Author Archives: Manoj Mahala


About Manoj Mahala

he is a researcher in automotive and product design, hockey fanatic, photography enthusiast, web designer, he is on www.mkmahala.com, Facebook: mkmahala and Twitter: @mkmahala.

Revisiting World Series Hockey 2012, While Waiting for WSH-2

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Exactly a year ago, 1st edition of World Series Hockey was concluded with Sher-e-Punjab emerging as champions. Sher-e-Punjab had outclassed (5-2) Pune Strykers to win the 1st title of WSH.

World Series Hockey Logo

Eight franchise based teams Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets, Chennai Cheetahs, Delhi Wizards, Karnataka Lions, Mumbai Marines, Pune Strykers and Sher-e-Punjab participated in the 1st edition of WSH organized by Nimbus Sports in association with Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). 160 Indian players and 48 players from abroad (0.3 ratio of International players with respect to Indian players) played in the 2012 edition of the month long event.

Apart from a total of Rs. 10,00,00,000/- prize money, WSH invested a few Crores of Rupees in improving the infrastructure at host venues such as installation/upgradation of lights, laying/repairing of turf, installation of world class goalposts, etc. The WSH also worked with stadium authorities through out 8 venues (Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune) to repair/upgrade and create facilities such as change rooms for the players, rest-rooms for spectators, etc. which are critical facilities but ignored often by the organizers and hosts. Continue reading →

Why this Kolaveri? Indian Team Withdrew form Azlan Shah Cup to Get Approval from MYAS

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February 26, 2013: Hockey India and Government were questioned for the lack of funds for the National Game of country, Hockey, by the fans in social media, when the news of Indian Hockey Team’s withdrawal from Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013 broke out. But later in the evening, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) cleared the trip with a warning to Hockey India. Why all this?

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013 Logo

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013

According to a media release from Hockey India, “In the sanction given by Sports Authority of India (SAI) to Hockey India regarding the men’s team participation in the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament, it is mentioned that Indian Men team will play this tournament at no cost to government. The only obligation to the government for this tour was to cover airfare cost of the team but in the sanction given by SAI it is clearly mentioned that government is not covering any cost. Therefore Hockey India has been forced to withdraw its participation from the tournament. Government has always covered the airfare of the team for this tournament till date.” Continue reading →

After Ups and Downs in 2012, Wish to see Rangaswamy Cup being given away to National Champions in 2013

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Everybody agrees on “India is important for the progress of hockey in the world of sports” but is India moving in right direction?

2013 Calendar by The Fans of Hockey

2013 Calendar by The Fans of Hockey (Click here to buy a copy)

It has been a year of ups and downs for Indian Hockey, with World Series Hockey getting postponed because the national players were busy in preparing for Hero FIH Road to London: the Olympics Qualifiers, which India won in style to book their ticket for London. Continue reading →

DD, AIR, ESPN to Broadcast Olympics in India

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Apart from Indian state-run broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR), ESPN Star Sports (the other rights holder for India) will telecast London Olympics on ESPN, Star Sports and ESPN HD channels. DD, AIR and ESPN Star Sports will be focusing on India in Olympics, specially Hockey.

ESPN Star SportsAccording to sources, ESPN will be more specific to India. ESPN Star Sports will present a customized telecast focusing on India. Being specific to India, ESPN telecasts will feature  Indian athletes, and Hockey, Shooting, Boxing, Wrestling, Tennis and football, which popular sports in India. Gymnastics, Equestrian and Volleyball will be on Star Sports’ Radar, while ESPN HD will be a blend of both the channels. Continue reading →

Indian Girls’ Journey to their First Silver at 6th Jr Asia Cup (Women’s)

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India was led to their first Silver Medal at the Junior Women’s Asia Cup by experienced mid-fielder Ritu Rani, with forward Poonam Rani as her deputy (Team Details) in the 6th edition of the tournament, which was played in Bangkok, Thailand.

Final Standings of the tournament are as following:
1. China, 2. India, 3. Korea, 4. Japan, 5. Malaysia, 6. Thailand, 7. Sri Lanka, 8. Pakistan, 9. Singapore and 10. Kazakhstan (All Results of 6th Women’s Jr Asia Cup, Bangkok Thailand)

Ritu Rani

File Photo: Ritu Rani

India defeated Sri Lanka and Singapore 16-0 and 9-0 respectively, before losing to eventual Champions China 2-5. Then India overcame stiff Malaysian competition and defeated them (2-1) to reach Semi Finals and took the 2nd placed after China who won all of their games in Pool A (Detailed Article: India Vs Japan and Korea vs China in the Semis of Jr Asia Cup (Women’s)). Continue reading →

India manage to defeat South Africa 6-5, after Leading 5-1

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South Africa lost narrowly (6-5) to India which saw their spirited fight back in Second Half after trailing 3-1 at Half Time and 5-1 till 43rd minute of a 11-goal thriller game in their first of three unofficial Tests in Santander, Spain.

Bharat Chetri

File Photo: Bharat Chetri (Captain India)

The Team India opened accounts in the 12th minute of the game though South Africa was better in possession in the opening. South Africans were back in the game once as they started attacking in search for an equalizer. 5 Minutes after India’s goal, Indian Goalkeeper and Captain Bharat Chetri earned yellow card for himself and a penalty stroke for South Africa with hard tackle on Marvin Harper, which Lloyd Madsen converted easily to level the scores.

India’s Dharamvir Singh scored two goals in quick succession on counters after turn overs in mid-field to earn 3-1 lead for India before the lemon break. Continue reading →