Jaipur Hosts Grand Opening of 5th Soft Hockey National Championship 2025-26
The city of Jaipur witnessed a magnificent spectacle on Thursday as the 5th Soft Hockey National Championship 2025-26 kicked off with an impressive opening ceremony. The event was held in a grand manner at the prestigious Astro Turf Hockey Ground located within the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium, marking a significant moment for the sport in Rajasthan.
Dignitaries Grace the Ceremony
The ceremony was honored by the presence of K K Vishnoi, the Minister of State for Sports in the Government of Rajasthan, who served as the chief guest for the occasion. Dr Ashutosh Pant presided over the proceedings, ensuring the event maintained its formal and celebratory tone. Additional special guests included IG Sandeep Singh Chauhan, Shikha Pant, and Dr Aditya Nag, all of whom added to the prestige of the gathering. The event was further graced by numerous other dignitaries, reflecting the growing importance of soft hockey in the national sports landscape.
Inauguration and Encouraging Words
Chief guest K K Vishnoi personally inaugurated the competition by playing soft hockey himself, demonstrating his support and enthusiasm for the sport. In his address, he praised soft hockey for its unique appeal and expressed his wishes for a bright future. He emphasized that national competitions like this one provide a powerful platform for young players to advance their skills and careers. Encouraging the participants, Vishnoi highlighted the role of such events in fostering talent and promoting sportsmanship across the country.
Participating Teams and Opening Matches
The championship features teams from multiple states, showcasing the widespread popularity of soft hockey. Participants include squads from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, among others, indicating a diverse and competitive field.
On the opening day, the action commenced with two exciting matches:
- In the Senior Boys category, Maharashtra faced off against Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra registered a resounding victory, defeating Madhya Pradesh with a dominant score of 9-1.
- The Senior Girls section saw a match between Haryana and Puducherry. Puducherry achieved a one-sided victory by blanking Haryana with a score of 7-0, showcasing their prowess on the field.
Sportsmanship and Future Prospects
Throughout the event, an excellent display of sportsmanship, discipline, and enthusiasm was evident among players and officials alike. This positive atmosphere has led to high expectations that soft hockey will gain a new identity and strength from this championship. The combination of competitive spirit and camaraderie suggests a promising future for the sport, potentially elevating its status in India's sporting community.
The successful opening in Jaipur sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with hopes that it will inspire more youth to take up soft hockey and contribute to its growth nationwide.
