Hockey India on Tuesday named former captain Tushar Khandker as the new coach for the Junior Women's Team.
His appointment is a shot-in-the-arm for the Junior Women's side as they prepare for the FIH Women's Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 in Santiago, Chile, which is scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 10.
While Khandker's credentials are backed by a prolific career in International hockey, he has over the last decade developed a strong portfolio in coaching. Between 2014 and 2016, he was part of the Indian Men's Team in the capacity of Coach and has tasted numerous feats including a historic Champions Trophy 2016 Silver Medal in London, a Gold at Asian Champions Trophy, a Bronze at the World Hockey League 2015 in Raipur among others. He was also part of the team's coaching staff for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
In his recent stint as Chief Coach Janneke Schopman's deputy for the Women's side, Khandker helped the team prepare for the Asian Champions Trophy 2021 in South Korea, they also played the Asia Cup, Oman in 2022 where the team won Bronze and also qualified for the World Cup. He was also part of the Women's Team support staff for their maiden FIH Pro League 2021-22 season. In recent years, Khandker has also pursued FIH Level 1 course apart from Hockey India's Coaches Education Pathway Level Basic, Level 1 and Level 2.
Welcoming Tushar Khandker to the Junior Team's National Program, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, "It is always great to have former Indian team players return to the system as coaches. Tushar brings with him decades of experience in hockey both as a player as well as a coach and he will also be a great role model for the young players in the Junior Core Group. His appointment comes at the right time, as the team is preparing for the FIH Women's Junior World Cup 2023 in Santiago. I thank SAI for their support in appointing Tushar Khandker in this new role and I also wish Tushar the very best in this new endeavour."
Elated on arriving in SAI, Bengaluru where the Junior Women's Core Probable Group is based, Khandker said, "I am grateful to Hockey India for entrusting me with this responsibility. I have always been inclined towards coaching after my playing career. Over the years, I have worked under some renowned coaches in world hockey and have learnt a lot working with them. I look forward to using my knowledge of the sport to help these young and talented players to elevate their performance in international hockey."
International Wheelchair Day: India emphasises inclusion of persons with disabilities
This day not only highlights the significance of wheelchairs in the lives of users but also serves as an important opportunity to enhance awareness and inclusivity in society, said the ministry on the occasion of the ‘International Wheelchair Day 2025’.
BJP committed to holistic development of Tripura – CM Dr Manik Saha celebrates 2 years of BJP’s second tenure in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday joined the party’s celebration of 2 years of its second tenure in Tripura and said that the BJP is committed to holistic development of the state.
Communism is a system designed to ruin future of youth: Biplab
Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on the CPI(M), asserting that Communism is a system designed to ruin the future of youth and women.
5 including four Govt officials arrested for embezzlement of Rs 29 Lakh in Sepahijala SP Office
Five individuals, including four government officials, have been arrested for their involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 29.04 lakh from the office of the Sepahijala District Superintendent of Police. A case was filed in February 2024 by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the SP's office, leading to an investigation.
Another member of robbery gang held, Weapons, TSR uniforms seized
Tripura Police of Churaibari police station has arrested another active member of the dacoity gang involved in the recent armed heist in Gobindapur, North Tripura district.
3 Tripura CP-M leaders surrender in local court on apex court directions, sent to jail
Three CPI-M leaders, who were booked and convicted in a case of assaulting a judge in South Tripura district during a nationwide strike called in September 2015, have surrendered before a court and were sent to jail, a defence lawyer said on Sunday.
Being 'Delhi da Munda' means having a stress-free approach, says Kohli ahead of 300th ODI
As India are set to face New Zealand in Dubai to determine who tops Group A in the Champions Trophy, India star batter Virat Kohli opened up about his Delhi roots and said his prototype 'Delhi da munda' denotes a stress-free approach towards things.
Tripura CM urges Centre to start international flight from Agartala airport
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that he has requested the Central government to start international flight services from Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) airport at the earliest.