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Tag: Hockey India

  • National women’s hockey league final round tees off with Coca-Cola India

    National women’s hockey league final round tees off with Coca-Cola India

    MUMBAI: The final showdown of India’s premier women’s hockey competition kicked off yesterday in Ranchi, as eight elite teams clash in a battle for national supremacy. The National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25, now in its climactic phase, runs until 28 March with backing from soft-drink behemoth Coca-Cola India and its charitable arm Anandana.

    Following a rollicking first phase last spring, the tournament continues to serve as both talent showcase and potential national team audition. The cream of Indian hockey—drawn from Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha—are slugging it out on the turf after qualifying through the 14th Senior Women National Championship.

    For Coca-Cola, the league forms part of its #SheTheDifference campaign, which aims to boost women’s participation in sports. The partnership delivers more than just fizzy drinks, providing specialized coaching, training kit, nutritional advice and tournament organization.

    “We are thrilled to host the final phase of the National Women’s Hockey League,” said Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, barely containing his excitement. “This partnership is instrumental in elevating women’s hockey in India, providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities needed to excel.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, , struck a similar tone, praising the “steadfast commitment” from Coca-Cola that has “created a strong foundation for female athletes.”

    The initiative represents more than mere corporate box-ticking for the beverage giant. “The National Women’s Hockey League is not just a tournament—it’s a platform that nurtures the next generation of women athletes,” explained Coca-Cola India Foundation  director Rajiv Gupta, waxing lyrical about the power of sport.

    Through their #SheTheDifference campaign—a name that would make even the most hardened marketing executive wince—Coca-Cola aims to inspire “more young women to break barriers and pursue their passion in sports.”

    Whether this corporate largesse helps India’s women hockey players match the gold-medal-winning exploits of their cinematic counterparts in “Chak De! India” remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Ranchi, where sticks are swinging, balls are flying, and dreams of national glory hang in the balance.

  • DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing more exciting that seeing a player with a hockey stick in his hand dribbling past the mid-field, swerving and dodging past the defending backs and reverse flicking the ball into the goal, leaving the goal keeper  stranded and flat on his back on the turf. 

    Many more such moments will be available to field hockey lovers  courtesy pubcaster Doordarshan, It has pocketed the rights to live  telecast the sixth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), which will begin from 28 December 2024, thanks to an agreement it has signed with Hockey India (HI).( Reports are that the contract between the two is actually for the next three years.) What’s special with the new agreement is that DD will also be bringing the women’s HIL matches live to viewers apart from the fast-paced men’s. tournament.  

    Sports lovers may recall that the Indian national men’s team has been gradually getting back its mojo and won the bronze medal at this year’s Paris Olympics as well as in Tokyo. 

    HIL will have eight men’s teams and four women’s teams participating in Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing outstanding talent from India and around the world.

    Said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Sehgal: “We are privileged to partner with the HIL, a platform that celebrates our national sports and aligns people across different categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of Women HIL, to viewers everywhere, bridging the urban and rural divide and amplifying the league’s impact.”

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi added: “Indian sports lovers are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being brought back. Doordarshan as the public broadcaster is looking forward to contributing to this broader vision through this partnership. The idea is to elevate hockey production and broadcast to global sporting standards. The sports lovers across the world can now watch the HIL, both men and women on DD Sports and Waves- the recently launched OTT platform of Prasar Bharati.”

    HIL  governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the HIL. This year is particularly special with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a landmark step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unparalleled reach and commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the nation. Together, we aim to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to unprecedented heights.”

    HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh commented, “Hockey is more than just a sport for us – it’s a symbol of our unity and pride. The addition of the Women’s HIL this season is a giant leap forward in ensuring equality and recognition for women athletes. With Doordarshan as our partner, we’re ready to present a spectacular season of HIL. ‘Hockey connects us, and this partnership strengthens that bond’.”

    As part of its partnership with HI,  Doordarshan says it will also broadcast all HI  national championships and tournaments in India.

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)

     

  • Hockey India announces Power Finance Corp (PFC) as title sponsor

    Hockey India announces Power Finance Corp (PFC) as title sponsor

    Mumbai: Hockey India on Wednesday announced Power Finance Corp (PFC), a state-owned company that provides financial assistance to India’s power sector, as the Title Sponsor for the upcoming PFC India Vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024, scheduled to take place on 23 and 24 October 2024 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

    This series marks the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade, made possible due to PFC’s generous support and commitment. The last international match played at the venue was the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4, back in January 2014.

    Under the administrative control of the ministry of power, PFC plays a crucial role in driving growth in the energy sector. Through strategic partnerships and investments, PFC is dedicated to contributing to India’s development through various avenues, with its association with Hockey India for PFC India Vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024 being the most recent initiative.

    Additionally, entry to the PFC India Vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024 will be free for spectators, as part of Hockey India’s effort to make it accessible to all. A free digital ticketing system will be introduced to allow fans to secure their tickets easily. Fans will simply need to visit the official ticketing link and register their details to receive a virtual ticket, which will guarantee them hassle-free access to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

    Welcoming PFC onboard as the title sponsor, Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “We are delighted to welcome Power Finance Corporation (PFC) as the Title Sponsor for the highly anticipated PFC India Vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024. This series, being played in New Delhi after a decade, is a significant milestone, not just for the city but for Hockey India as we promote the sport across the country. With the support of PFC, we look forward to creating a thrilling atmosphere at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to have one of the leading state-owned companies, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), as the title sponsor for the PFC India Vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024. Their support will strengthen Hockey India’s vision to grow hockey’s presence in India. With PFC, we look forward to providing a top-notch experience for all hockey fans.”

    Parminder Chopra, CMD, PFC, said, “We at PFC are delighted to be associated with Hockey India for the India vs. Germany Bilateral Hockey Series. This marks a significant milestone as international hockey returns to Delhi after a decade, and PFC is proud to play a vital role in this partnership with Hockey India. We believe that, just like our company, Hockey India is committed to contributing to India’s rise as a global player. We keenly look forward to the series, which will be an unforgettable experience for all fans.”

    India and Germany have a rich hockey history and share a fierce rivalry. In the 19 matches since 2013, India has won 8, while the reigning World Champions and Paris 2024 silver medalists have won 7. The two heavyweights in world hockey last faced each other at the Paris 2024 Olympics semi-final, where the current world champions emerged victorious, winning 3-2.

    The matches will be telecasted on DD Sports and streamed live on FanCode from 1500 hrs onwards on 23rd and 24th October 2024. Entry to the stadium for spectators will begin from 1300 hrs onwards.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Hockey India (@hockeyindia)

     

  • DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    Mumbai: DD Sports, the key public sports broadcaster in the country, along with FanCode will broadcast the highly anticipated two-match bilateral hockey series between the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and the Germany Men’s Hockey Team, scheduled to take place on 23 and 24 October 2024 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

    FanCode and DD Sports’ combined reach will mean that hockey action will be accessible to fans in every corner of the country, with interest around the game at an all-time high after India’s successful Olympic campaign where the men’s team finished with a bronze medal. Germany ended their campaign with a silver medal.

    Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey enthusiastically said, “We have had a fruitful partnership with FanCode through the Hockey India National Championships. They have played a vital role in making hockey more accessible to sports fans nationwide. With India vs. Germany Test Series set to be streamed on their platform alongside telecast on DD Sports, one of the largest sports channels in India, this partnership will provide a significant boost to our mission of reaching a wider audience.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to associate with FanCode and DD Sports for the two-match bilateral series. We are confident that this will enhance the viewing experience for passionate hockey fans in India and contribute significantly to our larger vision of making the sport accessible and visible across India.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Hockey India with the bilateral series between India and Germany. The series showcases the best of international hockey, and we’re excited to bring the action to hockey enthusiasts in India.”

    As part of Hockey India’s vision to promote the sport across the country, this series marks the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade, with the last match played in January 2014 during the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4.

    Having successfully hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi, Hockey India has expanded its efforts beyond Odisha to grow hockey’s presence in India. The organization is also gearing up to host the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, in November 2024.

  • Hockey India teams up with Yashraj Mukhate for inspiring anthem for 2024 Paris Olympics

    Hockey India teams up with Yashraj Mukhate for inspiring anthem for 2024 Paris Olympics

    Mumbai: Hockey India, in an unprecedented initiative, has collaborated with music producer and social media sensation Yashraj Mukhate to create a special anthem to cheer on the Indian Men’s Hockey Team as they compete for top honours at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The anthem, a vibrant and energetic tribute, encapsulates the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among Indian hockey players, uniting fans and players alike in their common goal of bringing joy and pride to the nation.

    The anthem, which beautifully captures the essence of hockey and the dedication of the players, aims to rekindle the nation’s passion for the sport and bolster the Indian hockey team’s morale. The initiative reflects Hockey India’s continuous support for the team, emphasizing the importance of national pride and unity as the team progresses through the tournament.

    Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed his excitement about the anthem, stating, “This anthem truly resonates with the spirit of our team. It’s amazing to see the support from Hockey India and the entire nation. It motivates us to give our best on the field and make our country proud.”

    Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh added, “The anthem is a fantastic way to energize and connect with our fans back home. It’s a reminder of the support we have and the dreams we carry with us. We are grateful to Hockey India and Yashraj Mukhate for this incredible gesture.”

    The Indian team, placed in Group B, has shown remarkable performance in their Paris Olympics campaign so far. They began with a thrilling 3-2 victory against New Zealand, followed by an intense 1-1 draw with Argentina. Their latest triumph, a 2-0 win over Ireland, helped them secure their place in the Quarter-Finals, making them one of the first two teams to reach this stage at the Paris Olympics.

    Meanwhile, Yashraj Mukhate, known for his innovative musical creations, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I was thrilled to finally get the opportunity to create something outside the usual humorous zone that people often associate with my work. This song required crafting a beat that was patriotic, energetic, and motivational without being dull. I relished the challenge and found it incredibly rewarding. Moreover, it was a great honour to contribute something to our Indian Hockey Team.”

    Yashraj, who began his music career by sharing original compositions and mashups on social media, has garnered a substantial following with 5.2 million subscribers on YouTube and 2.5 million followers on Instagram. His unique style and creative approach have made him a household name, and his involvement in this project brings fresh and dynamic energy to the anthem.

  • Jay Jagannath Padayatra – An exclusive initiative by News18 Odia to celebrate the unveiling of Puri Heritage Corridor

    Jay Jagannath Padayatra – An exclusive initiative by News18 Odia to celebrate the unveiling of Puri Heritage Corridor

    Mumbai: Lord Shree Jagannath, revered by the people of Odisha, holds a special place in their hearts—a symbol of divine spirituality and cultural heritage. As January 17, 2024, approaches, excitement surges across the state. This auspicious day marks the grand unveiling of the Puri Heritage Corridor by the Government of Odisha, a momentous occasion that will captivate the gaze of millions of Jagannath devotees globally.

    The News18 Network has consistently played a pivotal role in capturing the true spirit and vibrancy of festivals, delivering innovative programs with high-quality content. In alignment with this commitment, News18 Odia is set to organize a spectacular rally on January 16th, serving as a curtain-raiser for the inauguration ceremony.

    This rally is not merely an event; it is a unique and unparalleled experience that promises to be etched in the memories of all attendees. The rally will feature a grand convoy of several vehicles, each meticulously decorated with models representing the redeveloped Shree Jagannath Temple and the divine trinity, cultural performances, and an open-air studio for dynamic discussions. Culminating in a spectacular on-stage closing ceremony in Puri, the event will feature eminen, who will actively participate in the rally.

    t personalities who have contributed significantly to their respective fields. Distinguished personalities, including CP-Bhubaneswar Soumendra Priyadarshi, cine actor Sabyasachi, cine actress Archita, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, sprinter Dutee Chand, Odishi dancer Aruna Mohanty, music director Manmath Mishra, and international sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik.

  • Hockey India names Digital Latte as its social media agency

    Hockey India names Digital Latte as its social media agency

    Mumbai: Hockey India has announced the signing of Digital Latte as its new digital media agency for the management of its social media requirements. 

    Digital Latte, a full-service creative digital agency, will be working towards presenting fresh digital ideas to push for engaging content on all social media platforms, and will also be using consumer insights to connect with the hockey fans in India and abroad, said the statement.

    “We are delighted to partner with Digital Latte as our new social media agency. In the growing digital world, it is important to connect with your audience digitally, and Digital Latte’s growing reputation over the past decade has convinced us that it is the ideal agency for us to work towards that goal,” stated Hockey India president Gyanendro Ningombam.  

    Following the success of the Indian Men and Women’s Hockey Teams at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 where the Indian Men ended a 41-year medal drought with their bronze medal feat and the Women team’s historic fourth-place finish, Hockey India believes it is the right time to seize the popularity of the sport and engage with global fans with right digital messaging and promotion of the players across teams.

    “Particularly after the Olympic success, Indian Hockey is gaining popularity not just in India but across the world and the sport’s digital presence is of paramount importance. We see this as an opportunity to further build the Hockey India brand and explore commercial opportunities for the future development of the sport,” Ningombam further said.  

    Commenting on the new association, Digital Latte founder and director Chintan Vora said, “Hockey is a sport of intrinsic value to our cultural and national identity in India. It is a great opportunity for Digital Latte to associate so closely with an organisation of national importance such as Hockey India.”

  • Star Sports extends broadcasting rights of Indian Hockey for three years

    Star Sports extends broadcasting rights of Indian Hockey for three years

    MUMBAI: That Star India is looking to take sports to another level is now well known. The network, which launched eight sports channels including four HD channels since 2013, is keen on taking India from being a cricket nation to a sports nation.

     

    Star India, which had joined hands with Hockey India to promote the sport in 2012 for an initial period of three years, has now extended the same for another three years. As part of the agreement, the telecast rights of Hockey India League and all other international hockey matches hosted by Hockey India in the country will be with Star Sports from 2016 to 2018 inclusive.

     

    The agreement comes on the heels of Star Sports being the global broadcast partner for the International Hockey Federation for the next eight years, starting from January 2015. With the extension to the agreement, Star Sports will also be the host broadcaster of Hockey India League (in India and globally) and the Hockey India International matches (in India and globally) for the period 2016 – 2018.

     

    Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, “The decision to continue our association with Hockey India is in line with our commitment towards development of a multi sports culture in India. Over the last year, the national team has performed phenomenally well winning medals and accolades across the world, making the country proud. We believe in the potential of hockey as a sport and through our association with Hockey India, will work towards popularising the sport and bring the fans back to Hockey. This association signals our commitment towards this transformation, through world class production of all international matches and the vibrant Hockey India League.”

     

    Hockey India president Narinder Dhruv Batra added, “Star Sports is known for its strong content and production quality, which helps increase viewers experience. They understand the target audience’s pulse and they package the entire show accordingly. They are known for creating a complete experience for each tournament and that’s what makes them stand out. We have seen this in our association with them since the inception of the Hockey India League as well as the International tournaments that they have hosted in the past. Keeping this in mind they are the ideal choice and we are happy that we have mutually agreed to continue this association for the next three years.”

  • Govt recognises Hockey India as the apex body for hockey

    Govt recognises Hockey India as the apex body for hockey

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has made Hockey India the apex body for managing and regulating the sport of hockey in India.

     

    According to a communication sent to all concerned, the ministry has said, ‘Hockey India’ is made responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, control, regulation, promotion and development of the sports discipline, i.e. Hockey (Men and Women).”
     
     

    The communication said Hockey India is required to follow the guidelines of the government issued from time to time and also those prescribed in the National Sports Development Code of India in order to be eligible for government’s assistance and continuing recognition.

  • Cairn India signs multi-million rupee deal with Hockey India

    MUMBAI: Cairn India, the world’s leading energy company, has signed a multi-million rupee deal with Hockey India (HI) to co-sponsor India‘s national hockey teams for a tenure of three years.

    This association will cover the senior and junior national men and women teams. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

    The senior Indian Men and Women Hockey teams will be seen sporting the Cairn logo for the first time when they will take part in the Hero Hockey World League Round 2 tournaments to be held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi from 18-24 February.

    Cairn has decided to join forces with the national game of the country and plans through several initiatives to encourage the sport amongst the new generation.

    HI Secretary General Dr Narinder Batra said, “We welcome Cairn for joining Hockey India and being part of the journey to revive hockey in the country. This association will further boost the game and help the sport reach new levels. Hockey India thanks Cairn India for coming on board to become our partner in this exciting journey.”

    Cairn India Head Corporate Affairs & Communications Dr Sunil Bharati said, “Hockey is our national game and we are proud to be associated with this energetic game. The partnership and the journey ahead will indeed be a privileged one for the entire Cairn family.

    “It is the first big step for us towards nurturing and growing this sport, both on a national stage as well as the international arena. Cairn India’s decision to associate with Hockey also aims at fuelling the resurgent interest in the national sports amongst youngsters.”