Madhya Pradesh Builds Hockey Legacy With 29 Medals In 16 Years

NEW DELHI- Hockey Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of the most consistent performers at the Hockey India National Championships, winning 29 medals across categories over the past 16 years, backed by a strong grassroots system and academies in Bhopal and Gwalior.

The state’s continuing depth was recently underlined when both its men’s and women’s teams won silver medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026.

Over the 16-year period, Madhya Pradesh won 23 medals in women’s events and six in men’s competitions, reflecting the strength of its long-term development programme.

The women’s program has been particularly successful. The Junior Women team won six medals -three gold and three silver – while the Sub Junior Women side claimed 10 medals – three gold, five silver, and two bronze. At the senior level, the Women’s team earned seven medals – two gold, two silver, and three bronze – including titles in 2021 and 2023.

On the men’s side, Madhya Pradesh secured six medals across categories. The Junior Men team won two medals — one gold and one bronze — while the Sub Junior Men side collected three medals — one gold and two silver. The Senior Men team marked its debut in 2025 with a silver medal.

The academy system has also produced players who progressed to the international stage, including Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Sushila Chanu, and Ishika Chaudhary.

Paramjeet Singh, a former coach of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, said the system was built through long-term planning and investment.

“We are deeply grateful to Yashodhara Raje Scindia for her vision and sustained efforts in establishing and strengthening the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. Since 2006, the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy has focused on building a structured and inclusive development system that continues to evolve,” he said.

He added that the academy created opportunities for players from within the state, including those with no prior hockey exposure, by providing facilities, equipment, scientific training, and nutrition support.

Paramjeet Singh said the academy also helped empower young women through sports quota jobs and career opportunities. He noted that nine academy players were part of India’s women’s hockey squad at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

He also said international exposure remained a priority, with players touring the Netherlands between 2014 and 2020 to gain experience at global standards.

Lok Bahadur, secretary of Hockey Madhya Pradesh, said the state’s growth was the result of coordinated work across districts.

“Hockey Madhya Pradesh’s growth is a result of a truly collective effort across the state. With our operations led from Jabalpur, we have built a system that works closely with districts across Madhya Pradesh, where talent is first identified and nurtured before progressing into our academies in Bhopal and Gwalior,” he said. (IANS)