Latest news with #HockeyMaharashtra
Hans India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Hockey: Venkatesh Kenche attributes his India 'A' Europe tour success to 'competitive' domestic circuit
New Delhi: The India 'A' men's hockey team is off to a flying start, registering back-to-back wins - 6-1 and 6-0 - against Ireland to open their eight-match European tour. Among the standout performers is forward Venkatesh Kenche, a rising talent known for his blistering ball speed and relentless attacking mindset, who is determined to make the most of this opportunity. After earlier stints at the Junior National Camp in 2016 and 2018, Kenche has made a spirited return to the India setup. He credits this breakthrough to consistent performances on the domestic circuit. "I have been training and practicing very hard. It has been my goal to play for India," he said. "I focused a lot on my basics and fitness, and that has really helped my game. The domestic circuit is very competitive, with many strong teams, which has pushed all of us to improve." Kenche played a key role in Hockey Maharashtra's bronze medal win at the National Games and their quarter-final finish at the Senior National Championship. On making his debut for India 'A', an emotional Kenche said, "It has been a dream come true to represent India. I am very proud - and so is my family. They've always supported and encouraged me, and never put any pressure on me. I am really grateful to them." Reflecting on the differences between domestic and international hockey, Kenche acknowledged the shift in tempo and tactical depth. "The game plan is very different here, and the intensity is much higher," he explained. "The coaches focus a lot more on planning, and it's important to listen carefully to perform well." On wearing the India jersey for the first time, the 24-year-old admitted to some initial nerves. "Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I soon settled in, started feeling good, and now I feel like I truly belong here. The team is very supportive, and we don't single out players for mistakes - that really helped boost my confidence." Kenche is also aware of the areas he wants to improve. "I think my speed with the ball is one of my strengths - it comes naturally, but I've also worked on it a lot," he said. "Going forward, I really want to improve my goal-scoring ability." Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the team's momentum. "The team is playing well, and we are all confident that the tour will go well." India 'A' and Venkatesh Kenche will next face France on Saturday.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Day-7 Results: 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2025
ANI 09 Jul 2025, 23:37 GMT+10 Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], July 9 (ANI): On day-seven of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2025, it was Uttar Pradesh Hockey who had a fruitful outing after winning their match against Hockey Chandigarh whereas Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Punjab played out a draw to add a point each to their tally. In the first match today, Hockey Maharashtra played a 1-1 draw with Hockey Punjab, in Division 'A'. Anvi Rawat (35') scored for Hockey Maharashtra, whereas Saloni (37') played an equaliser for Hockey Punjab to end the game in a draw, as per a press release from Hockey India. In the next match, Uttar Pradesh defeated Hockey Chandigarh 4-0, in Division 'A'. Naina (34', 48', 59') stood out as be top goal scorer as she scored a hat-trick in the game. Arika Kumari (45') also scored one goal to take the game away from Hockey Chandigarh. Also, the other match between the Hockey Association of Bihar and Delhi Hockey was officially forfeited 5-0 in favour of the Hockey Association of Bihar. This year's edition is featuring 28 teams divided into three divisions--Division A, Division B, and Division C--introducing an added competitive edge with promotion and relegation at stake, as per a press release from Hockey India. Division A, comprising the top 12 performing teams in the country, will see intense action as the defending champions Hockey Jharkhand and last year's runner-up Hockey Madhya Pradesh lead the challenge for the national title. Division B and Division C will serve as competitive battlegrounds for emerging teams to climb the ranks. (ANI)
India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra storm into final of men's Hockey India Masters Cup
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 25 (ANI): Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Maharashtra successfully registered their name as the finalists after defeating Hockey Chandigarh and Hockey Association of Odisha, respectively, in the semi-finals of the 1st Hockey India Masters Cup (Men) on Wednesday. In the first semi-final match, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu defeated Hockey Chandigarh 3-0 in the men's category to become the first finalist of the historic 1st Hockey India Masters Cup 2025. Vinoth Kumar AP (1') started the game with an outstanding goal in the first minute of the match. Sudharsan S (40') and Captain Adam Antony Sinclair (54') also scored one goal each to secure their berth in the final stage of the tournament, a release said. In the second semi-final match, Hockey Maharashtra won 4-1 against Hockey Association of Odisha to enter the final. Leonard Keith Pereira (4', 17') scored a brace while Vikram Pillay (38') and Karl Gomes (43') also scored one goal each to put their team, Hockey Maharashtra, in a strong position. On the other hand, Captain Lajrus Barla (27') managed to score the consolation goal for the Hockey Association of Odisha. Hockey Chandigarh will now square off against Hockey Association of Odisha for the Bronze medal match on Friday before the final game. While the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Maharashtra will compete for the top spot on June 27 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. Earlier in the tournament, Hockey Maharashtra defeated Hockey Karnataka 2-1. Paramesh KS (15') opened the numbers on the scoreboard in the game for Hockey Karnataka. In response, Captain Dhananjay Mahadik (19') scored an equaliser for Hockey Maharashtra. Also, Sandesh Ganesh More (39') scored a match-winning goal to take his team to the semi-finals. The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu outclassed Hockey Punjab 8-2 to secure a place in the Semi-Finals. S Sudarshan (10') opened the scoring with a penalty corner conversion, followed by a field goal from team captain Adam Antony Sinclair (12'). But it was D Muthuselvan who stole the show with four stunning goals (20', 47', 53', 55') in a sensational display of attacking hockey. Ramesh Nallamuthu (38') and Vinoth Kumar AP (43') also chipped in with a goal each. For Punjab, Ram Saran (30') and captain Ripudaman Kumar Singh (40') managed to get on the scoresheet, but their efforts were not enough to stop Tamil Nadu's onslaught. (ANI)
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Maharashtra, Chandigarh join Tamil Nadu, Odisha for Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 men's semi-finals
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 24 (ANI): As the tournament reaches its knockout stage, the semi-finalists are ready to take one more step towards winning the 1st Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 and etch their name in history. Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Haryana and Hockey Punjab won their respective matches in the quarter-finals to move ahead in the competition and face each other in the semi-finals of the women's category. On the other side in the men's category, Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Chandigarh joined Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Association of Odisha in the semi-finals to be played on June 25 here at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In the first Quarter-Final match of the women's category today, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu defeated Hockey Karnataka 3-1. Chitra (18'), Rasna Suresh Babu (22') and Saumya (39') scored for the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, whereas Rohini MR (57') managed to score a consolation goal in the final minutes. With this win, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu has secured its position in the semi-finals. In the second Quarter-Final match, Hockey Association of Odisha defeated Kerala Hockey 10-0. Sarita Lakra (14', 32', 36', 46', 50') stood out to be the top goal scorer after scoring five goals in the match. Pratima Ekka (11') scored one goal while MINZ Sarita Roshan (23', 26', 43') netted a hat-trick to strengthen their position in the game. Captain Lucela Ekka (8') also scored one goal to take the total of the goals scored in double digits, convincingly securing their berth in the semi-finals. In the next Quarter-Final, Hockey Haryana successfully got a step closer to lifting the trophy after entering the semi-finals with an 8-0 won against Hockey Himachal in the women's category. Chingshubam Sanggai Ibemhal (2', 12', 26', 33') managed to score a sum of four goals throughout the first three quarters and took the game away from Hockey Himachal. Nishi Shivendra Singh (4'), Sonika Yadav (8'), Captain Pritam Siwach (27') and Anchal Verma (54') also scored one goal each to help their team reach the semi-finals. In the fourth Quarter-Final match of the women's category, Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Maharashtra 13-0. Captain Amandeep Kaur (2', 7', 19', 20', 54') led from the front and stood out as the goal scorer as she scored five goals in the match. Baljit Kaur Marar (3', 31', 44', 46') also scored four goals to take the game further away from the opponent. Sania Sharma (23'), Arun Bala (29'), Sangita Minz (37') and Jaspreet Kaur (58') also contributed with one goal each to enter the semif-finals. On the other hand, in the third quarter-final match of the men's category, Hockey Maharashtra defeated Hockey Karnataka 2-1. Paramesh KS (15') opened the numbers on the scoreboard in the game for Hockey Karnataka. In response, Captain Dhananjay Mahadik (19') scored an equaliser for Hockey Maharashtra. Also, Sandesh Ganesh More (39') scored a match-winning goal to take his team to the semi-finals. In the last Quarter-Final match of the men's category, Hockey Chandigarh defeated Hockey Haryana 2-2 (SO 3-1). Vivek Dahiya (29') and Jitender Kumar (47') scored one goal each for Hockey Haryana. On the opposite side, Ravinder Singh (43', 58') scored a brace to end the game in a draw, by the final whistle. In the shoot-out, goalkeeper Arundeep Sanghotra stood out as the top performer for Hockey Chandigarh as he saved three out of the four chances. Virender Singh managed to score one goal for Hockey Haryana, whereas Ravinder Singh, Sanjiv Kumar and Vikram Saini scored for Hockey Chandigarh to register the win. (ANI)
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana register victories on Day 5 of Hockey India Masters Cup
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 22 (ANI): On Day 5 of the inaugural edition of the Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, Hockey Karnataka and Kerala Hockey won their respective matches in the women's category whereas in the men's category, Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Haryana also didn't let any stone unturned to have a successful outing here at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as per the Hockey India press release. The first match today was played between Hockey Himachal and Hockey Karnataka in the women's category. Both teams played with equal intensity in the first half, resulting in a goalless draw by then. In the second half, Manasa KP (36') managed to take the ball past Hockey Himachal's defence and scored the first goal of the match for Hockey Karnataka. Rohini MR (42') also joined the feast, resulting in Hockey Karnataka's 2-0 victory over Hockey Himachal. In the next match, Kerala Hockey defeated Hockey Maharashtra 5-1 in the women's category. Susha Mol KS (25', 51') scored a brace for her side, joined by her teammates Malaialagu (4'), Vidhya VC (30') and Neethu PJ (38'), who also scored one goal each. While fitting back, Jisa Chandran R (58') managed to score the consolation goal in the final minutes for Hockey Maharashtra. In the first match of the men's category, Hockey Maharashtra won 2-0 against Hockey Chandigarh. Shakti Bharatsingh Thakur (33') and Captain Dhananjay Mahadik (35') scored two back-to-back goals in three minutes of the third quarter to take the game away from Hockey Chandigarh. In the last match on Sunday, Hockey Haryana defeated Hockey Karnataka 5-2 in the men's category. Ashok Kumar (29', 35', 43') stood out to be the top goal scorer as he scored a hattrick in the game for Hockey Haryana joined by his teammates Vivek Dahiya (12') and Virender Kumar (57') who also scored one goal each to affirm their intentions to win the game. On the other side, Mandanna (15') and Captain Vinaya VS (55') scored for Hockey Karnataka but fell short. (ANI)
