Hockey

Ask any sportsperson, the pinnacle of sporting success for them is to stand on the Olympic podium and see their country's national flag rise in that hallowed arena. It is that dream that pushes them into making sacrifices as they chase Olympic glory.

Captain Mark Knowles (16th minute), Blake Govers (33rd) and Flynn Ogilvie (36th) scored for Australia, who did not press at their top pace to conserve energy for Saturday's final encounter.

After a spirited win against Pakistan, India put up a scratchy display against New Zealand to go down 1-2 in Ipoh on Wednesday.

India's participation in the event comes as a result of Hockey Australia's Memorandum of Understanding with Hockey India, signed last year, which will see the Indian men's team tour Australia over the next three years.

Despite the win, Mumbai stay at the bottom of the table with 14 points from six games, while Wizards, despite the loss, climb one place to third spot with 18 points from seven games.

"Allegations of sexual harassment are totally false. I will decide on future course of action after getting the report," a visibly miffed Sardar told reporters.

Mid and low-ranked hockey teams like India will benefit from the introduction of the quarter-final stage in 2016 Rio Olympics, making the task of top teams tougher, feels Australian legend Jay Stacy.

Ranchi Rays completed a hat-trick of wins after eking out a 3-2 win over table toppers Kalinga Lancers in a round robin match of the fourth Hockey India League.

Ashley Jackson scored twice from penalty corners in the 28th and 31st minutes for the Ranchi, while Delhi found their goal from Rupinder Pal Singh in the 26th minute.

Hosts Uttar Pradesh Wizards would aim to avoid three consecutive losses when they take on Kalinga Lancers in a Coal India Hockey India League match on Sunday.

Rays have tried to maintain the combinations that worked well for them in 2015 with the retention of their English captain Ashley Jackson, forward Barry Middleton, Australian defender Fergus Kavanagh, midfielder Manpreet Singh, defender Birendra Lakra and...

The midfielder was at the heart of India's historic bronze at the HWL final - first global medal in 33 years, and he believes Rio 2016 will be a lot better than London 2012.

Ajit Pal Singh feels India were "pathetic" in the group stage of the Hockey World League Final before they got "lucky" to notch up a bronze, ending a 33-year wait for a medal at a major international tournament.

elgium pipped a hard-working India 1-0 in the second semifinal to set up a summit clash against world champions Australia in the the Hockey World League (HWL) Final at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel International Stadium here on Saturday.

Australia eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium while Great Britain spanked defeated Canada 3-1 in Pool A matches of the Hockey World League (HWL) Final at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium.

Lashing out at IOA chef de mission Rakesh Gupta, Hockey India chief Batra on Thursday accused the IOA of appointing him to the prestigious post only due to his proximity to top officials.