Year-In-Review: Indian Junior Hockey Team Continues To Make Remarkable Strides In Global Arena

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Year-In-Review: Indian Junior Hockey Team Continues To Make Remarkable Stride...

by Manisha Das

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

In 2023, the Indian junior men's hockey team scripted a compelling narrative of grit, resilience, and exceptional skill across several international tournaments, culminating in a mixed bag of achievements and near misses.

New Delhi, Dec 28: In 2023, the Indian junior men's hockey team scripted a compelling narrative of grit, resilience, and exceptional skill across several international tournaments, culminating in a mixed bag of achievements and near misses.

The first crowning moment of this year for the Indian Team arrived in Salalah, Oman, where the team clinched the Men's Junior Asia Cup on June 1, showcasing their prowess by edging out arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling showdown. Araijeet Singh Hundal emerged as India's top scorer, contributing significantly with eight goals. The team's unbeaten streak in the group stages, notably against Pakistan, set the tone for their eventual triumph, reclaiming the title and surpassing Pakistan's record to secure their fourth Men's Junior Asia Cup and become the most successful team in the history of the tournament.

Reflecting on the unforgettable surge of emotions following the team's triumphant lift of the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023, the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team Captain Uttam Singh remarked, "Our victory in the Men's Junior Asia Cup stood as a testament to our unwavering dedication and team spirit.

It wasn't just a triumph on the field; it was a reflection of the hours of hard work, sacrifices, and the unbreakable bond that fuelled our team. Winning the Asia Cup wasn't just about the title; it was about etching our legacy and proving our mettle on the grandest stage. That victory belonged to every member, every supporter who believed in our journey, and it's a moment we'll cherish forever."

The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team clinched their second medal of the year at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023. While not without its challenges, the team's journey in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, which took place in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from October 27 to November 4, held its moments of glory. Despite stumbling in the Semi-Final against Germany, the team showcased resilience, claiming a memorable victory against Pakistan in a shootout to secure the Bronze medal, a testament to their character under pressure.

The Indian Team's third major tournament of the year was the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2023, which took place from 5 to 16 December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The World Cup campaign proved to be a bittersweet experience for the team as despite a commendable group stage performance and a thrilling Quarter-Final win against the Netherlands, the team fell short in the Semi-Final against Germany. Moreover, the battle for the Bronze ended in disappointment with a defeat against Spain, marking the Indian Team's second consecutive fourth-place finish in the tournament.

Speaking on the team's performance this year, Uttam said, "In 2023, we witnessed the true spirit of our team. We faced challenges head-on, celebrated victories together, and learned immensely from every moment on the field. Our triumphs speak of our collective determination and unity, showcasing the potential we hold as a team. Despite the ups and downs, we've grown stronger, setting the stage for even greater success in the future."

(ANI)
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When India Speaks, The World Listens: PM Modi Tells Diaspora

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Uniondale, Sep 23: Today when India speaks on a global platform, the world listens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday before an audience of the diaspora as he projected his vision of India's place in a changing world.

"The India of today is emerging as a catalytic agent in the world, and the impact will be visible in every sector. Some time ago, when I said, this is not the era of war, the seriousness of it was understood by all friends," he said while addressing Indian-Americans at an event titled 'Modi & US: Progress together'.

"Whenever in the world there is a crisis, India has come forward as a first responder," the Prime Minister added.

"We do not seek our dominance in the world," he said contrasting India's ambitions against others. "We want to help in the prosperity of the world."

Prime Minister Modi further said that India's role will be "crucial to accelerate the global peace process".

About 15,000 people representing the diversity of India reflected in the kaleidoscope of clothing, and the Sikh turbans, the Muslim headgear of both men and women, packed the Nassau Coliseum in this suburb 50 kilometres from New York City.

Even as he spoke of India's historic contributions to the world, he gave his vision of India as a technology and economic superpower.

He gave new meanings for Artificial Intelligence, playing on the initials: "A is for aspirational, I for India – Aspirational India. This is a new force. It's a new energy."

"The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving India's growth; every achievement, every aspiration, gives birth to new achievements, and every achievement becomes like fertiliser and water for new aspirations, inspires new aspirations," the Prime Minister said.

Another definition he gave for AI was "America and India", two technology powerhouses working together.

"AI, I believe, also means the spirit of America, India. This is a spirit. This is the new AI power for the world. This AI spirit will take India-America relations to new heights," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said that his election for a third term, unprecedented in recent times, both showed Indians' regard for the achievements so far and the mandate for the future.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Indian government will open two new consulates in the US -- one in Boston, and another in Los Angeles. "Last year, I announced the opening of a new Indian consulate in Seattle. I sought your suggestions for two additional Consulates. India has now decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles," he said.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the people for turning up at the event and ended his speech with the "Bharat Mata ki Jai" slogan.

--IANS

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PM Modi Addresses Indian Diaspora In New York, Thanks People For Turning Up

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

New Delhi, Sep 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a massive gathering of the Indian diaspora in New York's Nassau Coliseum which was packed with excited and cheerful looking faces, and reverberating with chants of "Modi, Modi".

During his speech, PM Modi highlighted India's growing ties with the US. Addressing the crowd, he thanked the people for turning up at the event, making people repeat "Bharat Mata ki Jai" before concluding his speech.

Among the many issues PM Modi stressed during his speech was the BJP-led Central government's return to power. The crowd was heard raising slogans of "Ab ki Baar, Modi Sarkar" while the PM was speaking on the subject.

More than 16,000 people - many of them travelling from all corners of the US overnight - have gathered at the Long Island to listen to PM Modi's speech at the community reception.

A cultural programme, depicting the diversity of Indian culture, began long before the PM's arrival at the packed venue.

A tight security cordon has been laid around the entire area with the Transportation Security Agency, which checks passengers at airports, conducting a similar operation by funnelling visitors through metal detectors, making them remove phones and metal objects, and checking their bags.

"After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes," PM Modi posted on X after landing in New York early Sunday morning, India time.

This would be the second big event that Nassau County authorities will be handling in less than a week after former US President Donald Trump held an election rally at the Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday.

On Saturday, immediately after his arrival in Philadelphia, the Prime Minister had shared his eagerness to meet the Indian diaspora and Americans from across the US at the New York event.

"The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It's always a delight to interact with them. At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the 'Modi and US' programme in New York City. Let's celebrate the bonds that connect our nations!" he mentioned after landing in Philadelphia following a nearly 16-hour journey from Delhi.

Preparations for the key engagement, sandwiched between the Quad Summit convened by US President Joe Biden in Delaware on Saturday and PM Modi's address to the United Nations Summit of the Future on Monday, have been going on for the past many weeks with the organisers overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to attend the event billed as 'Modi and US, Progress Together'.

"We are just so proud of Modiji, and we're proud to be part of this great celebration. Modiji, we love you, and we want you to be very successful in whatever you're doing for our country," said a lady who had arrived early at the venue on Sunday.

The multi-purpose arena, which is the home of the Long Island Nets basketball team, is in Uniondale, about 50 km from Manhattan.

"This is an event that's being organised by the community. As you know, we have about 4.5 million strong Indian diaspora in the United States, amongst the largest such groups there, and one that has made a mark for itself and is contributing to the relationship between the two countries by acting as a vibrant living bridge between the two of us," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said earlier.

--IANS

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Horoscope: Cancer May Experience Health Issue; Enmity May Cause Problems For Scorpio At Work

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Horoscope: Cancer May Experience Health Issue; Enmity May Cause Problems For Scorpio At Work

Aries

You may not face any hindrance in promotion in the workplace. The work you have taken responsibility for may be stopped halfway due to financial crisis. There is a chance of progress in discussions regarding the purchase and sale of vehicles and land.

Favourable Colour: Red
Favourable Number: 9
Remedy: Worship Lord Hanuman

Taurus

Due to Guru's grace, you may enjoy friendship in official work. Fatigue and depression may occur due to long journey. You may not be able to finish the work that you want to finish today.

Favourable Colour: White
Favourable Number: 6
Remedy: Chant Gayatri Mantra of Maa Kamala

Gemini

You may fix problems with your sweet words in office. You may get success in industry, trade and transport sectors. The financial situation is likely to have worrisome consequences. You may experience mental distress due to the indirect hostility of your relatives.

Favourable Colour: Green
Favourable Number: 5
Remedy: Chant Gayatri Mantra of Maa Tripura Sundari

Cancer

You may experience health issue. You may benifit in Administration, law courts, assembly and export trade, business sectors. You may be socially appreciated by taking a leading role in welfare works.

Favourable Colour: White
Favourable Number: 2
Remedy: Wear Mahakavach of Maa Bhubaneshwari

Leo

Disputes may arise due to misunderstandings in the family. You may get expected results in education, exams and friendships. Superiors may praise you for your performance. You may take important decisions in political or organizational field.

Favourable Colour: Orange
Favourable Number: 1
Remedy: Chant 'Om Hring Hring Rang Ramaya Namah'

Virgo

Mental stability may be compromised while focusing on various problems. Friends may help you in solving problems at work. You may turn down opportunities to socialise and travel. You may succeed in association works, land acquisition, contract and court matters.

Favourable Colour: Green
Favourable Number: 5
Remedy: Chant Mantra of Maa Tripura Sundari

Libra

You may not stay still in one place due to heavy workload. You may be forced to accept the opponent's irrefutable arguments in discussions. Due to your competence and honesty, you may get cooperation and gain respect at workplace. Problems in industry, commerce, administration and transport may get resolved.

Favourable Colour: White
Favourable Number: 6
Remedy: Take Blessing of Lord Shiva

Scorpio

You may face various problems due to indirect enmity at workplace. You may not find peace of mind due to increase in family expenses. Your tactics may help you in connecting with colleagues. You may get what you were thinking about.

Favourable Colour: Red
Favourable Number: 9
Remedy: Worship Lord Nrusingha

Sagittarius

Unpleasant truth in the workplace may become the biggest reason in causeing trouble. You may become more active in organisational works in politics. You may get promising results in office matters. You may gain fame in the fields of literature, speech and journalism.

Favourable Colour: Yellow
Favourable Number: 3
Remedy: Serve and Donate Something to a Brahmin

Capricorn

Things you have been thinking for a long time may become reality. Having friends by your side, any entertainment program may get interesting. There is a chance of progress in art, literature and composition. You may have keep silence despite knowing the details of some incidents at work.

Favourable Colour: Blue
Favourable Number: 8
Remedy: Worship Maa Sarala

Aquarius

You may face false accusations in the workplace. You may go for loans to meet the needs of your family. You may get concerned due to the restrictions on trade and business. You may get appreciated in literature, art, sports, music, dance and professional fields.

Favourable Colour: Blue
Favourable Number: 8
Remedy: Chant Hanuman Chalisa

Pisces

You may get surprised to hear any news from your neighbours. In the long run, you may benefit from government job and from any ranked official. Improvement in health may reduce your tension to some extent.