Indian Navy Clinches Victory in High-Stakes Inter Services Hockey Tournament
71st Inter Services Hockey Championship: A Display of Skill, Strategy, and Sportsmanship
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 - The 71st Inter Services Hockey Championship concluded with a thrilling finale at Air Force Station Jalahalli, where the Indian Navy team emerged victorious after a fierce contest against the Indian Air Force. Held under the aegis of the Services Sports Control Board, the championship was organized from March 2 to March 6, 2025, to select the Services Team for the upcoming National Hockey Championship.
A Battle of Titans: Indian Navy vs Indian Air Force
The tournament witnessed participation from four elite teams of the Indian Armed Forces – Army Red, Army Green, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The final showdown featured an intense clash between Indian Navy, captained by Chief Petty Officer Pawan Rajbhar, and Indian Air Force, led by Sergeant Sukhdev Singh.
Displaying exceptional skill and determination, the Indian Navy secured the championship with a 3-2 victory. The winning goals were netted by Petty Officer R Minz and Petty Officer S Dhanwar, cementing their team’s dominance in the competition.
A Star-Studded Closing Ceremony
The championship concluded with a grand closing ceremony, where Air Vice Marshal PCP Anand, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA), Headquarters Training Command, IAF, presented the Championship Trophy to the victorious Indian Navy team. He applauded the players for their unwavering passion and sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance in both sports and military service.
Adding to the event’s prestige, PR Sreejesh, legendary goalkeeper and coach of the Indian Junior Hockey Team, graced the occasion. A two-time Olympic Bronze medalist, Sreejesh shared his insights and experiences, inspiring the players and trainees to strive for excellence and uphold the spirit of competition.
A Testament to Armed Forces’ Sporting Prowess
The 71st Inter Services Hockey Championship showcased the athleticism, teamwork, and resilience of the armed forces. The event underscored the commitment of the Indian military to fostering sportsmanship and excellence, both on and off the battlefield. With the selection of the Services Team, the tournament set the stage for national-level representation, reinforcing the armed forces’ contribution to India’s sporting legacy.
