opportunities for players and strengthening league competition.

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