Sports

Indian Hockey Team Prepares for European Segment of FIH Pro League

Published

7 months ago

May 23, 2025

Harmanpreet Singh, a two-time Olympic medallist, will continue as India’s captain during the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men). This leg is set to take place in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium, from June 7 to 22, as announced by Hockey India (HI) on Thursday.

Hardik Singh has been appointed as the vice-captain of the 24-member squad. India will kick off their European campaign with two matches against the Netherlands on June 7 and 9, followed by back-to-back games against Argentina on June 11 and 12 at Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen.

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The team will then proceed to Antwerp to compete against Australia on June 14 and 15, before concluding their campaign with matches against Belgium on June 21 and 22.

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The squad features goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera. The defense comprises Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, and Yashdeep Siwach.

In midfield, the lineup includes Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vice Captain Hardik Singh, young talent Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Shamsher Singh, while the forward structure features Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh.

Earlier this year, India participated in the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men) in Bhubaneswar, earning 15 points from five wins in eight matches, currently standing third in the points table. With a chance to qualify for the 2026 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup, India aims to enhance its performance and secure maximum points in the upcoming eight matches.

In discussing the team selection, Indian men’s team chief coach Craig Fulton remarked, “We aimed for more experience in the squad this time, and I’m pleased with the selection. The team has been training diligently as we look to push hard and win the Pro League, with World Cup qualification on the line, we’re eager to secure as many points as possible.”

Reflecting on the Bhubaneswar leg and future goals, Fulton added, “We haven’t drawn any matches in the tournament so far, and we need to convert our losses into draws and possibly settle for shootouts. Improving our penalty corner conversion rate is crucial; we have clear objectives to achieve this time around.”

**Squad:**

**Goalkeepers:** Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera

**Defenders:** Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach

**Midfielders:** Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh (VC), Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh

**Forwards:** Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh.

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Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

3 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.