SAI NCOE Bengaluru hosts felicitation ceremony for Asia Cup-winning Junior India Women’s Hockey Team

Khel Today Bureau 

Bengaluru: The Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru felicitated the Junior women’s hockey team that sealed a historic achievement by emerging victorious and clinching the first-ever Gold Medal in the Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup on Sunday, June 11. The team was feted at the SAI NCOE premises on Tuesday afternoon, hours after they were given a grand welcome by the SAI officials at the Kempegowda Airport, Bengaluru.

The young athletes from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru demonstrated extraordinary prowess, teamwork, and an undeterred spirit throughout the tournament, winning hearts of spectators and admirers alike. There were a total of 17 Khelo India Athletes in the team who are spread across various SAI National Centres of Excellence. All their assessments and trials took place at the SAI NCOE Bengaluru.

“We fought well and played together as a team. There was a mix of old and young players but we blended well. We want to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi as well as the Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur for their constant support. I thank everyone in SAI Bengaluru too who are just a phone call away to solve all our problems,” mentioned the captain of the team, Preeti.

The girls remained undefeated throughout and out of 6 matches played till the final, India won 5 and drew 1. Annu remained the top goalscorer with a total of 9 goals in the entire tournament.

The Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup held in Gifu, Japan, witnessed the participation of 10 of the most talented teams from across the Asian continent, competing to showcase their skills and achieve glory. Thanks to the guidance of esteemed coaches, support staff, and world-class facilities provided by the Sports Authority of India, the team underwent rigorous training and preparation for this landmark event. Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance played a pivotal role in their remarkable performance and the ultimate triumph.

This victory in the Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup not only reflects the immense talent and hard work of the young athletes but also serves as a testament to the exceptional training infrastructure and support offered by Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This win solidifies the center’s position as a hub for nurturing and developing young talents in the field of hockey, creating a strong foothold for India in the international sporting arena.

The Junior Men’s hockey team, too, earlier won the Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman, and in the process, clinching its 4th Junior Asia Cup title. The junior men’s team also remained undefeated in the competition.