Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that India is actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics, leveraging its experience in hosting major international events like the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and Hockey World Cup.
Belgium and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers star Alexander Hendrickx believes India have what it takes to challenge for the Hockey World Cup title next year, ending a long wait for global glory.
"For us, the next biggest challenge is the World Cup and the Asian Games because these are the major events that are coming next year after the Hockey India League (HIL) and the Pro League," he told ANI.
After finishing fourth in the previous two editions of the Junior Hockey World Cup, India finally returned to the podium in dramatic fashion, producing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament, as per a press release from Hockey India.
Germany extended their record of Men's Junior World Cup title wins to eight by holding their nerves to first take the final against Spain to full-time at 1-1 and then beat it in the shootout, riding on their rising star Jasper Ditzer's goalkeeping skills
India head into their last match after a tough 1-5 loss against defending champions Germany in the semifinal. Despite the setback, the hosts have shown tremendous promise throughout the tournament, delivering commanding performances in the group stage and displaying great depth in their squa
The PR Sreejesh-coached side has been mercurial in the round-robin stage, notching up significant victories, albeit against sides not traditionally strong in hockey. They beat Chile 7-0, Oman 17-0 and Switzerland 5-0. The team's goalkeepers have hardly been tested against these sides, while
On Tuesday, the team convincingly beat Switzerland 5-0 at the Madurai International Hockey Stadium. The team led by Rohit and coached by PR Sreejesh will take on Belgium on December 5, as per Hockey India.
India, led by Captain Jyoti Singh, will face Namibia in their opening match. The two sides have not met in any recent FIH-sanctioned event, making the contest an intriguing start as India looks to settle early nerves in the prestigious global tournament, as per a Hockey India press release.
Goals for India were scored by Rosan Kujur (16', 21'), Dilraj Singh (25', 34'), Ajeet Yadav (35'), Anmol Ekka (48') and Rohit (59'). Meanwhile, the Indian goalies Bikramjeet Singh and Prince Deep Singh did exceptionally well to keep a clean slate, as per a press release from Hockey India.
China will make their debut at the Junior World Cup and aim to leave a strong impression in their maiden appearance by putting their best foot forward. Placed in Pool C alongside Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, they will open their campaign on November 28, against New Zealand in Chennai, a