New Delhi: India’s rising hockey talents made their mark in China as both the India A men’s and women’s teams wrapped up successful international exposure tours, showcasing depth, discipline, and determination on foreign soil.
Men’s Team: Total Domination in Changzhou
The India A men’s team were in a league of their own during their four-match series against Gansu Club in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, from October 12 to 18. The young side registered a clean sweep, winning all four matches with emphatic margins — 7-0, 2-1, 8-0, and 8-3.
Angad Bir Singh set the tone early with a hat-trick in the opening game, while captain Sanjay led from the front with consistent drag-flick conversions. Aditya Arjun Lalage emerged as the top scorer with four goals, supported by standout performances from Selvam Karthi, Venkatesh Dhananjay Kenche, and Uttam Singh.
India’s attacking flair and solid penalty corner execution left little room for the hosts, reflecting the strength of the nation’s bench and the quality of its next-generation stars.
Women’s Team: Fighting Till the End in Dalian
Meanwhile, the India A women’s team battled hard in their five-match series against Liaoning at the Liaoning Sports Centre in Dalian from October 13 to 21. Despite one narrow defeat, the women showcased remarkable resilience to draw four matches — a testament to their growing maturity and teamwork.
Forward Manisha Chauhan was the star of the tour, scoring in three matches, while Albela Rani Toppo, Baljeet Kaur, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar, Pooja Yadav, and Deepika Soreng also found the net in key moments.
Their 3-3 draw in the final match summed up the team’s never-say-die attitude, earning them valuable experience in a demanding international environment.
Building the Future of Indian Hockey
The tours, organized by Hockey India, provided crucial match exposure for both squads ahead of major tournaments. The results underline India’s strong development pipeline — one that continues to produce world-class talent ready to take the next step to the senior level.
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