Author: Abhishek Mishra

In the semi-final clash against the hosts, with 12 minutes left in the game, Ben Hasbach retrieved a high aerial pass just outside India’s 23-metre line and accelerated into open space, using his dribbling skill to beat goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh on the right edge of the D and net an exquisite diving goal to give Germany a 5–0 lead. The in-form German produced pure artistry – arguably one of the best goals of the tournament – brilliantly supported by his midfield, with all Indian defenders blocked near the centre line. This moment exemplified how the German boys have not only…

Defending champions Germany hammered India 5-1 in the semi-final of the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup. Coach PR Sreejesh had stressed on improving finishing touches and committing fewer defensive lapses, but his boys missed the plot and made a lot of mistakes. The inability of the forward line to penetrate and find the right answers in the midfield made India look clueless. There was no proper marking, which led to the crushing defeat. This was India’s third semi-final defeat in a row against the same side at the Junior Men’s World Cup. From the German side, Lukas Kossel (13, 29),…

The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Chennai has been building towards its final stage. In that context, for a spot in the summit clash, India and 7-time junior World Champions, Germany, are set to face each other in potentially an electric encounter. After passing through a tough Belgian challenge, now it’s a test against Germany’s tactical rigid structure. On Sunday, in Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, the hosts will be eyeing a summit clash after nine long years. The last time they made it was in Lucknow, where India lifted their second title. The host team so…

India secured a dramatic victory in the shootout against Belgium and qualified to the men’s Junior Hockey World Cup semi-finals, but for coach PR Sreejesh this is not a celebratory moment. Despite the thrill of the win in the quarter-final, his immediate reaction was a huddle as he was seen with the players on the big screen delivering a clear message to his wards. “This was not the final. Keep your feet on the ground,” said the legendary goalkeeper, now a coach. His focus is on the two critical areas that could cost them the semi-final against Germany, first scoring…

In South Africa, young people taking up two or more sports is a long-standing tradition. Some turn that into a passion and try to shape their destinies by pursuing whichever sport offers a more stable professional career. Jaydon Brooker’s journey is one such example. Brooker, just 20, a Jeppe High School student from Johannesburg, has been passionate about both cricket and hockey for years. At the ongoing Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Brooker has been a hero for South Africa so far – six goals in the tournament, showcasing his drag-flicking ability and leading the scoring charts for his nation.…

India exhibited a repeat of their performance from the last home Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar, beating Belgium in the quarter-finals and marching into the semi-finals. Skipper Rohit Ekka (44’) opened the scoring followed by Shardanand Tiwari (47’). For Belgium Cornez Gasperd (12’) and Nathan Rogge (59’) found the net. After a tight 2-2 finish, India shone in the shootout, winning 4-3 with impressive contributions from Shardanand, Prince Deep Singh and Ankita Pal. The humid Friday in Chennai was at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in little breezy condition and egged on by enthusiastic school kids in the stands, the India…

When I landed at the airport for the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, a cold breezy drizzle was Chennai’s first hello. Rain followed me on the way to the stadium. A support staff member told me this would continue for the next few days. He was referring to Cyclone Ditwah, which hit Tamil Nadu’s coastal city around the start of the tournament and significantly affected match conditions, player tactics, and the flow of the entire World Cup. In the group stages, a few matches were played under steady rain and some were postponed. New Zealand vs Japan was one…

Playing on home turf, the Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team led by Rohit Ekka and guided by PR Sreejesh has made a thunderous statement in the group stage of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, storming into the quarter-finals with an unblemished record. Finishing at the top of the Pool B chart, the hosts showcased ruthless attacking power and disciplined defending, netting an astonishing 29 goals and keeping a clean sheet across their three victories. India began their campaign by crushing Chile 7–0 in Chennai before producing a 17–0 rampage against Oman, a team drafted in after Pakistan…

The world of sports, especially racquet sports is brutally unforgiving, it demands a relentless cycle of match fitness and sublime performances. The journey of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela in 2024, especially post Paris Olympics was a cinematic tale of a partnership. Just 12 months ago, they conquered the Syed Modi India International Badminton Championship and enjoyed an impressive run at BWF World Tour only to be tested by the most challenging setback an athlete can face: injury. I was fortunate enough to cover the previous editions of the Syed Modi S300 and witnessed the rise of Treesa Jolly…

The defending champions Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand showcased their dominance in the women’s doubles summit clash at the Syed Modi India International Badminton Championship 2025 in Lucknow. They powered past Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mai Tanabe in a thrilling 76-minute marathon final, winning 17-21, 21-13, 21-14 and retained their throne on Super Sunday. The spirited Indian pair produced fantastic deception, sharp placements and intercepted the Japanese pair’s cross-court and mid-court smashes with precision. Treesa delivered powerful smashes, killing the opponents’ morale with her raw power and sublime placements, while Gayatri complemented her beautifully with tactical maturity, good control and…