Hockey

India hockey coach Roelant Oltmans said that a well-organised defence will hold the key for the team's fortunes in next year's Rio Olympic Games.

The Indian junior hockey team are preparing hard and eagerly waiting for the fifth Sultan of Johor Cup where they will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 11.

After losing the first Test match, Indian men's team registered a convincing 2-0 win against Spain in their second match played at Sant Cugat del Valles on Wednesday.

Gurbaj Singh on Monday suspended for nine months for creating disharmony within the team, a decision which might shatter the experienced midfielder's dream of playing in next year's Rio Olympics.

For Kalinga Lancers, Gurjinder proved to be a key player for his successful record in converting penalty corners in HIL.

According to a source privy to the report submitted by the nine-member panel, to Hockey India, serious question marks were raised on Gurbaj's behaviour with the coaching staff.

Van Ass’s future with the Indian team is in serious doubt after he failed to report on time for the national team’s camp that began at the scenic Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Shilaroo.

With the players auction slated to take place in September, the Hockey India League (HIL) confirmed that the six existing franchises have the option to retain up to three domestic and three international players from their previous squad.

India's loss left them at the fourth spot among five teams in Pool B, which was topped by New Zealand.

"We need to work on getting more penalty corners apart from looking at the capitalising on opportunities inside the opposition circle" says Paul Van Ass

India outclassed the Koreans 4-1 in shootout after the regulation period of the third-place playoff in Ipoh, Malaysia, ended 2-2.

Dwyer is eyeing another yellow metal in next year's Rio Olympics, in what he believes would be a "fairytale" end to his 15-year-old career.

Indian hockey team's coach Paul van Ass, barely three weeks ago, said the Azlan Shah Cup will give his side a chance to test themselves against higher-ranked opponents.

The fourth placed Waveriders have 17 points from seven matches and are eight points shy of third-placed Uttar Pradesh Wizards (25).

A win against home team Kalinga Lancers on Sunday will boost Punjab Warriors' confidence further.