Tuesday 23 December 2025
Vantage Black Sticks Women's squad for 2026 Summer of Hockey
Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad for the upcoming Summer of Hockey series in Dunedin, marking a special return to home soil as the team begins its build toward the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup. The Summer of Hockey series provides an important opportunity to reconnect with fans, play international hockey in Aotearoa, and continue building momentum following a successful 2025 season.
Japan confirmed in four match series in Hamilton
Hockey New Zealand can confirm a revised format for the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s Summer of Hockey series in Hamilton following the withdrawal of Malaysia and Korea from the event. Both nations have cited recent World Cup qualifier scheduling and associated logistical challenges as the reason for their withdrawal.
India strong title contenders in 2026 hockey World Cup, says Belgium’s Van Doren
Van Doren noted that India’s resurgence has not happened overnight, but is the result of sustained planning and exposure system.
Belgium defender Arthur Van Doren believes India is a strong title contender in next year’s men’s hockey World Cup, saying it is “impossible to ignore” the Men in Blue for their consistency over the last few years.
Harmanpreet to lead Soorma Hockey Club Men; Savita named co-captain of women’s side
Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flicking ability will be one of the biggest strengths of the men’s team, while Savita Punia’s reflexes will be the backbone of the women’s side.
India captain Harmanpreet Singh (left) is known for his lethal drag-flicking ability while Savita Punia’s razor-sharp reflexes only add to her experience of leading the national team. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/K. R. Deepak
Star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper Savita Punia will continue to lead the Soorma Hockey Club’s (SHC) men’s and women’s teams, respectively, in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL).
An Olympic champion who’s championing change: Maria Verschoor continues to fight against gender inequality in hockey
Playing for the JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the Women’s Hockey India League, the two-time Olympic champion feels the launch of a franchise league exclusively for women is definitely a step in the right direction by Hockey India.
Santadeep Dey
Maria Verschoor arrives at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium ahead of an HIL-W match. | Photo Credit: Hockey India League
Maria Verschoor started playing hockey for fun when she was seven years old. But by the time she was 12, she had taken it up as serious business.
First-Ever National Indoor Festival Ocean City Comes to a Close
OCEAN CITY, Md. - USA Field Hockey’s National Indoor Festival, Ocean City (NIF OC) debuted this past weekend in Ocean City, Md. The event, presented by Pepwear, provided another exciting opportunity for teams to compete in an indoor hockey tournament this winter.
FIH World Youth Hockey 5’s Girls Development Festival a Success
by Kirsten Stuckey
The FIH World Youth Hockey 5’s Girls Development Festival took place from Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 December in the Solomon Islands, with a strong focus on connection, learning, and shared experience. Each day began with team-building activities, before moving into on-field technical sessions led by Tsonelo Pholo and Amy Ryan, alongside off-field workshops delivered by Gill Gemming and Kirsten Stuckey.
Day 1 Results: 3rd Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 - Zone A & B*
Surat, Gujarat: Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Salute Hockey Academy, Sail Hockey Academy, Army Boys Sports Company and S.G.P.C. Hockey Academy recorded wins on the opening day of the 3rd Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 - Zone A & B at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Hockey Ground in Surat, Gujarat on Monday.
Basingstoke return to hockey clubhouse after fire
Just in time for the festive season, English club Basingstoke HC received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: the green light to return to the upstairs area of their clubhouse.